Rotorua offers a unique blend of natural beauty, adventure, and Maori culture. Visitors can explore geothermal wonders at places like Te Puia and Wai-O-Tapu, where bubbling mud pools, steaming geysers, and colorful hot springs create otherworldly landscapes. For thrill-seekers, activities like zorbing, mountain biking in the Redwoods Forest, and white-water rafting on the Kaituna River are popular. Relaxation awaits at the Polynesian Spa, where you can unwind in mineral-rich hot pools overlooking Lake Rotorua. Immerse yourself in Maori traditions with cultural experiences at Mitai or Tamaki Maori Village, complete with haka performances and traditional feasts. The scenic skyline gondola ride up Mount Ngongotaha provides stunning views, and adventure lovers can opt to ride the thrilling luge track back down. Whether seeking relaxation or adrenaline, Rotorua has something for everyone.
Polynesian Spa
New Zealand's leading international hot mineral spring spa is conveniently located in the Government Gardens in central Rotorua on a historic site overlooking Sulphur Bay on Lake Rotorua. The spa offers a choice of 31 hot mineral bathing pools, including an adults-only bathing area, private pools, a luxury spa and a family spa. The Lake Spa Retreat offers a comprehensive range of spa therapies and deluxe bathing in a luxurious private relaxation haven.
Government Gardens
The Government Gardens in Rotorua is a beautifully landscaped public park set along the shores of Lake Rotorua, featuring vibrant flowerbeds, thermal pools, and historic buildings. Originally gifted by the Māori people, the gardens are home to the Rotorua Museum and the elegant Blue Baths, offering a blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty.
The Redwoods Mountain Biking
Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest offers some of the best mountain biking trails in New Zealand, with over 130km of tracks suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to experts. Riders can enjoy a mix of lush forest scenery, flowing singletracks, and challenging downhill runs, making it a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Te Puia
Te Puia is a renowned cultural and geothermal attraction that showcases the iconic Pōhutu Geyser, the largest active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere. It offers visitors a chance to experience traditional Māori culture, with guided tours, carving and weaving demonstrations, and performances at the Te Pā Tū cultural village.
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland is a vibrant geothermal park known for its colorful hot springs, including the iconic Champagne Pool, and surreal landscapes shaped by volcanic activity. Visitors can explore bubbling mud pools, steaming craters, and the Lady Knox Geyser, which erupts daily, creating a unique and otherworldly experience.
The Buried Village
The Buried Village of Te Wairoa offers a fascinating glimpse into the past, revealing the ruins of a settlement destroyed by the 1886 eruption of Mount Tarawera. Visitors can explore excavated homes, learn about the impact of the eruption through museum exhibits, and stroll through beautiful native bush and waterfalls surrounding the site.
Rotorua Canopy Tours
Soar through the trees and experience New Zealand's ancient forest like never before – in two award-winning zipline adventures. Lose yourself on this engaging encounter with the natural world, exploring ancient native forest via ziplines, suspended swing bridges, treetop platforms and more on this unforgettable nature adventure.
Hell's Gate
Hell's Gate is New Zealand's most active geothermal reserve, featuring steaming fumaroles, bubbling mud pools, and a hot waterfall. Visitors can also indulge in therapeutic mud baths and traditional Māori massage, making it a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.
Rotorua Skyline
Rotorua Skyline offers stunning panoramic views of the city and Lake Rotorua, accessible via a scenic gondola ride up Mount Ngongotaha. It's also home to thrilling attractions like the luge, mountain biking trails, a zipline, and dining options at the Stratosfare Restaurant.
Rotorua Adventure Playground
Rotorua Adventure Playground offers a range of exciting activities, including off-road buggy tours, horse treks, and clay bird shooting, all set against stunning views of Lake Rotorua and the surrounding countryside. Perfect for families and thrill-seekers alike, the playground provides guided adventures suitable for all ages and skill levels.
ZORB
ZORB Rotorua offers an exhilarating experience where visitors roll down hills inside giant inflatable balls, providing a mix of fun and adrenaline. With various track options, including straight, zigzag, and water-filled routes, it's a unique activity that promises excitement for all ages.
Kuirau Park
Kuirau Park is free to visit and located within an easy walk from the Kuirau Park Motor Lodge, just off Pukuatua and Ranolf streets. Parking is also free. Several walkways take you through the park to see the crater lake, mud pools, hot springs, and a free thermal foot bath, all set in a beautifully manicured setting dotted with flower beds and native flora.