Visit Rotorua
Rotorua is known for bubbling mud pools, shooting geysers and natural hot springs, as well as showcasing our fascinating Māori culture.
From crystal-clear streams and magical forests, to epic biking trails and thermal mud pools, Rotorua has it all. The city offers a raft of attractions and experiences for everyone from adventure-seekers to those just looking to unwind.
Sitting within the Pacific Rim of Fire, Rotorua is a geothermal wonderland with bubbling mud pools, clouds of steam, and natural hot springs perfect for bathing and relaxing in. After marvelling at the distinctive landscapes and volcanic activity within a geothermal park, enjoy a simple soak in a natural hot stream or indulge in a wellness getaway at a luxurious spa.
Experience Māori culture, hospitality and food here – try a hangi feast cooked in the steaming ground or take a tour of an authentic pre- European village.
The city is surrounded by mountains, rivers, native forests and 18 fresh water lakes, making it the perfect place to reconnect with nature. Rotorua is a mountain biking mecca with world-class mountain bike trails. Walking, horse riding, and swimming or fishing in the lakes and rivers are some of the best ways to see the wildlife, breath-taking scenery and discover the region’s hidden gems. It’s also a big trout fishing area with fishing on the lakes and tributary rivers and if you’re unlucky there you can sight some of the huge trout (but, alas, not catch them) at Rainbow and Fairy Springs.
Whakarewarewa Forest, aka “the Redwoods Forest”, is a handsdown favourite for locals and visitors alike. Just a 10-minute drive from the city centre, the forest is home to wide, meandering trails through giant California redwoods, New Zealand’s famous silver fern, and native bush undergrowth. A section of this 5,600 hectare forest contains their world-renowned mountain bike park, which is the largest in the Southern Hemisphere.
For thrill seekers, Rotorua is home to the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world and offers everything from bungy jumping and luging to zorbing and ziplining.
Families with children of all ages will love the great range of leisure and wildlife parks. When it comes to food and drink, Rotorua boasts a thermally-heated central city alfresco dining zone known as Eat Streat, as well as a number of popular food and craft markets.
Located in the heart of the North Island, Rotorua is also the gateway to other central destinations – it’s less than two hours to the Mt Ruapehu ski fields and less than an hour from the nearest beach towns.
Feed the animals and your love for adventure
Who doesn’t love to stop and snuggle actual live giant bunnies on a mini golf course? Or feed furry alpaca, sheep and other farm animals at Rotorua Heritage Farm, or visit the small-animal enclosure at aMAZEme (also a great place to lose the kids for a while!)? If adventure is at the top of your list, roll downhill in a giant inflatable ZORB, race each other on Luges at Skyline Rotorua, and much more.
Get out into nature
Geothermal parks always leave the kids in awe over the steam, bubbling mud, erupting geysers and colourful lakes that look like they’re straight out of a Dr Seuss book. Several hot pools have family zones for a bit of fun. Whakarewarewa Forest (aka “The Redwoods”) as well 14 of our 18 lakes are free to visit year-round.
Rainy day activities
If the weather isn’t cooperating, Rotorua has a number of activities for rainy day fun. Motion Entertainment has ten-pin bowling, mini golf, trampoline park, laser tag, escape rooms, Chipmunks Playland, and electronic games galore, all under one roof! The 3D Trick Art Gallery and a WWII amphibious duck vehicle tour are also on offer to keep everyone entertained.
