Rotorua CitySights experience is owned by the InterCity Group which carries more than 125,000 passengers to and from the city each year.
More than 80 dignitaries attended the bus service launch, affectionately known as HOHO (Hop-On, Hop-Off). The bus stops at 13 locations including the Agrodome, Skyline, Rainbow Springs, Zorb, Whakarewarewa Village, Te Puia, Polynesian Spa and the Rotorua Museum. Passengers can take the 95-minute round trip or hop on and off.
The service will depart every two hours from 8.30am at the Rotorua i-SITE Visitor Centre on Fenton St with the last service departing at 2.30pm.
Ticket prices are $30 for adults, and children are free. Passes can be bought at the i-SITE, outlets across the city, booked online at www.citysights.co.nz or directly from the driver.
Tickets are valid for 48 hours, enabling customers to board and exit the bus as many times as they like.
InterCity Group coaching general manager Sam Peate said the launch of Rotorua CitySights reinforces Rotorua's position as a top tourism destination in New Zealand.
"Rotorua has a lot going on with a plethora of exciting and entertaining attractions on offer for both the domestic and international visitor markets.
"We have already had significant interest from our trade partners overseas in this new service," Mr Peate said.
Rotorua Destination Marketing general manager Chris Destrieux said the service would bring a big-city feel to Rotorua.
"This is a moment much like when you finally fit that much-needed piece in a puzzle," he said.
"We now have a seven-day-a-week service that connects many of our city's top attractions, helping visitors make the absolute most of our city."
