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As Kiwis prepare for the upcoming Easter and Anzac Day long weekends, Booking.com’s search data reveals another hot spot that has seen a spike in holiday bookings.
Many destinations like Taupō are experiencing triple search activity compared to last year. Rotorua is another that is especially popular earning a spot among the top ten most welcoming cities globally in Booking.com’s 2025 Traveller Review Awards.
Andrew Wilson, chief executive of RotoruaNZ shares how Rotorua is capitalizing on its cultural heritage to create unique experiences that attract visitors while building deeper connections with the local community.
“Rotorua draws on its unique identity to offer couples meaningful, restorative escapes. The destination’s connection to its landscape and people is reflected in its premium wellness experiences—many of which are showcased in our recent domestic campaign’s hero creative. For couples looking to reset, Rotorua delivers something more than just a break—it’s a chance to feel connected, present, and blissfully relaxed.” he says.
In light of the increased interest in long weekend trips, he also addressed how the city plans to manage the influx of tourists while preserving its natural environment and cultural integrity.
“As a destination that has been attracting both international and domestic manuhiri (visitors) for well over a century, Rotorua has plenty of capacity to accommodate large visitor numbers any time of the year. As Booking.com data reveals a surge in long weekend searches for Rotorua, the region’s approach to managing visitation in a way that enhances, rather than overwhelms the city remains the same.”
“The emphasis of our most recent domestic campaign on nature, wellness, and space – speaks directly to couples wanting calm, quality time together. Encouraging visitors to choose thoughtful, lower-impact activities like forest walks, lake dips, or hot pools naturally aligns with the preservation of Rotorua’s landscapes and way of life.” says Andrew.
Rotorua stands out as a highly welcoming destination, and Andrew says they have strategies in place to ensure that hospitality reflects the cultural aspect of the area, especially during peak travel times.
He says “We know that Rotorua has long been considered the destination of choice for families, so we’ve been intentional in our positioning of Rotorua as the go-to for couples wanting to relax in luxury without the crowds. Our recent campaign’s tone – visible across hero creative, billboards and digital placement, champions premium outdoor and wellness experiences that feel both aspirational and grounded. During peak periods like Easter and Anzac, the messaging encourages couples to choose Rotorua as a place to reset and rejuvenate.”
