12 Most Romantic Things to Do in Rotorua for Couples 💑 [2024]© Polynesian Spa - Destination Rotorua
12 Most Romantic Things to Do in Rotorua for Couples 💑 [2024]

20 Most Romantic Things to Do in Rotorua for Couples 💑 [2024]

© Polynesian Spa – Destination Rotorua

Romantic Experiences in Rotorua

Rotorua is essential on the honeymoon itinerary, while also offering a fantastic romantic weekend away. While it might be famous for its geothermal features and Māori culture, there are a few romantic additions to the lakeside town that might surprise you and enhance the romance. Did you know you could kayak under glowworms in Rotorua? Do a tandem zipline through lush forest? Walk through a unique treetop light display at night? Delight that special someone with these romantic things to do in Rotorua for couples.

For more advice on planning the perfect getaway, see The Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to Rotorua and the 15 Most Romantic Accommodations in Rotorua.

1. Kayak or SUP Through a Cave of Glowworms

Join River Rats Rafts & Kayak for a sunset paddle on Lake Rotoiti where you’ll drift through glowworm caves, soak in natural hot springs and conclude with a picnic barbecue dinner. Alternatively, opt for a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) for a similar-but-different adventure with Paddle Board Rotorua. They offer a shorter tour to see Lake Rotoiti’s hidden glowworm cave only. Kayaking with them is also available. Plus, discover more evening entertainment in the 10 Things to Do in Rotorua at Night.

Location: Paddle Board Rotorua – 1167 Fenton Street. River Rats Rafts & Kayak – 837 Te Ngae Road (transfers are available).

10 Romantic Activities in Rotorua for Couples© Rotorua Paddle Tours - Destination Rotorua

2. Enjoy the Romantic Views on a Guided Horse Trek

What could be more romantic than riding with your loved one on a majestic steed? Well, riding with your loved one on a majestic steed with breathtaking views of Lake Rotorua! Adventure Playground offers guided horse treks on the hills of Mt Ngongotaha where you’ll wind through native forest to open hills overlooking Rotorua and the lake. The tour is suitable for both beginners and experienced riders.

Location: 451 Ngongotaha Road, approximately 7 km (4 mi) from Rotorua city centre.

10 Romantic Activities in Rotorua for Couples© NZPocketGuide.com

3. Walk Hand-in-Hand on Rotorua’s Picture-Perfect Walks

And if you are looking for activities to help stick to your honeymoon/getaway budget, never fear. Rotorua has a wealth of scenic walking trails in and around the city. A romantic stroll along the lakefront at sunset on the Rotorua Walkway is an easy go-to for couples, while those looking to escape to nature may enjoy the Blue Lake Walk around Lake Tikitapu. Find out more about these walks and others in the 20 Best Walks in Rotorua.

Location: Rotorua Walkway access off Oruawhata Drive in the city centre. Blue Lake Walk – Tarawera Road, approximately 10 km (6 mi) from Rotorua city centre.

10 Romantic Activities in Rotorua for Couples© NZPocketGuide.com

4. Unwind in a Natural Mineral Hot Pool

And a must-do in Rotorua is unwinding in some of its glorious hot pools. There are several amazing thermal pool complexes to discover in Rotorua, from the luxurious lakeview private pools of the Polynesian Spa (more info on Klook and KKday) to the mud pools of Hell’s Gate (on Viator and Klook). Alternatively, experience some of the off-the-beaten-track offerings with Real Rotorua, who offer small-group tours to see hidden gems like Rainbow Mountain, the Waiotapu Boardwalk with mud pools and ending at the less-visited Waikite Valley Thermal Pools. Check out more hot pool options in the 10 Best Hot Pools in New Zealand.

Location: Polynesian Spa – 1000 Hinemoa Street. Hell’s Gate – 351 State Highway 30, Tikitere. Real Rotorua tours depart from 1167 Fenton Street, Rotorua city centre.

10 Romantic Activities in Rotorua for Couples© Polynesian Spa - Destination Rotorua

5. Roll Down a Hill in a Giant Hamster Ball Together

Sometimes you just have to get silly together and it doesn’t get more silly than rolling down a hill in an oversized inflatable hamster ball with Zorb. The Zorb ball is lined with shallow water so you’ll keep (almost) upright as you roll down one of the downhill tracks together in the same ball. Warm up between runs in the spa pool while you watch others roll down the hill. Check out Zorb on Viator and Klook.

Location: 525 Ngongotaha Road, approximately 5 km (3 mi) from Rotorua city centre.

10 Romantic Activities in Rotorua for Couples© NZPocketGuide.com

6. Fly Over Rotorua’s Volcano, Lakes and Geothermal Landscape

With awe-inspiring views and an intimate set-up, a scenic flight in Rotorua is undoubtedly a romantic thing to do. Cosy up and enjoy the views of the lunar-like terrain of Mt Tarawera and its fiery red crater. Soar over the various lakes surrounding Rotorua and the geothermal valleys paved through the landscape. Volcanic Air offers several options to experience this via helicopter or floatplane. Check out Volcanic Air’s tours on Viator and Klook. Plus, see more tours like this in the 10 Best Luxury Experiences in Rotorua.

Location: Lakefront Drive, Rotorua city centre.

10 Romantic Activities in Rotorua for Couples© Volcanic Air - Destination Rotorua

7. Enjoy the Pretty Light Show of the Redwoods Treewalk at Night

Walking through the giant Californian redwood forest of Whakawerawera is a romantic experience in itself but things are heightened further with the Redwoods Treewalk at night. As you walk across 28 suspension bridges high in the canopy of the Whakawerawera Forest, marvel at the exquisite lanterns decorating the trees in this unique night lights experience.

Location: Longmile Road, approximately 5 km (3 mi) from Rotorua city centre.

10 Romantic Activities in Rotorua for Couples© Redwoods Treewalk - Destination Rotorua

8. Fly Through the Trees Together on a Ziplining Tour

Strengthen your bond by conquering a multitude of ziplines some 22 m (72 ft) high in the forest with Rotorua Canopy Tours. While shorter tours are available, a no-brainer for couples is “The Ultimate Canopy Tour”, a 3 hr 30 mins adventure including a tandem zipline so you can soar through the forest at the same time. The eco-tour allows you to get close to nature in vibrant native forest where you’re likely to meet forest residents like native robins, tui and kereru. Learn more about Rotorua Canopy Tours on ViatorKlook or KKday.

Location: 147 Fairy Springs Road, approximately 5 km (3 mi) from Rotorua city centre. Transfers are available.

10 Romantic Activities in Rotorua for Couples© Destination Rotorua

9. Indulge in Local Wines and Platters at Volcanic Hills Winery

Nothing concludes a day out in Rotorua together quite like a special dining experience with your loved one. Indulge the senses at Volcanic Hills Winery and its tasting room located at the top of the Skyline Gondola. Absorb in the spectacular views of Lake Rotorua while you sip on locally-produced wines and share a gourmet platter.

Location: Take the gondola from 178 Fairy Springs Road, approximately 5 km (3 mi) from Rotorua city centre.

10 Romantic Activities in Rotorua for Couples© Volcanic Hills - Destination Rotorua

10. Treat Your Loved One to a Romantic Dinner at Rotorua’s Restaurants

Speaking of the Skyline Gondola, also at the top is the Stratosfare Restaurant, which is ideal for a special romantic meal in Rotorua. The restaurant sets the right tone with its Italian marble, granite, schist, timber and lighting designed by the same designer as the Redwoods Treewalk lights (see point #7). Alternatively, dine on cuisine from the most romantic country in the world at Giovanni’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria. If your loved one prefers something cool and casual, head to the Abracadabra Cafe & Bar serving plates designed to be shared. For more recommendations, check out The Food Guide to Rotorua.

Location: Stratosfare Restaurant – 178 Fairy Springs Road (up the gondola), Giovanni’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria – 346 Te Ngae Road. Abracadabra Cafe & Bar – 1263 Amohia Street.

12 Most Romantic Things to Do in Rotorua for Couples 💑 [2024]© RotoruaNZ

11. Have a Soak at the Secret Spot

A hot pool experience with a difference, Secret Spot Hot Tubs is where you can indulge in your own private hot tub – just the two of you. Nestled in the lush forest of the Waipa Valley are 12 cedar hot tubs with fresh water infused with cedar oil. Situated near many of the mountain biking trails of the Rotorua area, they make a soothing way to end an active day. Book your hot tub session on Viator or Klook.

Location: 13/33 Waipa State Mill Road, Whakarewarewa, approximately 5.5 km (3.4 mi) from Rotorua city centre.

10 Most Romantic Things to Do in Rotorua for Couples© Secret Spot Hot Tubs Rotorua

12. Experience a Māori Cultural Show and a Geothermal Park Lit Up at Night at Te Puia

Visiting a geothermal park any time of the day is a wonderful experience but being lit up by the moonlight adds a romantic flair to the whole thing. Head to Te Puia for one of their evening experiences not only to see the Pohutu Geyser spouting geothermal waters but to enjoy a traditional Māori welcoming ceremony. Watch as performers do the elegant poi dance and the fierce haka before guests are treated to a hāngī banquet.

Location: 13/33 Waipa State Mill Road, Whakarewarewa, approximately 5.5 km (3.4 mi) from Rotorua city centre.

10 Most Romantic Things to Do in Rotorua for Couples© Te Puia - Destination Rotorua

8 More Romantic Things to Do in Rotorua

And for some honourable mentions, here are eight more things to do in Rotorua for couples:

  1. Rotorua Ziplines – Another duel zipline option; this time over the mesmerising Okere Falls – 761 State Highway 33
  2. Real Rotorua Glowworm Tour – Venture to majestic waterfalls and a wall full of glowworms on this hidden gems tour – Meet at 1167 Fenton Street
  3. National Kiwi Hatchery – Cute kiwi chicks at this conservation centre – 192 Fairy Springs Road
  4. The Luge – Get competitive on these downhill go-karts atop the Skyline Gondola – 178 Fairy Springs Road
  5. Kerosene Creek – Visit this free natural hot pool early morning to have the place to yourselves – Old Waiotapu Road
  6. Hamurana Springs – Crystal-clear waters in a fairytale-like forest – 773 Hamurana Road
  7. Wingspan – The National Bird of Prey Centre be awed by cute owls and majestic falcons – 1334 Paradise Valley Road
  8. Te Auheke Track/Cascades Track – See waterfalls cascading down moss and fern-filled cliffs and see glowworms at night – Lake Ōkataina Road.

More About Rotorua for Couples

That’s it for the most romantic things to do in Rotorua for couples. For more experiences that don’t necessarily fall under the “romantic” category but are just as wonderful, check out the following guides:

Finally, plan more of your itinerary around the North Island with the North Island Honeymoon & Romance Itinerary: Two Weeks and North Island Honeymoon & Romance Itinerary: One Week.

Sources:

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

Laura S.

This article has been reviewed and published by Laura, the editor-in-chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Laura is a first-class honours journalism graduate and a travel journalist with expertise in New Zealand and South Pacific tourism for over 10 years. She also runs travel guides for five of the top destinations in the South Pacific and is the co-host of over 250 episodes of the NZ Travel Show on YouTube.

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