Things to do in Rotorua

Whether you are a group of friends, a romantic couple or on a family holiday Rotorua offers great activities and accommodation options suitable for all ages.

Geothermal Parks

• Hells Gate Geothermal Reserve & Mud Spa – Brought to life by Ruaumoko, our land has inspired stories and excited visitors since the dawn of time. Around every turn you’ll experience something different – from cooking pools and steaming cliffs, to the largest hot waterfall in the Southern Hemisphere. Witness the mud volcano eruptions and land coral which grows day-by-day, and you’ll see first-hand why this place is called Hell’s Gate. Once used by M?ori warriors to heal their battle-scarred bodies, visitors now use the nutrient-rich waters and mud to ease inflammation and arthritis, as well as rejuvenate the skin. This unique blend of awe-inspiring power and natural healing properties is a thing of cultural legend – having been used for over 800 years. It’s more than just mud or steam, it’s a place of inspiration.
• Waimangu Volcanic Valley – Waimangu offers a range of self-guided walks through the craters of a majestic valley born from the might of the eruption of Mt Tarawera in 1886. As you stroll through the unique environment that is the Waimangu Volcanic Valley today, a wide variety of spectacular volcanic activity, thermal plants and bird-life will unfold before your eyes. Within the Waimangu Valley lies beautiful Lake Rotomahana. Complete the Waimangu experience with a 45 minute boat cruise around Lake Rotomahana, the final resting place of the Pink & White Terraces.

Lake Tarawera & Mt Tarawera

Mt Tarawera Crater Walk  – Experience the unique landscape and history of Mt Tarawera. Infamous for its eruption on June 10th, 1886, Mt Tarawera created the world’s youngest geothermal valley of Waimangu, at the same destroying the legendary Pink and White Terraces. This fully guided walking experience encompasses the unique landscape and history of the area. With unmatched scenic vistas and 360 panoramic views this experience is ideal for all ages and includes an optional run in to the heart of the volcanic crater. You will be provided with all the training and safety equipment of the highest standard to make your journey a safe yet unforgettable time. Guides are all NZQA Qualified and our business is a Qualmark Endorsed and Maritime Safety approved operation.

Totally Tarawera – Discover the natural, cultural and historical wonders of Lake Tarawera with a range of guided and unguided experiences. Take a water taxi to stunning Hot Water Beach, hike the famous Tarawera Trail, take a journey of cultural discovery with our exclusive Ancestral Footprints Touror spend a few nights at luxury glampingsites.

White Water Rafting

Take your pick from a selection of Rotorua white water rafting and sledging guides. From sledging on the Kaituna and Wairoa Rivers to raftingthe highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world, you are in good hands with legendary guides with the highest of safety standards.

Kaituna Cascades Rafting – The very 1st and Original Rafting Company to open up the Kaituna River and its amazing deep warm water canyons, including the now famous 7metre ” Tutea Falls” – the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world!

Kaitiaki Adventures – Embark on the ultimate Rotorua adventure with our experienced local guides. Navigate a wildly beautiful landscape while learning about Kaitiakitanga – guardianship and protection of the land.

Lake Fishing

Miles Rushmer Guiding – Fly fishing small, clear streams in the Bay of Plenty, for absolutely whopping fish, in large numbers, one can be forgiven for thinking that they have discovered fly fishing heaven. A full-time professional guide for 10 years (member Rotorua Professional Fly Fishing Guides Assoc.), with 30 years fly fishing experience all over the North Island, Miles will cater to all levels of fishing desires.

Play Golf

Lake View Golf & Country Club – All are welcome at this unique 18 hole par 72 course is just a short drive  from the Rotorua CBD, 3 minutes drive North of the Agrodome. The course has undulating fairways and challenging greens. Lakeview is 1000 feet above sea level which provides spectacular views overlooking Lake Rotorua, Mokoia Island and the surrounding hills. Hazards include bunkers and bush clad gorges. The peace and tranquility of Lakeview and the sounds and antics of native birds such as the Tui, Bellbird, Fantail and Kereru add to make this a unique golf course. This well drained course is playable all year.

Go Ziplining

Rotorua Canopy Tours – Soar through the trees and experience New Zealand’s ancient forest like never before. Step back in time in this native forest and come face to face with towering trees and native flora untouched for centuries in one of the most intact native eco-systems you’ll find anywhere in New Zealand. Immerse yourself in this breath-taking country the way it once was and hear the beautiful birdsong of New Zealand native birds including Tuis, North Island Robins, Kereru and Tomtits in their natural habitat. Embark on one of two unique eco-tour experiences, featuring a network of ziplines, swing bridges, cliff-walks, tree top platforms and more which journey deep into 500 hectares of ancient forest.

Maori Hangi & Concert

Mitai Maori Village – Enter the world of Mitai, an authentic Maori village and learn about the history of Rotorua which was once flourished in villages. Watch stories unfold through the dynamic scenes of Maori warriors paddling down Wai-o-Whiro stream, the melodious sounds of traditional instruments and entertainment from performers sharing the haka or war dance to poi dances and more. This enchanting experience is followed by a delicious tempting traditional hangi buffet from the hangi pit.

Rotorua Accommodation for All Budgets

From budget city accommodation to lakeside luxury, you are sure to find the perfect room from this selection of unique places to stay in Rotorua.

Rotorua Planet Backpackers – Centrally located and affordable, minutes from supermarkets; fast food outlets; shopping; movies & gardens, RPBP is a perfect place for a stay in Rotorua. Choose from single rooms, family accommodation and great facilities.

Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park – Rotorua’s closest holiday park to the internationally renowned mountain biking trails in the Whakarewarewa Forest and only a few minutes from the Rotorua city centre. All guests are welcome to use the free onsite hot pools. Relax in the park-like grounds, just few minutes from the centre of Rotorua. Facilities include a children’s mountain bike track and playground, tennis/netball courts, cricket pitch and a rugby field to spend hours entertaining the children. Ideal for families, mountain bikers, campers, backpackers, groups and school trips.

Blue Lake Top 10 Holiday Park – Located on the stunning Blue Lake, offering quality accommodation from Lakeview Motel units to spacious powered & non-powered camping sites. Blue Lake TOP 10 is the perfect home away from home for you and your family to relax and unwind. Awake to the chorus of native birdsong, start your day with a walk through native forest followed by a dip in the crystal clear waters ofLake Tikitapu. Located just a short 10 minute drive from the centre of Rotorua offering guests the best of both worlds – close to attractions and shops yet far enough from the bustling city to enjoy the peace and quiet and avoid the sulphur smell!

Blossom Cottage – A private 2-bedroom self-contained cottageand an idyllic country haven. Watch the sun rising behind picturesque farmland.  Listen to the birds fill the air with their music and admire the native Tui and Kereru. Take a glass of your favourite drink, enjoy romantic country views during the day or a shooting star and full moon at night, while soaking in your own spacious hot tub. After your warm open air shower, snuggle into your cosy, fluffy cottage bathrobe.  Enjoy the panoramic beauty and views of Lake Rotorua and Mokoia Island from the B&B kitchen window or take in the vista while you prepare your barbeque meal on the large, sunny deck.

Ramada Resort by Wyndham Rotorua Marama – Located on the edge of the lake, this resort offers beautiful views right over the Ohau Channel. You can kayak your way back to your room or picnic at the parklands located right within the resort. If fishing is more your thing you’ll be in heaven with on-site fishing facilities. Relax in spacious two and three bedroom apartments, some with lake views, and superb resort facilities like tennis court, pool and spa which make this resort the ideal destination.

Peppers on the Point – Surrounded by the sparkling waters of Lake Rotorua, Peppers on the Point is an intimate luxury retreat featuring spectacular views to the historic Mokoia Island. Accommodation within the retreat includes nine spacious, luxuriously furnished suites with most featuring stunning lake views. Without leaving the retreats surrounds you can indulge in a heavenly massage onsite, try fly fishing from the private beach, enjoy water sports and tennis or even spend your day boating. Peppers on the Point’s dining room is also renowned for serving fabulous New Zealand cuisine accompanied by the finest New Zealand and international wines, it is an experience not to be missed. The resorts relaxed and tranquil atmosphere makes a stunning wedding venue.

Totally Tarawera Glamping – Spend the night under luxury canvas amidst the stunning beauty of Lake Tarawera. Offering some of New Zealand’s most unique and secluded Glamping accommodation, access is via water taxi or walking track only. Set on Maori land, both of our Glamping sites are surrounded by lush native bush and are designed using elements of Maori culture. Fall asleep to the sound of the morepork and wake up to the melodic call of the tui – this is pure New Zealand at its very best.