First - can you add more nights???? One night is not enough for this fascinating area! One night - does that mean two half days?
I visited in late 2019 - just before Covid. Things could have changed, but I can tell you what I enjoyed. Tripadvisor had some posters who were current on Rotorua conditions - maybe they are still posting. I would suggest checking details.
I stayed at the Novotel Roturua Lakeside since I had benefits as a high status Accor member. Lovely property convenient for walking. I haven't checked current reviews. There are hotels at a number of budget points. I used Uber for airport transport. Taxis are/were also common.
City bus was convenient for access to the Maori sites. I think you can't go wrong with any you are considering. I choose Te Puia after reading reviews on Tripadvisor. All looked good at the time I was planning – I know some preferred the others. Personal preference. Te Puia had a kiwi conservation center when I was there - I enjoyed these birds. Since you don't have time for the hatchery, you might weigh that if you can't find them elsewhere. Glancing at the websites, I think both sites have changed a bit in their presentations, more expansive if that's possible. The costs are New Zealand dollars - don't panic immediately.
I saw both the gerothermal sites you are considering. I preferred Wai – O – Tapu slightly as there were fewer visitors, but you can’t go wrong with either. I took a shuttle from Rotorua that provided access to both places. Check here and I think there are other services: https://www.rotoruanz.com/deals/Entry-and-Shuttle-to-Wai-O-Tapu-Thermal-Wonderland If you have seen Yellowstone, the geyser will be underwhelming, so don’t worry about “missing” that. Also, there are geothermal places in town you can walk to – not spectacular, but not like my home!
My hotel had a private spa which I used, so can’t comment on the public experiences except to say they were popular!
I visited the Redwoods Park and enjoyed. If you have seen California’s Redwoods (I have not), it is probably not necessary for a short trip. Easy hiking in the area and above ground walking between trees on elevated pathways. Fun, very glad I could add this during my time, but perhaps not a must – do if you are more interested in Maori and geothermal.
I did this evening Glow Worm hike – highly recommend. Scroll down for Nocturnal Glow Worm Adventure Tour https://realrotorua.co.nz/itineraries/ The owner/guide was lovely – I was the only one booked until the very last minute and he was willing to run the tour for me alone. If you are doing a glow worm cave experience elsewhere such as Waitomo, this one isn’t necessary. The Rotorua tour is very different from the caves with the boats as it is in a forested area, but the critters are the same.
With one day and wanting to see much, I would look into renting a car. The area seemed easy enough to drive and websites have good directions as well as GPS. I didn’t need this with several full days in the areas, but it would have facilitated getting around.
Enjoy your stay. You will have hard decisions to make!
