Rotorua offers a rich blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and adventure. Visitors can explore its iconic geothermal wonders, including bubbling mud pools, steaming geysers, and vibrant hot springs at places like Wai-O-Tapu and Te Puia. For those interested in Māori culture, a visit to a traditional village offers the chance to experience cultural performances, hangi feasts, and authentic storytelling. Adventure seekers can enjoy activities such as ziplining, mountain biking through the Redwoods Forest, or white-water rafting on the Kaituna River. Rotorua is also home to serene lakes perfect for kayaking, fishing, and picnicking. After a day of exploration, visitors can unwind in one of the many natural spas or hot pools, taking full advantage of the region's geothermal magic.
Te Puia
Te Puia is a cultural and geothermal wonderland. It's renowned for its impressive Pohutu Geyser, one of the Southern Hemisphere's largest active geysers, which erupts with powerful bursts of steam and water. In addition to its geothermal wonders, Te Puia is a hub of Maori culture, offering visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in traditional Maori art, crafts, and performances, providing a captivating glimpse into the rich heritage of the indigenous people of New Zealand.
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
Located 20 minutes drive south of Rotorua on SH 5, a modern Visitor Centre provides the gateway to New Zealand's most colourful natural volcanic environment. Visitors walk at their own pace to absorb the unique features including the world-famous Champagne Pool, geysers, bubbling mud, steaming ground, expansive vistas, huge volcanic craters and sinter terrace formations. The natural bush setting adds another dimension to the experience, as does the Lady Knox Geyser erupting daily at 10.15am.
Government Gardens
Government Gardens is a beautiful public park situated along the edge of Lake Rotorua and just minutes from the city centre. A walk through the gardens takes you to see ancient bubbling geothermal pools, traditional and modern Māori-inspired art, sculptures, and perfectly manicured grounds for bowls, croquet, petanque and golf.
Rotorua Canopy Tours
Soar through the trees and experience New Zealand's ancient forest like never before – in two award-winning zipline adventures. Lose yourself on this engaging encounter with the natural world, exploring ancient native forest via ziplines, suspended swing bridges, treetop platforms and more on this unforgettable nature adventure.
Polynesian Spa
New Zealand's leading international hot mineral spring spa is conveniently located in the Government Gardens in central Rotorua on a historic site overlooking Sulphur Bay on Lake Rotorua. The spa offers a choice of 31 hot mineral bathing pools, including an adults-only bathing area, private pools, a luxury spa and a family spa. The Lake Spa Retreat offers a comprehensive range of spa therapies and deluxe bathing in a luxurious private relaxation haven.
The Redwoods Mountain Biking
Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest offers some of the best mountain biking trails in New Zealand, with over 130km of tracks suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to experts. Riders can enjoy a mix of lush forest scenery, flowing singletracks, and challenging downhill runs, making it a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
The Buried Village
The Buried Village is a fascinating historical site. The village was destroyed by the eruption of Mount Tarawera in 1886 and was rediscovered in the 1930s. Today, visitors can explore the ruins of the village, learn about its history and culture, and even see artifacts that were preserved in the ash.
Rotorua Skyline
Skyline Rotorua, perched atop Mount Ngongotaha, offers breathtaking panoramic views of Rotorua and its stunning surroundings. This attraction is famous for its thrilling Skyline Gondola ride, luge tracks, and the Stratosfare Restaurant, providing visitors with both adventure and fine dining amidst the picturesque landscapes of Rotorua.
Kuirau Park
Kuirau Park is free to visit and located within an easy walk from the city centre, just off Pukuatua and Ranolf streets. Parking is also free. Several walkways take you through the park to see the crater lake, mud pools, hot springs, and a free thermal foot bath, all set in a beautifully manicured setting dotted with flower beds and native flora.
ZORB
Ever wondered what it's like to be in a human washing machine? Well wonder no more with ZORB! You do not want to miss out on this iconic New Zealand adventure experience.
Hell's Gate
Hell's Gate is the only place in New Zealand where you can soak and relax in an outdoor mud bath, used for generations by Māori to ease joint and muscle pain. Before your spa experience take a guided or unguided tour around 50 acres of erupting waters, coloured pools, hot water lakes, bubbling mud, steaming cliffs, sulphur crystals and land coral.
Rotorua Adventure Playground
Rotorua Adventure Playground offers a range of exciting activities, including off-road buggy tours, horse treks, and clay bird shooting, all set against stunning views of Lake Rotorua and the surrounding countryside. Perfect for families and thrill-seekers alike, the playground provides guided adventures suitable for all ages and skill levels.