Things to Do in Rotorua with Kids
24 September 2025 
Planning a family trip to Rotorua is always a great idea, as this vibrant destination in New Zealand has plenty of activities to keep both adults and kids entertained. From exploring geothermal wonders and sparkling lakes to enjoying exciting adventure experiences, Rotorua offers something special for the whole family.
Whether your children love animals, adventure, or simply having fun, you’ll find attractions that suit all ages and interests. In this guide, we’ve rounded up some of the best activities to do in Rotorua with kids to help you make the most of your visit.
Our Top Picks for Things to Do in Rotorua with Kids
3D Trick Art Gallery
3D Trick Art Gallery
Rotorua
Step into a world of illusion at our 3D Trick Art Gallery! Explore interactive artworks, strike creative poses, and capture unforgettable photos. Fun for all ages, it's a unique indoor attraction where imagination comes ...
The 3D Trick Art Gallery is one of the most entertaining indoor attractions in Rotorua, making it perfect for families with kids of all ages. The gallery features over 50 life-size artworks spread across five creative themes, each inspired by NZ nature, wildlife, and everyday life. Instead of just looking at the art, you become part of it, which makes every visit fun and different.
Children will love stepping into scenes where they can pretend to hang off a cliff, fight a giant gorilla, or run from a shark. Parents and grandparents can join in too, so it’s a fun activity that the whole family can share. The gallery is also a great chance to practice your photography skills, as each artwork is designed to come alive when you capture it from the right angle.
Since it’s indoors, the gallery is a great choice no matter the weather. Whether you’re escaping a rainy day or just looking for something different to do on your Rotorua trip, the 3D Trick Art Gallery offers plenty of laughter, imagination, and lasting memories for both kids and adults.
The Farm Tour
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The Farm Tour in Rotorua is a wonderful outdoor activity for the whole family, offering an up-close experience with New Zealand farm life. The hour-long guided tour takes you through a working farm on a covered trailer, starting next to the crystal-clear Waiowhiro Stream surrounded by native plants and wildlife.
During the tour, you can feed and interact with a variety of animals, including alpacas, llamas, goats, sheep, cattle, deer, ostriches, pigs, chickens, and rabbits. The knowledgeable guide shares interesting facts about each animal and the farm itself, making it both fun and educational for kids and adults alike.
It’s a relaxed yet engaging adventure where the whole family can enjoy fresh air, nature, and hands-on experiences. Whether your kids are animal lovers or just curious about life on a farm, this tour provides plenty of opportunities for laughter, learning, and unforgettable memories in Rotorua.
Te Pō Indigenous Evening Experience
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The Te Pō Indigenous Evening Experience in Rotorua offers a unique opportunity to enjoy Māori culture through food, performance, and storytelling. Begin your evening with a delicious hāngī buffet at the Pātaka Kai Restaurant & Bar, which overlooks a stunning geothermal wonderland. The buffet features freshly sourced meats, vegetables, seafood, and traditional desserts, giving you a true taste of New Zealand.
After dinner, be captivated by a cultural performance inside the beautifully carved meeting house, Te Aronui a Rua. The show includes a pōhiri (traditional welcome), waiata (song), mōteatea (chant), poi, and haka, offering an authentic insight into Māori traditions. You will also have the chance to stroll to the famous Pōhutu Geyser, the largest active geyser in the southern hemisphere, while sipping hot chocolate.
This experience lasts approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes, making it suitable for kids and adults alike. It’s a memorable way to combine culture, food, and fun in one evening while exploring the natural and cultural wonders of Rotorua.
Orakei Korako Geothermal Walk
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The Orakei Korako Geothermal Walk is a fascinating adventure through one of New Zealand’s most active geothermal areas, located on the Waikato River at Lake Ohakuri. Known as the Hidden Valley, it features the largest geyser field in the country, with around 26 active geysers, bubbling mud pools, and colourful silica terraces.
Begin with a short ferry ride across the lake, then follow a 2.5 km scenic track through dramatic terrain. Along the way, you’ll see one of only two geothermal caves in the world, admire the largest silica terrace in New Zealand, and witness the highest concentration of geysers in the country. The walk is manageable for all ages and provides plenty of opportunities to pause for photos and take in the views.
After the walk, relax at the café while enjoying views of Lake Ohakuri. This tour combines natural wonders, mild adventure, and education, making it perfect for families looking to explore New Zealand’s unique geothermal activity.
Secret Spot Hot Tubs Rotorua
Secret Spot Hot Tubs Rotorua
Rotorua
Unwind and experience the tranquility of forest bathing at Secret Spot Hot Tubs amidst the stunning native Whakarewarewa Forest and Puarenga Stream. Immerse yourself in nature with a private cedar hot tub filled with spr ...
Secret Spot Hot Tubs Rotorua is the perfect place to relax and enjoy nature in a peaceful forest setting. Nestled in Whakarewarewa Forest and overlooking the Puarenga Stream, the cedar hot tubs offer a serene escape for up to six people. Each tub is filled with fresh spring water, filtered and treated to ensure a safe and eco-friendly experience.
Your 45-minute soak includes access to cold plunge tubs for a refreshing contrast, making it ideal for relaxation after a day of adventure activities. You can also order crafted drinks delivered directly to your tub, adding a touch of luxury to your experience.
Beyond the hot tubs, the venue offers a craft bar, café, and street food kitchen. Enjoy delicious burgers, chicken satay roti, and local craft beers while soaking in the calm forest surroundings. This spot is perfect for families or friends looking to unwind and enjoy a unique hot tub experience in Rotorua.
Rotorua Canopy Tours Ziplining Forest Adventure
Rotorua Canopy Tours Ziplining Forest Adventure
Rotorua
Voted TripAdvisor’s #1 Nature Activity on the planet, Rotorua Canopy Tours is an unforgettable and enlightening adventure, perfect for all ages. Explore the canopy as you fly on a network of ziplines, swing bridges, ...
Rotorua Canopy Tours offers an exciting forest adventure suitable for families, friends, and adventure seekers. This guided experience takes you high above the forest floor, soaring across 1200m of ziplines while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding Rotorua area.
The tour includes a suspended cliff-face walkway 50m above the forest, swing bridges, controlled descents, and a 400m tandem zipline to share the thrill with a companion. Along the way, guides provide safety instructions and interesting insights about the local flora, fauna, and geothermal activity in the region.
This adventure lasts around 3.5 hours and is suitable for ages 10 and above, making it a fantastic family fun activity. With the combination of adrenaline-pumping ziplines and breathtaking scenery, Rotorua Canopy Tours delivers a memorable experience for everyone.
Raceline Karting
Raceline Karting
Rotorua
Feel the need for speed as you jump into the driver’s seat for an exhilarating Raceline Karting experience. Geared up and ready to roll, feel the rush of G-force as you take on the hairpin corners, flowing curves & ...
For thrill-seeking families with teenagers, Raceline Karting delivers high-speed fun. Located on Rotorua’s world-class KartSport Raceway, drivers as young as 14 can get behind the wheel of professional karts capable of hitting close to 100 km/h. The track features twists, turns, and long straights, letting teens and parents alike feel the G-forces as they race head-to-head. Safety gear and full instruction are provided, so families can feel secure while focusing on the excitement. It’s competitive, fun, and guaranteed to bring out some family rivalry. Perfect for older kids who are ready for more extreme activities, this one is all about adrenaline and bragging rights.
Scenic Lake Rotoiti Kayak Tour - Rotorua
Scenic Lake Rotoiti Kayak Tour - Rotorua
Rotorua
Embark on an extraordinary adventure with our Scenic Lake Rotoiti Day tour, granting you access to one of New Zealand's most treasured hidden gems. Immerse yourself in the sheer beauty of Lake Rotoiti as you gracefully p ...
Explore the peaceful waters of Lake Rotorua on the Scenic Lake Rotoiti Kayak Tour, an ideal adventure for families, friends, and nature lovers. Paddle through calm, clear waters while admiring native bush, unique wildlife, and the charming kiwi baches along the shore.
Your experienced guide will share fascinating stories about Māori legends and local history, enriching your journey across the lake. Along the way, discover a hidden Glowworm cave and enjoy the magical glow that adds a touch of wonder to your adventure.
The tour also includes a visit to the Manupirua Hot Pools, accessible only by kayak, where you can soak in warm, natural geothermal water while surrounded by stunning scenery. With plenty of photo opportunities and gentle paddling suitable for all skill levels, this tour is a relaxing yet memorable way to enjoy the Rotorua area.
Ready for Your Family Adventure?
A trip to Rotorua promises unforgettable memories for families. With a perfect mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation, it’s easy to see why it’s one of New Zealand’s top spots for a family holiday. Whether you’re soaking in hot pools, discovering wildlife, or exploring forests and lakes, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy. Pack your bags, bring your kids, and get ready for an adventure filled with laughter, learning, and plenty of family fun in Rotorua.