28 Exciting Things to Do in Rotorua, New Zealand
In April 2023, Colin and I went on our first trip to New Zealand and it totally blew me away! One of my favourite stops on our trip was the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua. Known for its Māori culture and geothermal activity, Rotorua was the perfect place to explore on the North Island. We fit quite a few Rotorua activities into our itinerary but there are so many more things to do in Rotorua that we didn’t get to.
Many people are tempted to only do a day trip to Rotorua from Auckland or skip it entirely and head to the mountainous South Island. But as an experienced world traveller and blogger, I say Rotorua is well worth your time. There’s so much to see and do, and it feels unique from anywhere else in Aotearoa (the te reo Māori word for New Zealand).
Not convinced? Sit back while I show you what to do in Rotorua, plus scroll to the end of the post for my tips on how to get there and where to stay!
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning if you click through and make a purchase, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support!
What is Rotorua known for?
Rotorua, New Zealand is best known for geothermal activity, Māori culture and the sulphur smell that hits as soon as you step out of the car. Spending time in Rotorua hot pools or visiting a geothermal park is a must while in town. You should also include a visit to a Māori cultural centre – more on those below!
But which Rotorua geothermal park should you visit? Find out!
My top 3 best things to do in Rotorua
My top 3 Rotorua activities that you’ll want to add to your itinerary are:
- Exploring a geothermal park. I recommend Wai-o-tapu or Waimangu!
- Soaking in natural hot springs, such as at the Polynesian Spa.
- Experiencing Māori culture and food, like at Mitai Māori Village.
As you’ll see in my list below, there are so many things to do in Rotorua. While they’re all great options, I strongly encourage you to centre your visit on the geothermal activity and Māori culture that the area is known for.
There are multiple options when it comes to hot pools, Māori culture and geothermal parks in Rotorua to best fit your interests and New Zealand trip budget.
28 things to do in Rotorua
1. Soak in Rotorua hot pools
Enjoy a relaxing few hours soaking in Rotorua hot pools, warmed by the area’s natural geothermal activity. When we visited Rotorua in April 2023, we indulged in the Deluxe Lake package at the Polynesian Spa. We got to experience soaking in five different pools of varying temperatures, plus a cold plunge, while looking out over the lake. It was a really nice way to spend the morning and a perfect way to relax during a busy trip to New Zealand.
2. See Stoney Point Reserve
Head southeast of Rotorua to Lake Tarawera, stopping at Stoney Point Reserve. Just a few minutes from the car park will lead you to a jetty overlooking the water. Enjoy the view and take a dip if the water looks inviting. Or visit nearby Landing Cafe for coffee with a view!
Looking for another beautiful view? Visit Rainbow Mountain Scenic Reserve just south of Rotorua. They say the best view is only 500 metres up the path, so no need to trek to the summit (unless you want to!).
3. Stroll along Government Gardens
One of the best free things to do in Rotorua on a nice day is go for a stroll around Government Gardens. This central Rotorua attraction has lots for you to discover such as the 1927 Arawa Soldiers Memorial, the Kwaqiulth Totem Pole, geothermal areas and, of course, beautifully manicured gardens. It’s also home to the Rotorua Museum, Polynesian Spa (above) and great views over Lake Rotorua.
For more Rotorua history, check out nearby St. Faiths Church & Te Aomarama Hall where beautiful stained glass and Māori carvings await.
4. Splash around Okere Falls
Enjoy the best of nature in Rotorua with a visit to Okere Falls. Adrenaline junkies can jump on a whitewater rafting tour down Tutea Falls and the Kaituna River or zipline over Okere Falls while less adventurous folk (myself included!) can stay on-shore and watch the adventures from the Okere Falls Track. Not only will you spot the rafters along the track but you’ll also see Okere Falls, Trout Falls and Tutea Cave.
Tired from all that walking? Take a dip in Trout Pool to cool off! PS: You might want to come back at night as glow worms are also visible along this path.
5. Take a dip in Secret Spot Hot Tubs
Need another Rotorua hot pools option? Check out Secret Spot Hot Tubs (not so secret anymore!). Here you can relax in a private cedar hot tub surrounded by lush Kiwi foliage and ferns. This option is generally more affordable than the Polynesian Spa, and less popular, but offers fewer baths and pools to choose from.
If you’re happy to stay in one hot pool out in nature, I’d go for Secret Spot. If you want to try a few different pools and spa experiences, I’d suggest Polynesian Spa. Or, better yet, do both!
6. Wander amongst the Redwoods in Rotorua (+ do the Rotorua Treewalk)
Rotorua is home to a massive Redwood tree forest, Whakarewarewa, that was originally planted in 1901. These days, the Whakarewarewa Forest is one of the most beloved and well-visited places in the city.
There are a number of free trails on the forest floor, great to get lost in the wilderness, appreciate the expansiveness of the Redwoods and spot native silver ferns. There’s also the Rotorua Treewalk, which is a 700 metre walk along 28 bridges in the tree canopy. At night, this walk is lit up with more light displays in the trees.
We opted to just head out on one of the free trails along the forest floor but I’ve heard great things about the Treewalk at night! Make sure you book in advance as the lines to get in for the nighttime walk can be long.
7. Spot birds at The National Kiwi Hatchery
In New Zealand you have three types of kiwis: the fruit, the people and the bird. Sadly, the kiwi (bird), New Zealand’s national animal, is endangered. That’s where The National Kiwi Hatchery comes in, the world’s most successful kiwi hatchery and conservation program.
On a visit to the hatchery in Rotorua you’ll get to learn all about New Zealand’s famous bird, witness the incubation and hatching process, and maybe even spot a baby kiwi!
8. Hike around Blue Lake Rotorua
Just southeast of Rotorua is Lake Tikitapu or Blue Lake. A beautiful walking track surrounds the lake and is perfect for those looking to experience some of New Zealand’s natural beauty with their own two feet. Don’t miss The Blue and Green Lakes Lookout at the end of the track and the chance to see glow worms, if you come at night.
9. Go for a thrill ride with ZORB Rotorua
Ever seen a hamster ball and thought, “Wow, that would be fun if it was human-sized and rolling down a mountain, potentially with water inside.” If so, you’re in luck because that’s basically the premise of ZORB Rotorua.
Known as the original and world’s largest ZORB site, ZORB Rotorua offers an exhilarating ride inside a giant inflatable ball down four different tracks. Don’t forget to take in the beautiful view as you tumble down Mt Ngongotaha!
10. Be wowed by Rotorua geysers at Wai-o-tapu Thermal Wonderland
Wai-o-tapu Thermal Wonderland is home to Lady Knox Geyser, which can erupt 10-20 metres in the air and is induced to erupt every day at 10:15am.
While the geyser eruption is pretty cool, the fact that it’s an induced eruption with stands for people to sit and watch does give it a Disneyland feel. I’ll admit that while I did enjoy watching the geyser erupt, it wasn’t my favourite part of the park. Luckily, it’s connected to the rest of Wai-o-tapu, which is absolutely worth the visit!
We loved spending a few hours discovering the geothermal areas of Wai-o-tapu. The well known Champagne Pools and neon green lake will be recognizable from Instagram and completely blow you away in person. There are a few different tracks around the park that will take you by pools, caves, terraces and more.
11. Soak in Waikite Valley Hot Pools
Just next door to Wai-o-tapu is Waikite Valley Hot Pools where you have another chance to soak in the living waters of Rotorua. Here you can experience boiling water from the largest single source in New Zealand, Te Manaroa Spring.
In addition to outdoor pools and private pools, you can also go for a stroll along the Te Manaroa Spring Eco-trail to learn more about the area or even stay overnight at the Waikite Campground.
12. Visit Rotorua geothermal park Waimangu Volcanic Valley
While it doesn’t have the wow factor of Lady Knox Geyser or the Champagne Pools, Waimangu Volcanic Valley is the perfect place to really appreciate the diverse geothermal landscape of Rotorua. A beautiful nature walk will take you through different terrains, from black swan dotted lakes and hot springs to spouting waterfalls and green terraces.
We found Waimangu to be so peaceful and loved having most of the place to ourselves as we enjoyed the walk downhill. At the bottom you can take a boat out onto the lake or a bus ride back to the entrance.
Not sure which geothermal park to visit in Rotorua? Check out my post comparing them all!
13. Roam through Hamurana Springs
On the north end of Lake Rotorua lies Hamurana Springs, a colourful natural walking trail through springs, streams and forests. At just 1.7km, the trail is quite accessible and family-friendly with the option to self-guide or join a guided tour. Note that Hamurana Springs is a paid site and can get busy on weekends and holidays.
14. Explore Te Puia
Te Puia is one of the best places to experience both geothermal activity and Māori culture in Rotorua, and is quite popular because of it! It’s close to the city and has an incredible geyser that goes off throughout the day.
In addition to bubbling hot pools, you can also learn more about the indigenous peoples of Aotearoa on a walk through Te Puia visiting storehouses, seeing artifacts and watching cultural performances.
15. Shop and dine at Rotorua Night Market
Happen to be in Rotorua on a Thursday night? Well lucky for you, because that’s when the weekly Rotorua Night Market is held. Come on down to Tutanekai Street, between Hinemoa and Haupapa streets, in downtown Rotorua to experience the area’s best food trucks, artisans, makers, bakers, buskers and more!
Sadly, our visit to Rotorua began on a Friday, so we missed the market. But just another reason to return!
16. Wander the paths at Orakei Korako Geothermal Park & Cave
Orakei Korako is one of the smaller geothermal parks in the area but well worth a visit, especially if you’re on your way from Rotorua to Taupo, since it’s in between the two cities. After a short drive you’ll reach the hidden valley full of active geysers, colourful hot springs, mud pools and caves. Definitely on the list of things to do in Rotorua region!
Check out more things to do in Taupo, just outside of Rotorua!
17. Take a stroll to see Blue Spring Putaruru
If you’re driving from Auckland to Rotorua, Blue Spring Putaruru is a great stop along the way. You’ll walk the Te Waihou Walkway to the Blue Spring, which supplies 70% of New Zealand’s drinking water! Not only is this water source impressive, it’s also beautiful. It looks as if an entire forest has been submerged underwater. And because the water is so clear, you can see practically to the bottom!
When we visited, we opted out of the 10km hike and instead parked at the Leslie Road car park, allowing us to reach a viewing platform for Blue Spring in just 10-15 minutes. But if you have time for the entire walk, it looks stunning!
18. Enjoy dinner and cultural performances at Mitai Māori Village
One of the best things to do in Rotorua is attend a Māori dinner and cultural performance. We were so lucky to experience a great evening at Mitai Māori Village while we were in New Zealand.
Before dinner we walked down to the mineral spring and watched as a canoe full of Māori warriors chanted and sailed down the water. We then went to the theatre where we learned a formal greeting and then watched a beautiful performance that showcased different Māori artifacts, such as weapons and games, as well as songs and dances. Throughout the performance, the chief explained the significance of what we were seeing, which made the experience much more impactful.
For dinner, we enjoyed a Hāngī, a traditional meal cooked by using heated rocks in a pit dug into the earth. There was delicious lamdb, chicken, stuffing, potatoes and kumara, a native root vegetable.
After dinner, our host opened up the floor for a Q&A which allowed us to learn more about current Māori culture and treaty relations in Aotearoa. Finally at the end of the night we returned to the mineral spring to look at a reconstructed village and spot glowworms.
We had an incredible time at Mitai Māori Village and I highly recommend it! The experience does sell out so be sure to book your tickets in advance here.
19. Discover Whakarewarewa – The Living Māori Village
Whakarewarewa is one of the best Rotorua activities if you want to experience geothermal activity and Māori culture at the same time. As the legacy and home of the Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao people, Whakarewarewa includes geothermal trails, a guided village tour and cultural performances. You can choose to visit just one section of the site or get a day pass to experience it all!
20. Pay a visit to Agrodome
The first time I saw someone sheer a sheep I wasn’t sure whether to be impressed or horrified – either way, I couldn’t take my eyes off of the spectacle. And that’s exactly what you can experience at Agrodome, a 350-acre working farm just minutes outside of Rotorua.
Here you can watch the impressive Farm Show, where animals take centre stage, go on a guided tour of the farm and orchard, and have the chance to hand-feed the farm’s furry residents. Fun for the whole family!
21. Experience Hell’s Gate Geothermal Reserve and Mud Spa
By now you’ll see that there’s no shortage of geothermal parks and hot pools in Rotorua. But what about a chance to combine the two? That’s what awaits you at Hell’s Gate, a hot springs resort that specializes in mud pools, wellness services and erupting waters. Take a stroll around the geothermal waterfalls and terraces then sit back and relax in your own pool as the natural muds do their work.
Warning: I’ve heard it’s very hard to remove the mud from your bathing suit so don’t wear your best suit!
22. Go for a ride on the Skyline Rotorua luge
Sure, Rotorua is pretty from the ground, but why not take in the view from above? At Skyline Rotorua, you can appreciate the rolling hills, geothermal centres and lakes of the Bay of Plenty from the perfect vantage point. Get up to some fun when you take the gondola up to the viewing platform. From there you can go on luge rides, try the zipline, go mountain biking, experience the SkySwing or just enjoy some food, drinks and boutique shopping.
Colin and I went to Skyline Queenstown on our trip to New Zealand and I loved seeing the view over the city. Colin tried out the luge and had an amazing time. Though I hear the luge tracks are even better at Skyline Rotorua!
23. Grab a bite on Eat Streat
Eat Streat, as the name implies, is the place to eat in downtown Rotorua. This covered street is chock full of restaurants and can get quite busy during weekends and holidays. Top spots on this street include Picnic Café, Lady Janes Ice Cream Parlour, Ambrosia and Atticus Finch.
We went to Atticus Finch for lunch and loved our pork belly sandwich, lamb tacos and chips (or french fries). Of course, we also had to try New Zealand’s most famous dessert (or Australia’s, depending on who you talk to), pavlova. The meringue of the pavlova was perfectly complimented with a raspberry and rhubarb coulis.
24. Go for a free dip in Kerosene Creek
I’ve mentioned a few great options for taking a soak in Rotorua but so far, all of those options have been paid. If you’re looking for a free Rotorua hot pool more off the beaten path, check out Kerosene Creek. The secret is out about this natural hot spring located near Wai-o-tapu, but the experience still remains free.
Of course, being a free site, there aren’t any amenities like bathrooms, change rooms, lifeguards, towels or cafes. But that might be a small price to pay to enjoy a natural hot spring for free!
25. Explore the Buried Village of Te Wairoa
The Buried Village of Te Wairoa boasts being New Zealand’s most visited archeological site. Established as a Christian missionary village in 1848, Te Wairoa was wiped out by the 1886 Mt Tarawera eruption.
Today, the Buried Village is a source of local history and nature. You can visit the museum to learn more about Te Wairoa and the eruption, explore the archeological site, walk the waterfall trail, and introduce your kiddos to a kid-centred scavenger hunt and adventure playground.
26. Have breakfast at Ciabatta Cafe
When I was planning our trip to Rotorua, one of the things I was told I had to do was get a sandwich from Ciabatta Cafe. Located just outside of downtown Rotorua in what appears to be an industrial district, visiting Ciabatta Cafe feels like stumbling upon carbohydrate Nirvana.
Despite its location, the cafe seems to always be bustling with people and freshly baked goods. Colin and I enjoyed a delicious, hearty breakfast sandwich on fresh bread. But my highlight was the passionfruit cronut!
27. Journey through Te Pā Tū
Another option for experiencing Māori culture in Rotorua is an evening at Te Pā Tū. Here the Tamaki Māori Village will share with you its history, traditions, and dreams during a night of of celebration and dining. Your evening starts with a fire ceremony, followed by canapes, stories in the Tawa forest and Kapahaka performances before you enjoy a Hangi and three course dinner.
Both a summer and winter celebration are hosted, focusing on seasonal ingredients, the abundant harvest (in the summer) and the bright stars (in the winter).
28. Check out free geothermal hot springs at Kuirau Park
Looking for free things to do in Rotorua? It doesn’t get better than an afternoon spent wandering around Kuirau Park. This free and central geothermal park is one of the most easily accessible in Rotorua – odds are you drove by it on your way into town and likely noticed the steam coming through the trees!
Walking along the paths, you’ll see a variety of pools of different sizes and colours, steaming and bubbling. Sign posts along the way will fill you in on local flora, fauna and Māori legends. In addition to the geothermal pools you can view, there’s also a small hot pool you can dip your feet in, playgrounds, bathrooms and gardens. Colin and I spent an afternoon at Kuirau Park and really enjoyed it!
What to do in Rotorua if you only have one day
Only have one day in Rotorua, New Zealand? While I recommend spending 2-3 days in the area to really experience everything Rotorua has to offer, you can still squeeze a lot into a 1 day Rotorua itinerary. Here’s how I suggest you spend one day in Rotorua:
Start with breakfast at the Ciabatta Cafe. Order a sandwich on fresh baked bread and don’t forget to add in a pastry or two (I suggest the passionfruit cronut!). Fuelled up for the day, spend your morning exploring a geothermal park. You can visit Wai-o-tapu Thermal Wonderland in time for Lady Knox‘s daily eruption or take to the paths of Waimangu Volcanic Valley. If you prefer a free option, visit Kuirau Park.
For lunch, head to Eat Streat and grab a bite wherever your stomach is leading. I can highly recommend Atticus Finch, but any eatery on this street will do. After lunch you can drive just a few minutes away to the Polynesian Spa for a relaxing afternoon of soaking in hot pools or indulging in a massage. If you’d rather be more active, consider the Redwoods Treewalk, luge rides at Skyline Rotorua or whitewater rafting.
Lastly, you’ll end your day with dinner and cultural performances at Mitai Māori Village!
To recap, your 1 day Rotorua itinerary:
- Breakfast at Ciabatta Cafe
- Visit a geothermal park
- Lunch on Eat Streat
- Relax at the Polynesian Spa or enjoy nature nearby
- Māori cultural dinner and show
Getting there: How do you get from Auckland to Rotorua?
Rotorua is about halfway down the North Island, between the Bay of Plenty region and the Waikato region, on Lake Rotorua. From Auckland to Rotorua is about a three hour drive. If you’re self-driving or travelling onwards, many people go from Rotorua to Taupo, which is about a one hour drive.
Don’t want to drive yourself? Visit Rotorua on a day trip from Auckland or take a one-way tour from Auckland to spend more time in Rotorua!
A popular stop on the drive from Auckland to Rotorua is Hobbiton! It’s directly on the route, so won’t add any time to your drive, and gives you a nice place to stretch your legs. Many tour buses include a stop at Hobbiton and many self-drivers make the stop too. Find out if the Hobbiton set tour is worth stopping at on your New Zealand trip!
Check out buses from Auckland to Rotorua here or find a rental car through the link below (we used Discover Cars for our New Zealand road trip and it saved us hundreds of dollars!):
How many days should I spend in Rotorua?
Sadly, many people only visit Rotorua on a quick day trip from Auckland. Since it’s a three hour drive one way, and you’ll likely want to stop at Hobbiton, a day trip will really only give you a sliver of what Rotorua has to offer. If a day is all you have, it’s better than nothing (check out my 1 day Rotorua itinerary above).
But as you’ve seen in this post, there are so many things to do in Rotorua that I would suggest spending two to three days in the city.
We spent two nights in Rotorua during our April 2023 New Zealand trip and packed our days pretty full. Honestly, I would’ve loved to spend another few nights just to experience more of the place.
Is Rotorua walkable?
The downtown core of Rotorua is walkable. There are hotels in this area and you could walk to restaurants, shops and parks. However, some of the best things to do in Rotorua, like the geothermal parks and Māori cultural areas, are outside of the city centre. The best way to get to them would be by car or tour bus.
Where should I stay in Rotorua? Rotorua accommodation options
There are many Rotorua accommodation options depending on your style and budget. The most popular Rotorua accommodation seems to be independent motels or small hotels. You can find a motel or hotel in Rotorua through the search bar below!
Or you can try something outside the box like Rotorua glamping tents or self-contained cabins. We decided to stay in an Airbnb in Rotorua. It was a converted container offering a clean, modern and cozy little place for us for our two nights.
Conclusion: Enjoy all the things to do in Rotorua, NZ!
Hopefully I’ve convinced you to add Rotorua to your New Zealand trip itinerary! This small city has so much to offer, from geothermal pools and Redwood forests to Māori feasts and kiwi hatcheries.
I had an amazing few days in Rotorua and would love to return to explore everything I missed. It’s clear you won’t run out of awesome things to do in Rotorua!
For more adventure on New Zealand’s North Island, check out:
- Is the Set Tour of Hobbiton Worth It?
- Which Rotorua Geothermal Park Should You Visit?
- 22 Awesome Things to Do in Taupo, New Zealand
- Best of New Zealand North Island Itinerary: 2 Week Road Trip
- An Epic 14 Day Itinerary in New Zealand