Guide To Working In Rotorua, New Zealand

A key part of a doctor's career is working in a variety of locations. Whether you're an intern in Auckland, a locum in Wellington, or a GP starting a new practice in Rotorua, the ability to adapt and thrive is essential.

To help you settle in faster and make the most of your time, it's a good idea to research your new location. In this guide to working in Rotorua, we cover the city's top activities, attractions, demographics, and healthcare facilities. This post is one of a series highlighting what it's like to work in New Zealand as a health professional.

About Rotorua – Everything You Need To Know

Rotorua is home to approximately 78,000 people (according to the Stats NZ 2023 census data), making it the largest city in the Bay of Plenty region by population. Rotorua is a city famous for its geothermal activity, beautiful lakes, and a strong connection to Māori culture and heritage. It offers a unique lifestyle that blends urban amenities with incredible natural landscapes.

Often referred to as "Sulphur City" by locals, Rotorua is known for its friendly, relaxed vibe. A growing cultural scene, a vast network of lakes, walking tracks, and a variety of adventure activities make it a popular spot for both residents and visitors.

Where Is Rotorua Located?

Rotorua is located in the heart of the North Island of New Zealand, in the Bay of Plenty region. Situated on the shores of Lake Rotorua, its central location makes it a strategic hub for access to both the east and west coasts, as well as being a convenient stop for travel between Auckland and Taupō.

Cost Of Living In Rotorua

Is it expensive to live in Rotorua? Compared to larger cities like Auckland and Wellington, Rotorua generally offers more affordable housing for both renters and buyers. Average daily living costs are broadly similar to the rest of New Zealand.

Essential services such as electricity and internet are readily available with a range of providers and plans. These services are typically charged at comparable rates across New Zealand.

Rotorua Demographics

The average age of people living in Rotorua is approximately 37.6 years (median age according to the Rotorua Lakes Council). This is a little younger than the national median age of 38.1.

Rotorua has a very diverse population with a unique mix of ethnicities. The city has a strong Māori population, reflecting its deep cultural roots.

Transportation In Rotorua

Getting around Rotorua is made easy with the regular public bus services that cover most areas. Taxi and ride-sharing services like Uber are also readily available.

Rotorua is conveniently located just over a 3-hour drive from Auckland International Airport. The city also has a domestic airport offering regular flights to bigger New Zealand cities, creating convenient connections to the rest of the country.

Rotorua Weather And Climate

You can expect mild to warm summers in Rotorua, with temperatures usually sitting between 21 and 26 degrees Celsius. Winters are generally quite a bit cooler, with average temperatures usually between 10 and 14 degrees Celsius, with some cooler nights ranging from 3 to 6 degrees Celsius, frosts are common on clear, calm nights but these are usually accompanied by beautiful, clear sunny days!

Humidity levels in Rotorua are typically at their lowest in the summer months (around 77-79%), and highest in the cooler, wetter winter months (peaking at around 88-89% in July and June). While Rotorua does receive a good amount of rain, it's generally spread out rather than falling in continuous heavy downpours, though significant rain events can occur, especially in the winter. The average annual rainfall is approximately 1,355 mm (or about 53 inches).

Education Services In Rotorua

Rotorua has a comprehensive education system with a range of options for students of all ages, from early childhood to tertiary level. The city is home to a mix of state, state-integrated, and private schools, as well as a strong focus on Māori education.

Rotorua offers a wide variety of early childhood education services, including kindergartens, daycare centres, and Kōhanga Reo. This provides options for families with young children and reflects the city's diverse community. The New Zealand primary and secondary education system in Rotorua is freely available to all residents with around 50 schools to choose from including Rotorua Boys' High School, Rotorua Girls' High School, Rotorua Lakes High School and Western Heights High School. There are also state-integrated schools, such as John Paul College, which is a co-educational Catholic school.

Rotorua is a hub for tertiary and vocational training in the region. The Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology is one of the largest tertiary providers in the Bay of Plenty. It has a main campus in Rotorua and offers a wide range of study options, from vocational certificates to bachelor's and postgraduate degrees. Te Wānanga o Aotearoa is also an option which provides a unique educational pathway focused on Māori values and knowledge.

Top 5 Things To Do In Rotorua

When you live and work in Rotorua, you're never far from adventure. Here are our top 5 favourite things to do in the area!

1. Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest. This world-renowned forest is a hub for walkers, hikers, and mountain bikers. The towering Californian Redwoods offer a unique and beautiful backdrop for various walking and cycling trails, including the famous Redwoods Treewalk.
2. Te Puia. This cultural and geothermal experience offers a glimpse into Māori culture and the region's volcanic activity. You can see the mighty Pōhutu Geyser, bubbling mud pools, and also visit the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute to see traditional weaving and carving.
3. Get Out On The Lake! Rotorua is surrounded by numerous lakes, each offering a different experience. From kayaking and fishing to jet boating and swimming, the lakes provide endless opportunities for water-based fun.
4. Skyline Rotorua. Take the gondola up Mount Ngongotahā for incredible views. At the top, you can ride the famous Luge (a go-kart on a downhill track), go mountain biking, or experience the exhilarating Skyswing or Zipline.
5. Polynesian Spa. A visit to Rotorua wouldn't be complete without a soak in the famous hot pools. The Polynesian Spa offers a range of pools with different mineral properties, providing a relaxing and therapeutic experience.

Healthcare Facilities In Rotorua

Serving a population of over 115,000 people, Rotorua's healthcare system is part of the larger Te Whatu Ora Lakes district, which serves the Rotorua and Taupō regions. The city offers a range of services, including a main public hospital, private surgical facilities, and a network of primary care providers.  

The primary healthcare facility for the region is Rotorua Hospital, located on the corner of Arawa Street and Pukeroa Road, which includes a dedicated Intensive Care Unit, Emergency Department, Maternity Unit, and various inpatient and outpatient services with a total of 233 beds. The hospital has a strong focus on community health and works closely with local Māori health providers to improve health outcomes for the region's diverse population.

Rotorua also has a private surgical hospital, Southern Cross Rotorua Hospital. It's a modern facility that offers a range of surgical services, including orthopaedics, general surgery, and urology. It provides an alternative for those with private health insurance or who wish to undergo certain procedures privately.

For non-emergencies and day-to-day medical needs, Rotorua has a strong network of primary care providers including an after-hours and urgent medical care centre, Māori health support services, and other services such as district nursing, public health nurses, and various community-based programmes are available to support residents.

Working In Rotorua

Rotorua has a diverse job market, heavily influenced by its key industries. While tourism is a major part of its identity, the city's economy is much broader, offering a range of opportunities for professionals, skilled workers, and entry-level employees.

For health professionals, the hospital and community health services frequently have roles available across different specialties. With a growing and aging population, the healthcare sector is a key employer in Rotorua. Roles are available at Rotorua Hospital, as well as in general practices, aged care facilities, and community health services. This is a consistent and growing area of employment.

Overall, Rotorua offers a job market that is well-suited to those interested in the primary, tourism, healthcare, and education sectors, with a variety of roles available for a range of skills and experience levels.

Interested in living and working in Rotorua? To learn more about the region and any potential permanent or locum opportunities in Rotorua, please contact the team at Triple0 recruitment today!

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