Rotorua in May

December through April delivers warm weather perfect for outdoor adventures, but also brings crowds and higher prices. January is peak season – accommodation costs double and popular attractions require advance booking. March and April offer the sweet spot: still warm enough for lake activities but fewer tour buses clogging the roads. Winter (June-August) means cheaper hotels and no queues at geothermal parks, but pack layers – mornings can hit 2°C while geothermal areas stay toasty. The shoulder months of May and September give you mild weather and reasonable prices, though some adventure activities reduce their schedules.