According to forum posts, an ideal itinerary for a Rotorua visit often includes a mix of cultural, outdoor, and geothermal experiences. Travelers have called out Te Puia for its geothermal activity and Maori arts and crafts, and it's suggested to allocate at least 3 hours here. Mitai Maori Village is recommended for an authentic cultural evening with a dinner and concert, and bookings are essential as spaces can fill up fast.

For outdoor activities, some posts highlighted the Redwoods Treewalk and the government gardens by the lake shore as must-dos. These are easily accessible and provide a pleasant outdoor experience. For a relaxing end to a busy day, the Polynesian Spa comes highly recommended by many users for its soothing hot springs.

If time permits, adding a visit to Wai-O-Tapu, a geothermal park known for its colorful hot springs and geysers, is advisable. It's located a bit outside of Rotorua, so planning transportation in advance is necessary. Some travelers mentioned using a shuttle service for convenience.

In terms of Maori cultural experiences, besides Mitai Village, Te Puia offers a night banquet and concert that could be an alternative if Mitai is fully booked. This could also be a good opportunity to combine the geothermal visit with the cultural experience in one location.

According to forum posts, Rotorua offers various local transport options including taxis, Uber, and an urban bus service to the airport. Some travelers have mentioned using a taxi or Uber from the CBD to specific sites like Hells Gate as a convenient option, though cost considerations apply.

For many users, traveling between cities like Auckland and Rotorua involves choices between coach services and flights. Intercity and Great Sights offer coach services, which can include scenic stops like Hobbiton. Flights are quicker but generally more expensive and involve airport transit times.

Travelers have called out specific transport arrangements for visiting places like Wai-o-Tapu. Options mentioned include joining a tour group, which could be arranged from Rotorua, providing a hassle-free experience albeit at a potentially higher cost compared to self-driven visits.

For visitors needing luggage storage on short day trips or before flights, posts suggest checking with local hotels for late checkout and luggage storage options. This can be particularly useful for those with evening flights or day tours extending past hotel checkout times.

According to forum posts, travelers looking for accommodation in Rotorua have expressed a preference for locations with specific amenities. For families, accommodations that cater to both adults and teenagers are sought after, especially those offering outdoor activities and proximity to local attractions. Properties with pools, spa facilities, or lake views are highly valued.

Some travelers recommended staying at places like Cedar Wood, which offers self-contained accommodation with a heated pool and lakefront access. It's described as family-friendly and is not too far from central Rotorua. Another suggestion is the Blue Lake Top 10, known for its lake view rooms and proximity to outdoor activities like the Blue Lake Trail and glow worm viewing.

For budget-conscious travelers, accommodations in Ngongotaha were suggested due to their affordability and convenient access to Rotorua's city center. This area offers various motels and holiday flats, which are practical for travelers with cars. Additionally, the Rotorua visitor information center, i-SITE, was mentioned as a useful resource for finding and booking tours and accommodations.