10 Rotorua Must-Dos© Zorb - Destination Rotorua
10 Rotorua Must-Dos

50 Best Things to Do in Rotorua ♨️ [2024]

© Zorb – Destination Rotorua
Article Single Pages© NZPocketGuide.com
Article Single Pages© NZPocketGuide.com
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The Best Rotorua Activities

Not many people come to New Zealand without visiting Rotorua. Action, relaxation, culture, nature… This geothermal hotspot has it all in the centre of the North Island. With a rich cultural history, it will come as no surprise that experiencing the Māori culture is one of the must-dos in Rotorua, while geothermal parks, native bird parks and adventurous ziplining are also on the menu. Make planning your travel itinerary a little easier by scrolling down this list of the very best things to do in Rotorua.

Before we dive into the best things to do in Rotorua, be sure to bookmark The Complete Travel Guide to Rotorua and The 50 Best Accommodations in Rotorua, which we’re sure you’ll find super useful.

1. See Some Geothermal Wonders

As cliché as it sounds, Rotorua really is a hotbed for geothermal activity in New Zealand. Colourful pools, silica terraces, steamy lakes, geysers and more can be found in various locations around it city. But what are the best geothermal parks in Rotorua?

For vibrant colourful and steamy lakes, visit Wai-O-Tapu, while Te Puia has the largest and most impressive geyser in the area. Alternatively, Waimangu Volcanic Valley covers a much larger area with spectacular craters, huge steaming lakes, bubbling hot springs and more.

Otherwise, there are plenty of free geothermal attractions for your dose of steamy lakes and bubbling mud, such as Kuirau Park and the bubbling Waiotapu Mud Pools. For more ideas, take a look at the 10 Best Geothermal Parks in Rotorua & New Zealand.

Location: Wai-O-Tapu – Waiotapu Loop Road, 53 km (33 mi) from Rotorua. Te Puia – Hemo Road, Rotorua. Waimangu Volcanic Valley – 587 Waimangu Road, 25 km (15.5 mi) from Rotorua town centre. Kuirau Park – Kuirau Street, Rotorua town centre. Waiotapu Mud Pools – Waiotapu Loop Road, 27 km (17 mi) south of Rotorua.

NZPocketGuide.com© NZPocketGuide.com

2. Relax in a Natural Hot Pool

On the subject of geothermal activity, Rotorua is the place to be for unwinding in a naturally heated hot pool. Choose from the convenience of the Polynesian Spa in Rotorua city centre overlooking Lake Rotorua (more info on Klook or KKday), Wai Ariki Hot Springs in the city centre, or the super affordable Waikite Valley Thermal Pools nestled in native bush. For those of you feeling more adventurous, seek out the free natural hot pool spots like Kerosene Creek. We list those for you in 5 Free Natural Hot Pools in Rotorua, as well as paid hot pools in the 10 Best Hot Pools in New Zealand.

Location: Polynesian Spa – 1000 Hinemoa Street. Wai Ariki Hot Springs – 1047 Whakaue Street. Waikite Valley Thermal Pools – 648 Waikite Valley Road, Waikite Valley, approximately 28 km (17 mi) from Rotorua city centre. Kerosene Creek – Old Waiotapu Road, approximately 28 km (17 mi) south of Rotorua.

NZPocketGuide.com© NZPocketGuide.com

3. Roll Down a Hill in an Inflatable Ball

Yep, it’s one of the wacky activities in Rotorua which is weird yet ridiculously fun. Your hollow inflatable Zorb ball is filled with a little bit of water on the bottom, as well as you and your rolling buddies if you choose, then your ball is unleashed to roll down a hill! Choose from different tracks for this nonsensical tumbling experience. Be aware, once you ride you’ll want to do it again and again… Find out more about Zorb on Viator and Klook.

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

Tourism NZ© Tourism NZ

4. Do The Luge at Skyline Rotorua

Luging is another ridiculously fun sport in Rotorua, but this one is definitely for those who want to get competitive with their mates or family. Hop in a downhill go-kart with controls only to turn, brake and let gravity do its thing! There are three awesome tracks at Skyline Rotorua blasting through the redwood forest complete with twists, turns and tunnels. See more like this in the 10 Things to Do in Rotorua with Kids.

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

NZPocketGuide.com© NZPocketGuide.com

5. Immerse in the Māori Culture

Rotorua is the hub for travellers to experience the culture of the first settlers in New Zealand, the Māori. Watch captivating cultural performances of the haka, indulge in a traditional Māori meal called a hāngī and learn about this fascinating Polynesian culture first-hand.

All the Māori experiences have different drawcards. For example, there are evening tours with a welcoming ceremony, Māori village, performances and a hangi at Te Pā Tū (formerly Tamaki Maori Village – more info on Viator and Klook) and Mitai Māori Village. Te Puia has Māori culture performances and welcoming ceremonies throughout the day at their geothermal park, while Whakarewarewa Living Māori Village (on Viator and Klook) combines Māori traditions and a geothermal environment in their daytime tours.

See more options for Māori shows in the 10 Best Maori Tours in New Zealand and discover more ways you can try Māori food in the 10 Best Foodie Experiences in Rotorua.

Location: Te Pā Tū transport departs from 1220 Hinemaru Street, Rotorua city centre. Mitai Māori Village offers Rotorua accommodation pick-ups. Te Puia – 20 Hemo Road. Whakarewarewa Maori Living Village – 17 Tryon Street.

NZPocketGuide.com© NZPocketGuide.com

6. See Rare Birds at Wingspan

New Zealand has many unique bird species and one of the best places to see some of these rare birds is at Wingspan, the National Bird of Prey Centre. Visit the aviary of these birds in rehabilitation close up, such as the New Zealand falcon and the dwarf owl called a morepork or “ruru” in Māori. Arrive at Wingspan at around 2 pm and you can even watch New Zealand falcon flight displays.

Location: Paradise Valley Road, approximately 8.5 km (5 mi) from Rotorua town centre.

NZPocketGuide.com© NZPocketGuide.com

7. Visit the National Kiwi Hatchery

For more wildlife encounters, visit the National Kiwi Hatchery. A behind-the-scenes tour will give you the chance to see young kiwi birds before they are released into the wild as part of a conservation breeding program. Find out more about passes to the National Kiwi Hatchery on Viator or Klook.

Location: 192 Fairy Springs Road, approximately 5 km (3 mi) from Rotorua city centre.

NZPocketGuide.com© NZPocketGuide.com

8. Walk on Mt Tarawera

Ever wanted to wander around the crater of a volcano? Do just that on Mt Tarawera! This mountain has a hugely significant history in New Zealand with a huge eruption that occurred in 1886 shaping the whole landscape around it. This mountain is only accessible with a guided tour but with the vibrant red volcanic landscape, a scree slope run and breathtaking photo opportunities, this walk even rivals the famous Tongariro Crossing. Kaitiaki Adventures runs walking tours on the mountain. Alternatively, land on Mt Tarawera on a helicopter tour with Volcanic Air (available on Viator and Klook). Plus, see more like this in the 10 Luxury Experiences in Rotorua.

Location: Kaitiaki Adventures – Offers transfers from Rotorua accommodations. Volcanic Air – Lakefront Lakefront Drive.

NZPocketGuide.com© NZPocketGuide.com

9. Raft Down the World’s Highest Commercially Rafted Waterfall

That’s right, if you have that go big or go home mantra then white water rafting the Kaituna River is a must! The biggest feature of the river is a 7 m (23 ft) waterfall, the highest commercially rafted waterfall in New Zealand! Rafting trips are available with River Rats Rafting (more info on Viator and Klook), Kaituna Cascades (on Viator and Klook) and Kaitiaki Adventures. See how this rafting river compares to the 10 Best Places to Go White Water Rafting in New Zealand.

Location: River Rats Rafting – 837 Te Ngae Road, approximately 9 km (5.6 mi) from Rotorua town centre. Kaituna Cascades – 18 Okere Falls Road, approximately 20 km (12 mi) from Rotorua town centre. Kaitiaki Adventures – 1135 Te Ngae Road, approximately 12 km (7 mi) from Rotura town centre.

Pixabay© Pixabay

10. Walk or Cycle in the Redwoods Forest

The Whakawerawera Redwood Forest is one of the most popular attractions in Rotorua – unlike nowhere else in the world with its giant Californian redwood trees combined with New Zealand native ferns. There are various walks to enjoy for all ages, where a walk to a lookout will give you views of Rotorua. Or opt for hurtling down the hills on one of the many mountain bike trails where you can rent electric mountain bikes from Mountain Bike Rotorua.

The forest is also home to the Redwoods Treewalk, which can be done during the day to get a different perspective of the forest high in the canopy or at night to see beautiful light displays. Check out more free activities (related to the walks you can do in the forest) in the 15 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Rotorua.

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

Tourism NZ© Tourism NZ

11. Kayak or SUP Through a Cave of Glowworms

One of the lesser-known activities in Rotorua and lesser-known places to see glowworms in New Zealand, Lake Rotoiti hides a small glowworm cave that you can float into via kayak or paddleboard. 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, Paddle Board Rotorua (more on Viator or Klook) offers a shorter experience to the glowworms on a paddleboard or kayak. See more activities like this in the 10 Most Romantic Things to Do in Rotorua.

Location: Paddle Board Rotorua – Departs 1167 Fenton Street (i-SITE). River Rats Rafts & Kayak – 837 Te Ngae Road, approximately 9 km (5.6 mi) from Rotorua town centre (pick-ups are available).

10 Best Things to Do in Rotorua© Rotorua Paddle Tours - Destination Rotorua

12. Zip Through the Trees with Rotorua Canopy Tours

Adventure-seekers, try out Rotorua Canopy Tours. Their classic small-group tour takes you on a thrilling experience ziplining on six huge ziplines through centuries-old forest. Not only will you soar some 22 m (72 ft) above the ground, but you’ll also learn about the forest on this educational eco-tour. Alternatively, conquer all of the ziplines, including a tandem zipline on “The Ultimate Canopy Tour“. Learn more about Rotorua Canopy Tours on Viator, Klook or KKday. Then, see how it compares to other zippy thrills in the country in the 10 Best Places to Zipline in New Zealand.

Location: 147 Fairy Springs Road, approximately 5 km (3 mi) from Rotorua city centre. Accommodation pick-ups are included.

10 Best Things to Do in Rotorua© Destination Rotorua

13. Experience the Famous Sheep Show and Farm Tour of Agrodome

Make sure all your expectations about how New Zealand is full of sheep are lived up to by checking out the sheep show and farm tour at Agrodome! You’ll have the option to watch a show on sheep shearing and wool spinning or see the variety of New Zealand farming on the farm tour. Or you could do both! Farmers will introduce you to sheep, cattle, deer, llamas, alpacas, emus and ostriches to feed them, while you’ll also get a chance to feed yourself with organic fruit orchard and honey tastings. It’s the ideal tour for families and foodies alike. Learn more about Agrodome on Viator and KKday.

Location: 141 Western Road, 10 km (6 mi) from Rotorua city centre.

20 Best Things to Do in Rotorua© Agrodome Rotorua - Destination Rotorua

14. Take a Day Trip to One of the Lakes of Rotorua

Looking for free things to do in Rotorua? A day trip to one of the 18 lakes surrounding Rotorua is a fun way to spend the day. We like Blue Lake (Lake Tikitapu), which has good swimming beaches, an easy-going walkway and a children’s playground if you have little ones to entertain. Alternatively, Lake Okareka is a great place for a picnic and has a stroller and wheelchair-accessible boardwalk in the wetlands. See more walks in the 20 Best Walks in Rotorua, as well as day trips in The Best Day Trips from Rotorua.

Location: Blue Lake – Tarawera Road, approximately 10 km (6 mi) from Rotorua city centre. Lake Okareka – Acacia Road, approximately 12 km (7 mi) from Rotorua city centre.

20 Best Things to Do in Rotorua© NZPocketGuide.com

15. Get a Dose of Adrenaline at Velocity Valley

The adrenaline-fuelled theme park of Velocity Valley features five exciting rides/experiences, many of which are adrenaline activities that New Zealand is famous for! Jump on the giant swing called “Swoop”, experience the thrills of skydiving at “Freefall Xtreme”, feel the speed and sharp turns of the jet boat “Agrojet”, race each other in the rail capsules of the “Schweeb Racer” and do a pants-wetting lean from the “Rotorua Bungy”.

Location: 1335 Paradise Valley Road, approximately 9 km (6 mi) from Rotorua city centre.

20 Best Things to Do in Rotorua© NZPocketGuide.com

16. Mingle with the Locals and Experience the Street Eats at the Markets

There are a couple of excellent weekly opportunities to buy local artisan goodies, fresh produce and fully prepared meals from food trucks – ideal if you’re a bit of a foodie! Kuirau Park Saturday Market is a must on a Saturday morning (7 am to 1:30 pm) where you can pick up local honey, gelato, artisan bread, organic fruit and vegetables and sample ready-made hot food. What’s more, it’s the only market with free geothermal foot pools, boiling mud pools and a steamy lake to explore!

Can’t make it to the Sunday market? Head to the Rotorua Night Market on Thursday nights (4:30 pm – 8:30 pm in winter and 5 pm – 9 pm in summer) to try international cuisine and local kai (the Māori word for food). Check out similar experiences, as well as eating recommendations in The Food Guide to Rotorua: Places to Eat & Food Tours.

Location: Rotorua Farmers’ Market – Te Manawa, corner of Hinemoa and Tutanekai Streets, Rotorua city centre. Rotorua Night Market – 1029 Tutanekai Street, Rotorua city centre.

20 Best Things to Do in Rotorua© Destination Rotorua

17. Soothe Your Skin (and Get Muddy) at Hell’s Gate

If you can’t get enough of Rotorua’s bubbling mud, then this is your place! At Hell’s Gate, not only can you watch bubbling mud, land coral and other features of their geothermal park, but you can also relax in a mud spa bath to rejuvenate your skin. It’s a hot pool experience with a difference! Book your entry to Hell’s Gate on Viator, Klook or whatever you prefer!

Location: 351 State Highway 30, Tikitere, approximately 16 km (10 mi) or 2o minutes drive from Rotorua city centre.

20 Best Things to Do in Rotorua© Hell's Gate - Destination Rotorua

18. Wander Around the Free Geothermal Park, Kuirau Park

Kuirau Park is a free geothermal park right in the centre of Rotorua, so there’s no excuse not to make it one of the things to do in Rotorua during your visit. The city centre park features steamy lakes, pools, bubbling mud and lots of pukeko – a native bird. You can even bathe your feet in geothermally heated foot baths. Check out more attractions like this in the 10 Free Natural Attractions in Rotorua.

Location: Kuirau Street, Rotorua city centre.

20 Best Things to Do in Rotorua© NZPocketGuide.com

19. Drive the 4WD Challenges of Off Road NZ

Rain or shine, join Off Road NZ for an exciting 4WD self-drive experience. Conquer the challenging trails through the New Zealand bush on the 4WD Bush Safari or leave the driving to the experts on the Monster 4X4 Thrill Ride inside an all-terrain vehicle complete with a roll-cage. If you’re travelling as a group, don’t miss the Raceline Karting experience – a fast go-karting experience on a 1.2 km (0.7 mi) track in Sodi 390cc 4-stroke karts that can reach speeds close to 100 km/h (60 mph). Plus, see more rainy day activities in the 15 Things to Do in Rotorua on a Rainy Day.

Location: 193 Amoore Road, Mamaku, approximately 25 km (16 mi) from Rotorua city centre.

20 Best Things to Do in Rotorua© Off Road NZ

20. See One of the North Island’s Most Stunning and Off-the-Beaten-Track Forests with Foris Eco-Tours

A small-group or private tour sets the right tone for exploring one of the most stunning forests in New Zealand. Get off the tourist trail with Foris Eco-Tours on either their Whirinaki Forest Tour or Bird Watching Tour and delve into the 1,000-year-old Whirinaki Forest. Venture along the hiking trails of a dense rainforest with mighty natives like kahikatea, matai, miro, rimu and totara towering above, covered in thousands of moss species and home to a wealth of unique New Zealand birds. The experience includes lunch and the guidance of a professional guide and photographer.

Location: Pick-ups are available from Rotorua accommodation.

20 Best Things to Do in Rotorua© Foris Eco-Tours

21. Enjoy a Guided Horse Trek

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. See how their trip compares to the 10 Best Horse Treks in New Zealand.

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

20 Best Things to Do in Rotorua© Adventure Playground

22. Have a Soak at the Secret Spot

An alternative hot pool experience, Secret Spot Hot Tubs is where you can indulge in your own private hot tub. 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. Tubs fit up to six people each. Book your hot tub session on Viator or Klook. The hot tubs are also one of the 10 Things to Do in Rotorua at Night.

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

20 Best Things to Do in Rotorua© Secret Spot Hot Tubs Rotorua

23. Get Some Hilarious Photos from the 3D Trick Art Gallery

Indoor attractions are definitely worth keeping in mind if you find yourself in Rotorua on a rainy day. Introducing 3D Trick Art Gallery! But this isn’t just any old art gallery. You’ll become part of more than 50 pieces of art, from 3D wall murals to convincing portraits.

Location: 171 Fairy Springs Road, Fairy Springs, approximately 4.5 km (2.8 mi) from Rotorua city centre.

20 Best Things to Do in Rotorua© 3D Trick Art Gallery

24. See Rotorua’s Sights and Lakes with Rotorua Duck Tours

Whatever the weather, jump in one of the unmissable WW2 amphibious buses of Rotorua Duck Tours for a comprehensive tour of Rotorua’s city highlights, hot pools and historical sites, as well as into the famous natural attractions, the Blue Lake and Lake Orareka. Learn more about Rotorua Duck Tours on Viator or Klook. Plus, see more activities like this in the 15 Things to Do in Rotorua on a Rainy Day.

Location: 1241 Fenton Street, Rotorua city centre.

25 Best Things to Do in Rotorua ♨️ [2023]© Viator

25. Go for a Bite to Eat on Eat Streat and Beyond

Dining in Rotorua is kind of a big deal, especially since there is a whole street dedicated to eating called “Eat Streat”. A top name on such a street is Atticus Finch, which specialises in innovative plates designed to be shared. To share Kiwis’ love for Vietnamese food, head to Saigon ’60s for its authentic pho noodle soups and egg coffee. For something more “New Zealand”, book a table at Mokoia Restaurant at the Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort for local fare prepared with indigenous herbs and spices. At The Regent Room in the Regent of Rotorua, try their indigenous degustation menu. Check out more recommendations in The Food Guide to Rotorua and The Top Cheap Eats in Rotorua.

Location: Atticus Finch – 1106 Tutanekai Street, Eat Street. Saigon 60s – 1205 Fenton Street. Mokoia Restaurant – 77 Robinson Avenue. The Regent Room – 1057 Arawa Street.

20 Best Things to Do in Rotorua© NZPocketGuide.com

26. Zipline Over Okere Falls

Rotorua Ziplines is Rotorua’s new kid in the trees, a series of exciting ziplines through native forest and over the tumultuous rapids of the Kaituna River and Okere Falls. The eco-tour also provides an educational experience in learning about the local flora, fauna and culture, as well as gives guests the opportunity to plant a tree to add to the natural beauty. Learn more about Rotorua Ziplines on Viator and Klook.

Location: 761 State Highway 33, Okere Falls, approximately 20.5 km (13 mi) from Rotorua city centre.

25 Best Things to Do in Rotorua ♨️ [2024]© Rotorua Ziplines - Viator

27. Go on a Glowworm Mission

That’s right, it’s not just Waitomo that has amazing displays of New Zealand’s endemic glowworms! Join Real Rotorua for an after-dark journey to a little-known spot awash in glowworms and cascading waterfalls – like something out of a fairytale! The three-hour tour involves a short drive, then a short but enchanting bushwalk under moss-covered cliffs.

Location: Tours depart 1167 Fenton Street (i-SITE), Rotorua city centre.

25 Best Things to Do in Rotorua ♨️ [2024]© Real Rotorua - Viator

28. See the Master Carvers at Work at Mountain Jade

Just like you don’t need to go to Waitomo to see glowworms, you don’t have to venture to the West Coast to immerse in the pounamu culture of New Zealand. Pounamu, also known as greenstone or jade, is an integral part of the Māori culture, carved into wonderful pieces of art. Learn all about the practice on a guided tour at Mountain Jade, which includes a piece of pounamu to keep.

Location: 1288 Fenton Street, Rotorua, Rotorua city centre.

25 Best Things to Do in Rotorua ♨️ [2024]© Mountain Jade - Viator

29. Marvel at the Waters of Hamurana Springs

Next on our list of Rotorua tourist attractions is Hamurana Springs. A cool natural feature of the Rotorua area is this crystal-clear spring. Take a 15-minute walk to get to the springs with decking viewpoints looking over the springs. Note that there is an admission fee to this attraction.

Location: 773 Hamurana Road, Hamurana, approximately 17 km (10.5 mi) out of Rotura. Follow State Highway 36 to Hamurana.

25 Best Things to Do in Rotorua ♨️ [2024]© NZPocketGuide.com

30. Hike, Cruise or Camp at Lake Tarawera

With waterfalls, natural hot pools and not to mention stunning lake and volcano scenery, Lake Tarawera is an awesome day trip or overnight trip from Rotorua. While there are options to go with activity providers on the lake, an alternative is to hike the Tarawera Trail from Te Wairoa for five hours to Hot Water Beach where you can bathe in some natural hot pools and stay the night in the campsite. Return water taxis are available. Find out more on the DOC website.

Location: Te Wairoa car park on Tarawera Road (the car park is locked at night for security), approximately 15.5 km (10 mi) from Rotorua city centre.

25 Best Things to Do in Rotorua ♨️ [2024]© NZPocketGuide.com

20 More Things to Do in Rotorua

That’s the top things to do in Rotorua but if, for some ungodly reason, you still didn’t find the perfect experience in this hot spot, check out 20 more things to do in Rotorua…

Adventure Experiences

  1. Katoa Jet – Adrenaline-fuelled experience and sightseeing on Lake Rotorua – 1 Lakefront Drive
  2. River Sledging with Kaitiaki Adventures – Hit the rapids of the Okere River on a rafting sledge – 1135 Te Ngae Road
  3. 4WD Tour with Adventure Playground – Explore rolling farmlands on a self-drive off-road buggy adventure – 451 Ngongotaha Road
  4. Hot Pool Kayaking Tour with River Rats Raft & Kayak – Kayak across Lake Rotoiti to some lesser-known hot pools – 837 Te Ngae Road
  5. Hobbiton Day Tour with GreatSights – Head to the famous movie set of Hobbiton and back from Rotorua – 1167 Fenton Street.

Cultural Experiences

  1. Buried Village of Te Wairoa – Take a guided tour of the site of a historical Maori village buried by the Mt Tarawera eruption – 1180 Tarawera Road
  2. Kahukiwi Experiences – An authentic private or small-group cultural tour with a local Maori family – Transfers included
  3. Ohinemutu Māori Village – An inner-city suburb with Maori architecture and sights within walking distance of Rotorua city centre – Tunohopu Street
  4. Totally Tarawera – Lake Tarawera cruises to hidden waterfalls and hot pools with a cultural focus – 100 Spencer Road
  5. Government Gardens Tour with Rotorua Museum – Although the museum is closed, guides from the Rotorua Museum offer a free tour of the surrounding gardens – Oruawhata Drive.

Nature Experiences

  1. Thermal Path Tour with Real Rotorua – Visit the off-the-beaten-track geothermal parks and hot springs – Departs 1167 Fenton Street
  2. Te Auheke Track/Cascades Track – A 40-minute walk which passes cliff faces with moss, ferns and thousands of glowworms at night before reaching the pretty Cascade Falls – Lake Ōkataina Road
  3. Mt Ngongotaha Nature Loop Track – Beautiful 1-hour forest walk close to town – Paradise Valley Road
  4. Lake Ōkāreka Walkway – A 1 hr 30 mins boardwalk over wetland and lake shores – 50/62 Acacia Road
  5. Geothermal Valley Tour with Elite Adventures Rotorua Tours – Small-group guided excursion to Rotorua’s top geothermal parks – Departs 20 Queens Drive.

City Experiences

  1. Rotorua Mini Golf with Rabbits – Exactly what it says on the tin! – 152 Fairy Springs Road
  2. Rotorua Library – Te Aka Mauri – Read a good book, use the WiFi and browse the collection of Maori literature – 1127 Haupapa Street
  3. Wai Ariki Hot Springs – Lesser-known city centre hot pools and spa – 1047 Whakaue Street
  4. Motion Entertainment – Huge indoor entertainment park with mini golf, escape rooms, bowling and more – 366 Te Ngae Road
  5. Rotorua Tattoo Parlours – The place to get a Maori-inspired tattoo – See Where to Get a Tattoo in New Zealand for recommendations.

More Must-Dos and Things to Do in Rotorua

That’s it for the best things to do in Rotorua but by no means is the end of our Rotorua travel tips! Check out the following guides for more travel inspiration:

Finally, if you found this guide useful then you might find planning the rest of your trip super easy with the North Island in Two Weeks: New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary and North Island in One Week: New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary.

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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