Things To Do In Rotorua

Rotorua is literally packed with amazing attractions, activities and incredible things to do! With adrenaline pumping activities and stunning natural attractions, Rotorua is an amazing place to visit. Rotorua is renowned for its geothermal activity and Maori culture with hot springs, boiling mud pools, spouting geysers, warm geothermal springs and silica terraces explore. Rotorua’s geothermal activity is one of NZ’s top attractions, but Rotorua is filled with plenty of other excellent activities and things to do. Visit Mitai or Tamaki Maori villages, Explore Wai-o-tapu Thermal Valley, experience Maori culture at Te Puia and visit Hell's Gate for a natural mud bath! There are beautiful thermal spa facilities, healing mineral pools, rejuvinating spa therapies and even soaking in a thermal stream or pool lined with natural bush.

Other activities and things to do in Rotorua are river rafting, jet boating, fly-fishing, Rotorua Luge, and wildlife parks for the kids. There are fun things like Mountain biking in Rotorua’s Redwood Forest, experience the excitement and exhilaration of a Jet Boat Tour on Lake Rotorua, or guided fly-fishing trips and exhilarating activities such as rafting the mighty Kaituna River with its 7m waterfall, an amphibious sightseeing and history tour on a paddle steamer. There is the Zorb and Agrodome agricultural show and many wildlife parks for the kids. Rotorua is rich in Maori culture and is home to the ‘Te Arawa’ people that settled here some 600 years ago who offer the visitor the opportunity to experience authentic traditional Maori villages, such as the Buried Village, Whakarewarewa, Mitai and Tamaki Maori Village. There are attractions offering the experience an evening cultural show where stories of myths and legends are told through dance, song and storytelling along with a tasty ‘hangi feast’ where the food is cooked in the steaming ground.

Best Attractions and things to do in Rotorua

Free Attractions and Things to do in Rotorua

Top attractions in Rotorua

Sledge the Kaituna River - This thrilling activity is perfect for kids who love adventure! They'll feel the rush of the rapids as they navigate the Kaituna River on a sledge, guided by experienced instructors.

Hells Gate - Experience the natural healing powers of the mud at Hells Gate geothermal reserve by enjoying the hot pools, mud baths, and geysers while learning about the area's volcanic history.

Scenic Cruise on Lake Rotorua - Take your friends and family on a scenic cruise on beautiful Lake Rotorua, where they'll see stunning views of the surrounding geothermal landscape and maybe even spot some of the lake's resident wildlife.

3D Trick Art Gallery - You will be amazed by the optical illusions and 3D artworks in this unique gallery. Take pictures and participate in interactive exhibits and immerse yourself in a large maze.

Mount Tarawera Guided Volcanic Crater Hike - Go on a guided hike through the volcanic craters of Mount Tarawera, where you’ll see the stunning geothermal activity and learn about the area's rich Maori history.

Top fun activities in Rotorua

The Farm Tour - Experience the best of New Zealand farming with a guided tour of a working farm in Rotorua, where you'll get up close and personal with sheep, cows, and other farm animals, and learn about the local farming industry.

100% Pure NZ - Raft the Kaituna River - Get an adrenaline rush as you navigate the rapids of the Kaituna River on a guided rafting tour, with stunning scenery and the opportunity to see native New Zealand wildlife.

Sledge the Kaituna River - Take on the rapids of the Kaituna River on a guided sledge tour, with experienced instructors leading the way and providing an exhilarating experience.

The Hells Gate Experience - Take a journey through one of New Zealand's most active geothermal areas and discover the natural healing powers of the mud and hot pools at the Hells Gate geothermal reserve.

Scenic Cruise on Lake Rotorua - Enjoy a leisurely cruise on the beautiful Lake Rotorua, taking in the stunning views of the surrounding geothermal landscape and possibly spotting some of the lake's resident wildlife.

Best things to do with kids and childrens activities in Rotorua

The Farm Tour: Take your kids on a journey through a working farm and see first-hand how the farmers care for the animals. Meet and feed the friendly farm animals and learn about the farming process.

3D Trick Art Gallery - The kids will be amazed by the optical illusions and 3D artworks in this unique gallery, they will love to take pictures and participate in interactive exhibits.

Sledge the Kaituna River: This is an exciting and unique activity that the whole family can enjoy. Experience the thrill of white-water sledge and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Kaituna River.

The Hells Gate Experience: Take a guided tour of the geothermal park and see the unique geothermal activity up close. Learn about the history of the area and the Maori culture. Kids will learn a lot from this activity and create long-lasting memories.

Scenic Cruise on Lake Rotorua: Enjoy a scenic boat cruise on Lake Rotorua with your family and take in the stunning views of the surrounding area. See the geysers and hot pools from the water and learn about the history of the lake

Best day trips from Rotorua

Sledge the Kaituna River: This thrilling adventure takes you on a high-speed ride down the Kaituna River, where you'll experience the rush of the rapids and take in the stunning scenery of the New Zealand wilderness. It's perfect for adrenaline seekers who love to get a little wet.

100% Pure NZ - Raft the Kaituna River: This adventure takes you on a guided rafting tour down the Kaituna River, where you'll experience the thrill of the rapids and take in the beautiful New Zealand wilderness. This is a great option for families and kids who want to experience the thrill of the river in a safe and guided environment.

Scenic Cruise on Lake Rotorua: This relaxing and peaceful cruise takes you on a journey across the beautiful Lake Rotorua, where you'll see the stunning scenery and take in the natural beauty of the area. It's perfect for families and kids who want to relax and enjoy the peacefulness of the lake.

Mount Tarawera Guided Volcanic Crater Hike: This guided hike takes you to the summit of Mount Tarawera, where you'll be able to see the beautiful crater of the volcano and take in the stunning views of the surrounding area. This is a great option for families and kids who want to experience the natural beauty of the area and learn about the history of the volcano.

Best things to do near Rotorua

V8 Trike Tours Bay of Islands: This is a unique and thrilling experience on a V8 Chevrolet trike exploring the beautiful Bay of Plenty! Designed and built in New Zealand, these trikes are powered by 5700cc Chevrolet motors. It’s the ultimate in power and excitement!

Kaituna River Rafting: Join the Original Kaituna Rafting Company for an unbeatable grade 5 white-water experience on one of New Zealand's most exciting and beautiful rivers! Enjoy the thrills and spills of the mighty Kaituna River as you take on the world famous 7 meter Tutea Falls, the highest commercially rafted waterfall!

Evening Glowworm Kayayak tour: Start your incredible evening Glowworm Tour at Waimarino alongside the Wairoa River. Enjoy delicious refreshments while watching the sun set over the rolling hills. At twilight, guides will lead you into the calm waters to discover the magic of the enchanting Glowworm canyon.

Skydive: Start your memorable adventure with a 25-minute scenic flight with breathtaking views of Mount Maunganui and golden beaches expanding as far as the eye can see. Higher up, you'll see White Island, Mount Ruapehu, the Rotorua Lakes, The Coromandel and even Mount Taranaki. And if you still had some breath left after that, freefalling back towards Tauranga at 200km/h on a tandem skydive might help take it away for good!

Morning Glory: 3 Hour Chilled out Sail: This is a relaxing and scenic sail along the coast of the Coromandel. You'll enjoy the beautiful views of the coast and the sea, and have a chance to spot dolphins and other marine life