43 Things To Do In Rotorua

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Hot Spring (6)
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1. Te Puia

3 km from city center

Cultural Village

TePuia is the hub of New Zealand’s Maori culture and thermal hot springs. It covers an area of 70 hectares in the Whakarewarewa Valley, located at the edge of town in Rotorua. It houses the world-renowned Pohutu geyser, followed by hot springs, mud pots, silica formations, and much more. There are national schools of wood carving, stone and bone carving, and weaving. It is also the site of the New (Read More) Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, where visitors can witness traditional carving and weaving.

Tours starting from
₹4,586

Top Attraction

27 km from city center

Volcano

Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, located 27 km south of Rotorua, is a vibrant geothermal park known for its colorful hot springs, bubbling mud pools, and the famous Champagne Pool. Visitors can explore walking trails that showcase unique volcanic features, including the daily eruption of the Lady Knox Geyser. This place has one of the highest geothermal ratings in the world.

Tours starting from
₹1,569

0 km from city center

Nature

The Redwood Treewalk in Rotorua is an elevated walkway set among the towering redwoods of the Whakarewarewa Forest, located just a short drive from Rotorua city center. Featuring 28 suspension bridges and platforms up to 20 meters above ground, it offers a unique perspective of the forest canopy. Visitors can explore during the day or experience the magical Redwoods Nightlights, illuminated with e (Read More)co-friendly lanterns. Tickets are available online or at the site’s visitor center.

Tours starting from
₹5,551

Instagram Worthy

10 km from city center

Cave

The Waitomo Glowworm Caves, located in Waitomo on New Zealand's North Island, are renowned for their mesmerizing glowworm displays only found here. Visitors explore the caves through guided boat tours, gliding beneath thousands of bioluminescent glowworms that light up the underground grotto. Discovered in the late 19th century, these limestone caves also feature striking stalactites and stalagmit (Read More)es, adding to the natural wonder. Tours can be booked directly at the visitor center or online.

Tours starting from
₹13,033

Rotorua Travel Packages

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10 Days / 9 Nights

Island Discovery: North & South New Zealand Exp...

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$ 1,807

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$1,482/person

8 Days / 7 Nights

8-Day New Zealand Tour Package: Auckland, Rotor...

Auckland(1N) → Rotorua(2N) → Queenstown(4N)

$2,246/person

12 Days / 11 Nights

Enchanting New Zealand Singapore Tour Package

Singapore(2N) → Auckland(2N) → Rotorua(2N) → Queenstown(3N) → Christchurch(2N)

$ 3,332

11% off

$2,963/person

13 Days / 12 Nights

All of New Zealand Tour Package

Auckland(1N) → Nelson(3N) → Rotorua(2N) → Taupo(2N) → Coromandel(1N) → Hahei(2N) → Auckland(1N)

$ 3,102

7% off

$2,872/person

9 Days / 8 Nights

8 Nights 9 Days New Zealand Package

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$1,941/person

11 Days / 10 Nights

Honeymoon in New Zealand Tour Package

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5. Polynesian Spa

1 km from city center

Spa & Wellness

Polynesian Spa, nature's gift to Rotorua, is an iconic geothermal mineral bathing luxury spa retreat, having exclusive access to acidic and alkaline natural mineral springs. This Spa has 28 mineral pools in the backyard wherein the water is channelled from the two natural springs - one acidic and the other alkaline. While nourishing the skin, this dual effect relieves tired muscles and aches and (Read More) pains.

Tours starting from
₹2,170

2 km from city center

Garden & Park

Kuirau Park at the northern end of Rotorua, New Zealand, is a geothermal site with hot springs, mud pools, crater lakes and gardens. This park is a public space with walking tracks leading to the geothermal areas and providing the visitors with exciting and mesmerising sights of the boiling lakes and foot pools. Along with this, the park has other recreational activities like barbecues, playground (Read More)s and paddling pools available and is a popular tourist attraction in the area.

Tours starting from
₹1,569

7. Whakarewarewa

3 km from city center

Village

Located in the geothermal region of Rotorua, New Zealand, Whakarewarewa takes pride in being known as the only Living Māori Village in the country. This village is home to the Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao people, who have continued to host visitors on their land for over two centuries, with fun-filled activities like the cultural experience, which includes performances of Poi and Haka dancing, the geot (Read More)hermal hangi experience and the hangi pie experience.

8 km from city center

Hot Spring

Hell's Gate, despite its forbidding name, is one of Rotorua's most famous thermal attractions. The fuming and steaming geysers of Hell's Gates are spread over 50 acres of land. The therapeutic properties of the hot pools' mud and their renowned sulphur spa treatments are major tourist attractions for people around the country. Hell's Gate is important in Maori history and is also the site for many (Read More) Maori legends.

Tours starting from
₹2,172

Popular among Locals

22 km from city center

Hot Spring

Kerosene Creek, located 35 km south of Rotorua along State Highway 5, is a natural hot spring where a geothermal stream meets a small waterfall. Surrounded by lush native bush, visitors can soak in its warm, mineral-rich waters free of charge. Popular for its serene atmosphere, the site is uncommercialized, with a short walking track leading to the pool.

0 km from city center

Nature

Rotorua Canopy Tours is a one-of-a-kind eco-adventure tour conducted through the native forests on the outskirts of Rotorua in New Zealand. It is the only place in New Zealand where people can enjoy native forests and zipline tours. Rotorua Canopy Tours brings the participants face-to-face adventure and guarantees a thrilling time. Plus, the natural surroundings, with their rejuvenating vibe, doub (Read More)le the fun for the participants.

Tours starting from
₹4,103

20 km from city center

Hot Spring

Waimangu Volcanic Valley, one of the youngest geothermal hot springs in New Zealand, is now becoming one of the typical tourist attractions in the country. One can enjoy a range of self-guided tours among volcanic craters, hot springs and wildlife. This attraction represents the volcanic eruption of Mt. Tarawera and how it affected this area's people and landscape.

Tours starting from
₹3,138

0 km from city center

Adventure Zone

Skyline Rotorua, located on Mount Ngongotaha, offers panoramic views of Rotorua and Lake Rotorua alongside a range of family-friendly activities. Visitors can ride the scenic gondola to the top, experience the thrilling luge tracks, zipline through the forest, or enjoy mountain biking trails. The attraction also features a stargazing experience, a Volcanic Hills winery, and a dining option at the (Read More)Stratosfare Restaurant. It's a popular destination for adventure, relaxation, and stunning scenery all in one place.

13. Paradise Valley Springs

9 km from city center

Zoo

Paradise Valley Springs is a popular wildlife park in Rotorua, New Zealand. It is one of the many tourist attractions that people visit to escape their hectic lives and feel close to nature. The 48-acre reserve is a well-maintained facility where wildlife can thrive in the native bush environment, and people visiting can observe and study them. In addition, the place has several freshwater springs (Read More), home to a large population of freshwater trout.

Tours starting from
₹3,138

Great For Family Outing

1 km from city center

Historical Site

Overlooking the Rotorua Museum on the lake’s edge in North Island, New Zealand, are the beautiful Government Gardens. This site was a gift to the British Crown by the local Ngati Whakaue tribe and stands today as a symbol of both the Maori and English cultures. Today, the Museum, Blue Baths, Klamath Falls Rose Gardens, Te Runanga Tea Pavillion, and Band Rotunda, located in the gardens, are the her (Read More)itage tourist attractions to visit while in Rotorua, New Zealand.

33 km from city center

Cultural Village

Mitai Maori Village offers an authentic cultural experience showcasing Maori traditions, performances, and cuisine. Visitors can witness the ceremonial waka (war canoe) on a sacred stream, enjoy a captivating haka and poi dance, and savor a traditional hangi meal. The evening experience also includes guided walks to see glowworms and learn about Maori customs and connection to nature, making it a (Read More)unique insight into New Zealand’s indigenous culture.

Tours starting from
₹6,709

Instagram Worthy

58 km from city center

Amusement & Theme Park

The Hobbiton Movie Set, located in Matamata, about an hour’s drive from Rotorua, is the iconic filming location for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Visitors can explore the meticulously crafted hobbit holes, the Green Dragon Inn, and the lush landscapes of the Shire on guided tours. Originally built in 1999 and reconstructed permanently in 2011, the set offers an immersive experien (Read More)ce into J.R.R. Tolkien’s world. Tours can be booked online or through Rotorua’s visitor centers, with transport options often included.

Fun For Kids

0 km from city center

Amusement & Theme Park

The Agrodome in Rotorua, located about 10 km from the city center, is a popular agricultural attraction offering interactive farm experiences. Visitors can enjoy the Farm Show, featuring live sheep-shearing and sheepdog demonstrations, and explore the working farm on a guided tractor tour. Established in 1971, it provides hands-on activities like feeding farm animals and learning about New Zealand (Read More)’s farming heritage.

0 km from city center

Adventure Sports

A fun, thrilling, adrenaline-inducing outdoor attraction for tourists visiting Rotorua, New Zealand, Zorb is a must-do for anyone and everyone. Regarded to be the world’s largest downhill ball rolling park along the slope of Mt. Rotorua, this Kiwi-owned and operated fun organization makes a good recreation for its customers, with every safety measurement taken care of along with making it fun and (Read More)fulfilling.

16 km from city center

Waterfall

Okere Falls, located 21 km from Rotorua, is a popular spot for white-water rafting and kayaking on the Kaituna River. Known for its 7-meter Tutea Falls, the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall, it offers adrenaline-filled experiences amid lush native forest. The area also features scenic walking tracks with viewpoints over the cascades and historic sites, including a hydroelectric power (Read More)station built in 1901.

Tours starting from
₹6,034

New & Trending

13 km from city center

Historical Site

The Buried Village of Te Wairoa, located 15 km from Rotorua, is a historic site preserved from the devastating 1886 Mount Tarawera eruption. Visitors can explore the excavated remains of the village, a museum showcasing artifacts and stories of the eruption, and the scenic Te Wairoa Falls. Guided tours offer insights into the Māori and European settlers' lives before the disaster.

Tours starting from
₹1,207

1 km from city center

Historical Site

An award-winning experience by the banks of Lake Rotorua, Tamaki Maori Village is a peek into New Zealand's tribal facets. The village is approximately 3 hours from Rotorua and offers you a chance to dive into the Maori history and be a part of their culture and traditions. The village was an initiative by 2 Kiwi cowboys - Doug and Mike Tamaki. In 1989, they came up with the idea of telling a stor (Read More)y of the Maori culture and traditions. Today, Tamaki Maori village has become a gathering place for all the Maori families who wants to come and share their culture and spread their knowledge.

Tours starting from
₹1,207

9 km from city center

Lake

Regarded to be the second largest lake in the North Island of New Zealand, the lake of Rotorua is one of the prime tourist attractions for people visiting the city of Rotorua in New Zealand. It stretches for about 79.8 square kilometres and has a depth of 10 meters. The city of Rotorua is located on the lake's southern shore, and the town of Ngongotaha is on the western coast of the same.

Tours starting from
₹3,618

1 km from city center

Museum

The Rotorua Museum of Art and History is set in a spectacular former bath house. The building is a true architectural gem. If you wish to go on an informational spin about the region’s cultural and geological history, this museum is the place for you. It houses an essential collection of TeArawataonga. Whenever visiting the museum, plan a short halt at the TeAraway War memorial nearby.

25 km from city center

Hot Spring

Waikite Valley Thermal Pools, established in 1972, are a complex of 10 different pools. 'Living water' of the Te Manarola spring can be experienced here. Te Manaroa spring is the largest single source of 100% pure boiling water in New Zealand. This water, naturally laden with calcite and sulphur free, comes directly from the depths of the earth.

Tours starting from
₹1,569

38 km from city center

Hot Spring

Mysteriously known as “The Hidden Valley”, Orakei Korako is a highly active geothermal region located in the famous Taupo Volcanic Zone of the northern island of New Zealand. With a name that translates to ‘The Place of Adorning’ in the native language Maori, Orakei Korako is undoubtedly one of the best attractions for tourists and travellers in the Rotorua area as well as in the entire country.

Tours starting from
₹12,647

24 km from city center

Mountain

Mount Tarawera is a famous attraction in Rotorua, New Zealand. It is an active volcano where some of the country’s most significant and destructive eruptions have occurred in the past — the notable ones being those that destroyed the Pink and White Terraces of Mount Tarawera. At present, the attraction is famous for hikes and a stunning view of Rotorua from the top of the mountain.

Tours starting from
₹5,068

0 km from city center

Bird Sanctuary

Wingspan, also known as the Wingspan National Bird of Prey Centre, is New Zealand's leading centre for educating, conserving and researching the birds of prey native to the region. The attraction is located in Rotorua, New Zealand. Here, tourists get to observe the birds of prey at close distances and even get an opportunity to hold them. In addition, the surroundings of Wingspan are conserved to (Read More)allow the birds to thrive in their natural environment.

4 km from city center

Farms & Plantations

Located as a part of the Skyline Gondola Complex with its Tasting room situated at the top of the complex, Volcanic Hills Winery is everything the name suggests. There is an eclectic range of award-winning wines to choose from; there is a tasting room at a sky-high level and a stunning panoramic view of the Rotorua lakes looking over.

Tours starting from
₹3,138

3 km from city center

Amusement & Theme Park

Motion Entertainment is a must-do for any tourist visiting the region of Rotorua with family and kids, an indoor gaming centre with a licensed bar and cafe of its own. The place guarantees an excellent time for its customers with a wide range of indoor activities and fun sports. The center also has a specially designed conference room to organize any private event or occasion for their customers w (Read More)ith prior notice to the event team.

8 km from city center

Hills & Valleys

With its six unique and thrilling rides, New Zealand’s adventure attraction, Velocity Valley, is unlike any other adventure park. With adrenaline-pumping through and trips which give out the chills, this park is the hotspot for extreme sports seekers and has the world’s only Shweeb Racer - human-powered racing pods hanging down a monorail track, in its exhibit.

Tours starting from
₹3,138

11 km from city center

Waterfall

Located to the North-East of Lake Rotorua is the beautiful and crystal clear Hamurana Springs that appears amidst century-old redwood trees. These freshwater springs are a part of the Ngati Rangiwewehi tribe, and the journey till here is a short one through the groves alongside quiet and mesmerising views. Hamurana Springs flows into the Hamurana Springs Reserve as a stream and later joins Lake Ro (Read More)torua. Hamurana Springs is surrounded by rocky structures and volcanic springs like the one near Hangarua Spring.

Tours starting from
₹3,618

0 km from city center

Hot Spring

Rotorua is a popular hub for outdoor activities. Most notably, the thermal activity makes it rank among the top tourist destinations of New Zealand. The thermal springs of Rotorua make it an overwhelming and relaxing vacation for tourists. There are plenty of spots in and near Rotorua to enjoy mud pools and thermal hot springs.

Tours starting from
₹2,076

1 km from city center

Cultural Village

Bundled amidst beautiful lakeside scenery and boiling water vents is the village of Ohinemutu in Rotorua, New Zealand. Once the central area for the region of Rotorua, this Maori village is home to the Ngati Whakaue tribe with a population of less than three hundred. An attraction site with historically magnificent highlights, the places to check out in Ohinemutu are the Tamatekapua meeting house (Read More)and the St. Faith’s Church.

3 km from city center

Island

In the middle of Lake Rotorua in New Zealand is the beautiful island of Mokoia, which stays uninhabited but has now become a popular tourist spot in the country. It is a sacred land of the Te Arawa tribe and presents the tourists with stunning views of the island, including bird watch and guided tours. This island is also a sanctuary for New Zealand’s endangered species ranging from birds to wildl (Read More)ife, and is dipped in stories of the locals and the history of the place to be uncovered.

Tours starting from
₹46,580

132 km from city center

National Park

With a dual UNESCO World Heritage Site status for its volcanic landscape and cultural significance, the Tongariro National Park is a must-see attraction in Rotorua, New Zealand. It is the oldest and the first of all National Parks in the country and is a marvel of nature with three breathing volcanoes - Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro in the heart of the park. This park presents its visitors with (Read More) plenty of activities like walks and treks, skiing and snowboarding on Mount Ruapehu in the winters.

Tours starting from
₹1,569

2 km from city center

Nightmarket

Held at the heart of Tutanekai Street, Rotorua Night Market comes to life once every week and brings a platform where local artists can showcase their talents with many handmade art and crafts, among other things. This market spreads its wings when Tutanekai Street is closed off from Haupapa to Hinemoa Street for one night and is transformed into a lively place with vibrant LED lights, innumerable (Read More) stalls, and live entertainment.

22 km from city center

Lake

‘The Small Lake’, Lake Rotoiti in the Bay of Plenty area of New Zealand, is a relatively large lake, contrary to its name, near the famous Lake Rotorua. It is a popular site for tourists who wish to go on a boating trip, with the beautiful Manupirua Hot Springs on the lake’s shore, which can be reached only by boat.

Tours starting from
₹3,618

5 km from city center

Nature

Mount Ngongotaha is a volcanic dome located 757 metres above sea level. Rotorua city can be viewed from this scenic reserve. Mount Ngongotaha is an iconic peak for Ngāti Whakaue (Maori tribes), who believe it was once home to patupaiarehe (fairies), whose voices and flutes can be heard on the foot of the mountain on some days.

Tours starting from
₹4,779

13 km from city center

Lake

Known as ‘Burnt Spear’, Lake Tarawera is one of the largest lakes in New Zealand. Before the volcanic eruption of Mt. Tarawera in the late 19th century, it was home to several Maori settlements and villages. The place spreads over some 39 square kilometres, has no entry fees and is scenic too. The lake is a product of the volcanic activity of the Tarawera Volcanic Zone and has a high sulphur conte (Read More)nt, giving it an exotic yellowish green hue.

Tours starting from
₹3,618

33 km from city center

Historical Site

Immersed in a cultural history like no other, the Maori Villages form an integral part of Rotorua, along with several different areas of New Zealand. The extraordinary practices, habits, and lifestyles of these tribes offer a refreshing experience to the tourists who wish to look closely into these people's lives.

Tours starting from
₹1,207

57 km from city center

River

Flowing in all its glory for four hundred and twenty-five kilometres, the Waikato River has bagged the title of the longest river in New Zealand. Its journey begins in the central part of the North Island, from the eastern slopes of Mount Ruapehu, from which it flows through the largest lake of New Zealand, Lake Taupo, while joining the Tongariro River System.

Tours starting from
₹5,551

0 km from city center

Mountain Biking

There is something about taking trips to new places that contradicts itself. People often seek an escape from the hustle and bustle of their daily lives, to find a spot that will take them away from the grinding reality for a while. At the same time, however, they look for a place to distract them from the humdrum of their monotonous routine, the same old machine-like activities that take the majo (Read More)rity of their days up.

1 km from city center

Street Food & Drinks

Eat Streat in Rotorua is one of the most fantastic food hotspots in New Zealand. With cosy cafes, quality restaurants, and lively bars, this place is a must-visit while exploring this country. Flung at the lake end of Tutanekai Street, this place receives many food connoisseurs throughout the year.

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FAQs on Rotorua

What are the top activities in Rotorua?

The top activities in Rotorua are Hobbiton Movie Set Guided Tour, Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tour, Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland , Ruakuri Black Water Rafting - Black Labyrinth, Agrodome Farm Show and Tour Tickets in Rotorua, Mitai Maori Village Evening Tour.

What are the top sightseeing places in Rotorua?

The top sightseeing places in Rotorua are Orakei Korako, Blue Baths Pool, Kerosene Creek, Paradise Valley Springs, Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Mount Tarawera.

How can I commute within Rotorua?

Regular publici buses is the most common medium of commuting in Rotorua. The entire city is criss crossed by a total of 11 routes where the outermost route is Ngongotaha to the north-west, then Hemo Road to the south, and towards the east is the airport. These routes cover most of the cities and run every half an hour from Monday to Friday. On the weekends, they run every one hour. Every route has a different timing and there is no public holiday.
Read More

Things To Do In Rotorua

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43 Things To Do In Rotorua

1. Te Puia

2. Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland

3. Redwood Treewalk

4. Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Rotorua Travel Packages

Island Discovery: North & South New Zealand Exp...

8-Day New Zealand Tour Package: Auckland, Rotor...

Enchanting New Zealand Singapore Tour Package

All of New Zealand Tour Package

8 Nights 9 Days New Zealand Package

Honeymoon in New Zealand Tour Package

5. Polynesian Spa

6. Kuirau Park

Top Hotels In Rotorua

7. Whakarewarewa

8. Hell's Gate

9. Kerosene Creek

10. Rotorua Canopy Tours

11. Waimangu Volcanic Valley

12. Skyline Rotorua

Discover More About Sightseeing & Tourist Attractions in Rotorua

13. Paradise Valley Springs

14. Government Gardens

15. Mitai Maori Village

16. Day Trip to Hobbiton Movie Sets

17. Agrodome

18. Zorb

19. Okere Falls

20. Buried Village of Te Wairoa

21. Tamaki Maori Village

22. Lake Rotorua

23. Rotorua Museum of Art and History

24. Waikite Valley Thermal Pools

25. Orakei Korako

26. Mount Tarawera

27. Wingspan National Bird of Prey Centre

28. Volcanic Hills Winery

29. Motion Entertainment

30. Velocity Valley

31. Hamurana Springs

32. Rotorua Hot Springs

33. Ohinemutu

34. Mokoia Island

35. Tongariro National Park

36. Rotorua Night Market

37. Lake Rotoiti

38. Mount Ngongotaha Scenic Reserve

39. Lake Tarawera

40. Maori Villages in Rotorua

41. Waikato River

42. Mountain Biking in Rotorua

43. Eat Streat

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What are the top activities in Rotorua?

What are the top sightseeing places in Rotorua?

How can I commute within Rotorua?

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