Rotorua – the adventure and experience capital of the North Island
Last updated on May 17th, 2026 at 05:38 am
Rotorua is famous for its bubbling mud pools, erupting geysers, and steaming landscapes – and its smell!! Visit one of the geothermal parks, soak in natural hot springs, bathe in warm rivers, find bubbling mud and pools around the town and beyond. And then indulge in some of the thrill-seeker activities on offer here. My guide will give you the key highlights and more!
First a few important links to use when you plan your trip. They are affiliate links, but I use them all for my travels,and if you do too it will help me keep producing this content – and at no extra cost to you. Cheers!
Plan for your trip
Flights – use skyscanner or booking.com to find and book your flight – I often find the same flight for a lot cheaper than booking direct with the airline!
Insurance – Use EKTA or SafetyWing. TBH I usually use EKTA – they accept any nationality, any age and its ok if you are already traveling – which is perfect for me!
Accommodation – use booking.com or Tripadvisor, or for a hostel – Hostelworld. I use all three.
Internet – buy a yesim eSim or Airalo before you go. I use both depending on where I am going.
Buses, trains, ferries – 12Go is always my first option for buses, ferries and trains
Car rental – use DiscoverCars – they are my ‘go-to’ car rental site
Hiking – I use AllTrails for online and offline hiking trails – its cheap and it means you know exactly where you are on the trail and makes getting lost a lot harder!!
Tours and Activities – book with Viator, GetYourGuide, or Eatwith. And here in New Zealand, I always check Bookme as it has good discounts on many attractions. A few key experiences to have are:
Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Park Entry Ticket
Voyages of Māori at Mitai Maori Village
Authentic Kiwi Farm Experience at the Agrodome
Mount Tarawera Volcanic Crater Half-Day Guided Walk
Rotorua Rafting: Kaituna River White Water Rafting
Thanks so much if you use one of these links – it costs you nothing but helps me keep writing!!
On to the best things to do in Rotorua….
So, these are the key things not to miss, and some of my favorite things to do, in Rotorua! I have split them into:
- Top 5 things to do – a good checklist if you only have a day or two
- Kiwi Culture – Māori culture and farming life
- Fun and Exciting things to do – for the thrill seeker in you
- Free things to do – it doesn’t all have to cost!
- Walks and Hikes – there are so many in the area
The top 5 things to do in Rotorua
In brief these are the best things to do in Rotorua (in brief) if you don’t have much time. They are covered more fully in the sections after this!
1. Visit the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland to see the colorful geothermal pools.
2. Enjoy the Te Puia: Te Pō Indigenous Evening Experience with Dinner and learn about Māori traditions, crafts, and haka.
3. Relax in the Polynesian Spa – the thermal pools by Lake Rotorua.
4. Learn about farming life at the Agrodome Farm Show.
5. See the iconic kiwi bird(s) at the kiwi hatchery.
Note : Check here for any good deals on these activities on BookMe NZ!
Explore Kiwi Culture in Rotorua
1. Enjoy and learn about Māori Culture
Rotorua is a key place to experience Māori culture and there are a few options to choose from. I recommend choosing at least one of these experiences:
- Voyages of Māori at Mitai Maori Village
- Mitai Māori Village Cultural Experience
- Te Puia: Te Pō Indigenous Evening Experience with Dinner
Note : Check here for any good deals on these activities on BookMe NZ!
2. See the National icon – the Kiwi birds
Rotorua has its own kiwi hatchery! See adult kiwis in their natural environment and see chicks! The kiwi is the iconic symbol of New Zealand and a very unusual and interesting bird in its own right. You should see kiwi at least once in NZ. Read my post about where to see kiwi in the wild if you are staying for a longer time in NZ.
3. Experience a taste of Farm life
You could say the heart and soul of the North Island is in its farming life – its the biggest traditional industry in the country and the North Island is the place to experience it. If you have time try a Workaway on a North Island farm for a full experience, but if time is a bit short, then the Kiwi Farm Experience at the Agrodome will give you a taste of what its all about.
Note: You can check Workaway for a farm stay on a farm near Rotorua – even before signing up! (And if you join you via my link you will get a free month membership.)
Note : Check here for any deals on these activities on BookMe NZ!
Fun and Exciting things to do in Rotorua
1. Get your adrenaline rush white water rafting
Raft the Kaituna River – or pay a little more to raft with a free sauna afterward. You will be rafting down through beautiful forest and waterfalls – and you will have the thrill of rafting down the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world – the 23-foot (7-metre) Tutea Falls!!
2. If not white water rafting – try white water sledging!
If you don’t want to be rafting, you can still get your excitement in the river with river sledging! Here you are in control of your own sledge in the water. You need to be comfortable in moving water but will get a good briefing before you jump in! the guides also will tell you about the river’s history and its significance to the local Māori culture as you go.
3. Try your hand at ziplining the forest
You will find six ziplines to fly on, swing-bridges to wobble over and platforms above the forest floor to see the forest from a different angle! The great thing about this wild experience is that part of your ticket costs goes into conservation of the ancient forest. You get to walk in this forest hearing the native birds and learn about the conservation work as well – and feel good as you are helping the conservation just by going and having fun!
It takes about 2.5 hours and you can book ahead here.
4. Get even more thrills at the Skyline Luge (and Gondola) or at Velocity Valley!
You have a couple of options here. Try the Skyline Luge which heads off from the top of the Skyline Gondola and its views – a very popular fun thing to do. There is a really good restaurant here too, so it is worth having a meal as well as some luge excitement.
Or
At Velocity Valley you get 4 adrenaline-rush rides all in the one place – Agrojet, Freefall Xtreme, Swoop, or Shweeb Racer! Choose a one-ride pass, or 4-ride pass, or 6-10 ride pass which you can share amongst your friends or a group!
5. Go Zorbing!
Its the only place you can do this wacky activity in the North Island – actually in New Zealand full stop! Going zorbing is basically rolling down a hill inside a big inflatable ball filled with water. No you wont drown – it stops you getting thrown around badly and its a laugh! Although probably not so good if you get very motion sick!
6. Hiking on Mt Tarawera – a guided volcanic crater experience
The Mount Tarawera Volcanic Crater Half-Day Guided Walk takes you into the world’s youngest geothermal valley – Waimangu. Mt Tarawera became infamous when it erupted in 1886 destroying the world renown Pink and White Terraces. This is a really beautiful walk. You can also run down the ‘scree’ into the crater of the volcano if you want to. Do wear good walking shoes!
7. Paddle out on a beautiful Glow Worm Kayak Tour or walk through the forest with glow worms!
For some beauty and fun, rather than thrill seeking, this is a gorgeous evening / twilight kayaking trip. You start out on Lake Karapiro, then go along the Pokaiwhenua Stream. You’ll see beautiful native plants, rock formations, and hear the bird life as you paddle. Once the light disappears, thousands of glowworms will light up your way – looking like fairyland!
Or
If you prefer a night time bush walk, without the possibility of getting lost, this Nocturnal adventure Glow-worm tour is a perfect way to spend an evening – even if its gloomy or raining. You walk just 2kms through the forest, with a river close by, and then you all turn off your torches and hey presto – you are in a glow worm fairyland.
8. Go on a High Ropes Adventure at Redwoods Altitude
The Redwoods Altitude High Ropes Adventure is a all in one ticket that gives you time on the High Ropes with its suspension bridges and ziplines in the giant Redwood trees, but also gives you access to the day or night time treetop walk, and, the glow worm cave in the same area.
9. Have fun playing mini golf in a pretty setting!
Just for fun have a fun game of minigolf in one of the most picturesque little courses in New Zealand. Play in amongst native flora and see a 2000-year-old Rata stump waterfall.
10. Jetski your way to hot pools!
Get out on Lake Rotoiti on your own jetski, and get to the Rotoiti Hot Pools where you can relax and soak away any aches and pains.
11. Get a speed rush jet boating on the lake
If you go on this (30 min) jet boat ride you will learn some of the history of Rotorua as well as local Māori Mythology while zooming around Lake Rotorua! This is a load of fun!
But I note – keep it for a windless day when the lake is calm.
Don’t forget to check for any good deals on these activities on BookMe NZ!
Free things to do in Rotorua
Apart from the walks and hikes mentioned in the next section, there are fortunately plenty of other free things to do in Rotorua!
1. See the bubbling mud pools and soak your feet in Kuirau Park
Soak your feet and see the thermal activity in Kuirau Park – right in the center of the town. Walk the Kuirau Park loop and you will see a steaming crater lake, bubbling mud pools, and you can even enjoy soaking your feet in the free footbaths.
2. Explore Sulphur Point and the Sulphur Bay Wildlife Refuge
Sulphur Point and the Sulphur Bay Wildlife Refuge is also free to explore. It is located around the Government Gardens on the lake. There is a boardwalk right around the Wildlife Refuge with a bird hide, and you may see threatened New Zealand dabchick, banded dotterel, and black-billed gull – among other wading and water birds like swans and pūkeko.
The main Sulphur Point Loop boardwalk takes you around the edge of Lake Rotorua where you will see boiling mud, steam vents and naturally bubbling hot water pools on the lake’s edge. It is a short side detour from this loop to walk around the wildlife refuge.
This walk fits in nicely with the next activity – visiting the Government Gardens.
Note: Keep to the tracks as the geothermal crust is fragile. You will see colors (not quite as magnificent as in the geothermal parks, but it is worth having your camera handy for color and pattern hunting.
3. Wander the Government Gardens and see the historic Prince’s Gate, entrance, and the Bathhouse
If you have walked around and explored Sulphur Point, you are likely to have come across the Prince’s Gate and the Government Gardens. there is plenty to see and it is worth 30-60 minutes of your time to include seeing:
- The historic Bathhouse building – which alone is impressive to see.
- The old Tea House and Croquet Pavilion
- The Rose Garden is impressive in summer for those interested (or even not)!
- The Te Arawa Soldiers Memorial – which is a great meld of Māori and Eurpoean design.
- And the Prince’s Gate and Entranceway – more info on those below:
The entranceway to the gardens has a surviving piece of a delicately designed decorative feature for the second royal visit to Rotorua in June 1901. It really was extraordinary at the time – it was built of totara in a latticework pattern. The arches were decorated with nikau, kiokio, fern and pine greenery and illuminated with electric lights with the design resembling a royal crown. This was impressive as Rotorua had only just been switched to electricity a week before the visit. the visit was well attended by local European and Māori alike – with over 5000 Māori attending at the time.
The carving of the gateways was directed by Tene Waitere who was a master carver of Ngati Tarawhai. Waitere is considered the most innovative Māori carver of his time and his work was known worldwide even back in those times.
4. Swim in a natural thermal river
Swim in natural thermal river – either at the Hot ‘&’n’ Cold River or at Kerosene Creek.
On the road leading to Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, you’ll see cars parked by the side of the road near a bridge, and here you will find the Hot ‘n’ Cold river. There is a natural pool which is the meeting point of a geothermal stream and a cold freshwater stream, making the water warm and ideal for a relaxing dip in the great outdoors. Note – just down the road there is an excellent little lake – completely full of bubbling mud. Its worth a look.
You can find a similar thermal river at Kerosene Creek, complete with a little waterfall. It depends on the day as to which is warmer, but both are going to be warm enough for a nice soak.
5. Explore Ōhinemutu and its Māori Heritage
Ōhinemutu is on the lakeshore around Tunohopu Street. It is the original home area to the Ngāti Whakaue tribe which arrived in New Zealand in or around the year 1350, and many descendants still live in the area. It was a good home because of the easy to use geothermal energy in the area which could be used for cooking, heating and bathing.
In this area you can wander and see plenty of geothermal activity (take note of the danger signs – they are real), as well as the Tama-te-Kapua Meeting House and the Te Papaiouru Marae. Inside both of these are detailed wooden carvings which are worth seeing. In the same area is St Faiths Church.
6. St Faiths Anglican Church
Visit the unusual St Faiths Church which is right by the Ohinemutu Marae. It may look like a standard European church from the outside, but inside it is quite different, and it is in the middle of a geothermal area!
Inside you will see beautiful Māori carvings and tukutuku patterns (a lattice-work type of traditional art using natural materials like flax). You will also a lovely etched glass window with Jesus depicted as a Māori chieftain, and appearing to walk on water (the lake behind the church).
Other things to note are that in winter the geothermal area also heats the church naturally, and the tombs in the church’s cemetery are all raised above ground because of the geothermal activity!
7. Swim and picnic at the lakes out of town – Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake) and Lake Okareka
Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake) and Boyes Beach at Lake Okareka are both popular swimming spots just out of Rotorua. They are both lovely for swimming and other water activities like kayaking, as well as having walks around the lakes for those that want some forest and walking time as well. Take some food and drinks and spend an afternoon or a day!
8. Enjoy the Redwoods at night
Go to the Redwoods at night and walk around underneath the night time canopy tour. It’s all lit up, and even if you don’t go on the treetop walk, (although it is really magical and worth doing if you can), you still get to see all the lights and can pretend your in a magical forest!
9. Pick your own fruit
there are anumber of berry farms (think strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, blackberry and boysenberries) around Rotorua that allow you to pick your own fruit. Not technically free, but good fun, you can pick (and eat as you go) your own basket of berries. You have to pay for what you pick (and haven’t eaten) but its a fun thing to do.
Google for the farms, for example, Out of the Blue Berry Farm.
Walks and Hikes in Rotorua and nearby
There are plenty of walks in the area, apart from the ones mentioned in the ‘Free things to do’ above and of course the Mount Tarawera Volcanic Crater Half-Day Guided Walk. These are just a few other walks, which I recommend you consider. Use AllTrails to look for more walks in the area and to follow these trails.
1. Whakarewarewa Forest Park (also known as “The Redwoods”)
The Whakarewarewa Forest Park is close to Rotorua and has a lot of walks of all lengths and difficulties. Look at the options on AllTrails and pick according to your ability and time available.
The park is 55 hectares and is popularly known as “The Redwoods” because of the huge Californian Redwood Trees which are grown there. The tallest tree at the park is over 70m, – not yet as tall as the ones in California!
An easy, and favorite walk for me, is the short Redwood Memorial Grove Walk, which takes you through both the Redwoods and native fern forest. There are interesting info panels onthis walk too.
2. Okere Falls Track
The Okere Falls track is another short walk, or walks, taking under an hour. You will walk through native bush and see many beautiful waterfalls. You can also watch white water rafters going over the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world! If you come at night you might find glow worms along the banks.
3. Blue Lake (Tikitapu) Loop
The Blue Lake track literally takes you around the Blue Lake (Lake Tikitapu). It is 5.6km long and takes 1.5-2 hours. It really is a scenic walk through the fern laden forest on the lakes edge with beaches here and there. At one point there is a lookout where you can see the contrast between the Blue Lake and the neighboring Green Lake.
4. Blue (Tikitapu) and Green (Rotokakahi) Lake Loops
The Blue Lake track can be extended to walk along the hillside above the Green Lake – for as far as you want to go. If you go for more than just a look at the lake it will take anything up to 5 hours to walk. It gives you a more solid hike with views over the two contrasting lakes. No swimming in the Green Lake as it is tapu (sacred).
5. Lake Okareka Loop
The Lake Okareka Loop is another walk around a lake – Lake Okareka. Again it is a lovely walk, although probably not as popular as the Blue Lake walk. It is popular with bird watchers though!
6. The Tarawera Trail to Hot Water Beach
The Tarawera Trail is a great hike with more rewards than just the fantastic forest and lake scenery! It is around 14km and takes around five hours one way. You can then camp at the end of the trail in a DoC campground, or organise a water taxi one way.
So what’s so great about it?
Well it ends at Hot Water Beach, which indeed has hot water coming through vents on the lake edge. Move closer or further away from the vents for warmer or colder water. Wear something on your feet so you don’t burn them accidentally and do take care when approaching the hot water. Its fantastic camping as you not only have fresh water to bathe in but warm water as well.
The other fantastic thing about this track is the natural hot water pool about an hour before Hot Water Beach. Check the photo below! You can take a short cut by taking a water taxi both ways and just walking from Hot Water Beach to the pool, or getting the taxi to drop you off at the pool and just walk one way to the beach to be picked up later. Use Bookme to book the taxi and check for a discounted fare!
7. Maunga Kākaramea/Rainbow Mountain and Crater Lake Outlook Track
The Rainbow Mountain track is steep (after a while) and a good work out, but gives you great views over the surrounding countryside, as well as some interesting earth colors on the way. On that note – don’t miss the view of the rainbow mountains which is just before the summit and easy to miss (there is a short sidetrack). Wear decent shoes, especially if it has been raining. It will take about three hours.
8. Tarawera Falls Track
The Tarawera Falls walk is another lovely bush and river walk – to some falls. If you keep going past the falls there is a swimming hole in the river. Check before you go if you need a permit during the weekdays or not. At the time of writing you did, and it was best to just time it for the weekend. Hopefully that has changed!
Rotorua Mini Itinerary (2 Days)
- Day 1: Wai-O-Tapu geothermal park, one of the Māori cultural activities, explore Sulphur Point and the Sulphur Bay Wildlife Refuge and Government Gardens, and in the evening go out on a kayak glow worm tour.
- Day 2: Redwoods forest walk and the High Ropes Adventure, Skyline Luge, visit the Kiwi Hatchery or the Agrodome, and go to the Polynesian Spa in the evening
Rotorua Mini Itinerary (3-4 Days)
Day 1: Wai-O-Tapu geothermal park, one of the Māori cultural activities, explore Sulphur Point and the Sulphur Bay Wildlife Refuge and Government Gardens, and in the evening go out on a kayak or forest walk glow worm tour.
Day 2: Redwoods forest walk and the High Ropes Adventure, Skyline gondola and luge or another adventure activity, visit the Kiwi Hatchery, and go to the Polynesian Spa in the evening
Day 3: Agrodome farm life, white water rafting or sledging or another adventure activity, check out St Faiths Church and Ōhinemutu and its Māori Heritage.
Day 4: Mt Tarawera guided hike, go zorbing or ziplining, or swim or hike in any of the nearby lakes or forest – take your pick from the lists above!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many days do you need in Rotorua?
A: 2–3 days is ideal to explore geothermal attractions, forests, and cultural experiences.
Q: when is the best time to go to Rotorua?
A: Rotorua is good at any time of year. In summer you can enjoy more walking, but it is often fine and sunny in winter too. The thermal pools are a big hit in winter, but also lovely in summer – especially in the evenings. All in all any time is fine.
Q: Can I explore Rotorua without a car?
A: Yes, it is better with a car if you want to go hiking in nearby lakes and thermal areas, but if you want to see the core Rotorua sites and are happy to take a tour or two, you can definitely enjoy all Rotorua has to offer without a car.
Q: Is Rotorua family-friendly?
A: Yes, Rotorua has attractions for all ages, including the thermal parks, forests, adventure activities, and farm experiences. The Agrodome, kiwi hatchery, the Redwoods, short walks around the park and lake, as well as the Māori cultural experiences, are all great for kids.
Where to Stay in Rotorua
Book a place to stay with booking.com or for a hostel – Hostelworld. I use both. My favorite place to stay, (probably due to the location, the thermal pools in the garden, and fond memories) is the Prince’s Gate Hotel. Aim for a room in the creaking old main building if you stay there – it is much more characterful than the modern rooms! It does have lower ratings than the following, which are my other suggestions (but I still love it):
Higher End – Treetops Lodge & Estate or On The Point – Lake Rotorua
Midrange – the very popular Oakridge Glamping, or, Cozy Lake side Oasis, or if you want a few farm animals around you (notably cute alpacas) then try the Hideaway of Rotorua.
Budget – Apex On Fenton Motel or Ripple Rotorua or take a private room at one of the hostels below.
Backpacker – Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park (dorms and thermal pools – the pick of the bunch!) or Rock Solid Backpackers or Downtown Backpackers
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