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 Maori 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 10 Best 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. Find out more about this tour on Viator and Tripadvisor. 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. More information can be found on Viator and Tripadvisor. 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 (pick-ups are available).
© Rotorua Paddle Tours - Destination Rotorua2. 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 beginners to experienced riders. Find out more about Adventure Playground’s horse trek on Viator and Tripadvisor.
Location: 451 Ngongotaha Road, approximately 7km (4 miles) from Rotorua city centre.
© NZPocketGuide.com3. 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 11 Must-Do Walks in Rotorua.
Location: Rotorua Walkway access off Oruawhata Drive in the city centre. Blue Lake Walk – Tarawera Road, approximately 10km (6 miles) from Rotorua city centre.
© NZPocketGuide.com4. 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 pools complexes to discover in Rotorua, from the luxurious lakeview private pools of the Polynesian Spa (more info on Klook, KKday, Viator and Tripadvisor) to the mud pools of Hell’s Gate (on Viator, Tripadvisor, Klook or Kkday). 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. Find out more about the tour on Viator and Tripadvisor. Check out more hot pool options in the 10 Damn Relaxing Hot Pools in New Zealand.
Location: Tours depart from 1167 Fenton Street, Rotorua city centre.
© Polynesian Spa - Destination Rotorua5. 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, Tripadvisor and Klook.
Location: 525 Ngongotaha Road, approximately 5km (3 miles) from Rotorua city centre.
© NZPocketGuide.com6. 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, Tripadvisor and Klook. Plus, see more tours like this in the 10 Luxury Experiences in Rotorua.
Location: Lakefront Drive, Rotorua city centre.
© Volcanic Air - Destination Rotorua7. 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 5km (3 miles) from Rotorua city centre.
© Redwoods Treewalk - Destination Rotorua8. Fly Through the Trees Together on a Ziplining Tour
Strengthen your bond by conquering a multitude of ziplines some 22m (72ft) high in the forest with Rotorua Canopy Tours. While shorter tours are available, a no-brainer for couples is The Ultimate Canopy Tour, a 3h30mins 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 Viator, Tripadvisor, Klook or KKday.
Location: 147 Fairy Springs Road, approximately 5km (3 miles) from Rotorua city centre. Pick-ups are available.
© Destination Rotorua9. 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 their 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 5km (3 miles) from Rotorua city centre.
© Volcanic Hills - Destination Rotorua10. Treat Your Loved One to a Romantic Dinner at Rotorua’s Restaurants
Speaking of the Skyline Gondola as mentioned in point #9, 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 Foodie 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.
© Pixabay11. Have a Soak at the Secret Spot
A hot pools 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, Tripadvisor or Klook.
Location: 13/33 Waipa State Mill Road, Whakarewarewa, approximately 5.5km (3.4 miles) from Rotorua city centre.
© Secret Spot Hot Tubs Rotorua12. Experience a Maori 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 Maori welcoming ceremony. Watch as performers do the elegant poi dance and the fierce haka before guests are treated to a hāngī banquet. Find out more about Te Puia’s night tour on Klook, KKday and Tripadvisor.
Location: 13/33 Waipa State Mill Road, Whakarewarewa, approximately 5.5km (3.4 miles) from Rotorua city centre.
© Te Puia - Destination RotoruaMore 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:
- 20 Rotorua Must-Dos
- 10 Best Luxury Experiences in Rotorua
- 15 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Rotorua
- 5 Free Natural Hot Pools in Rotorua
- 21 Awesome Places to Visit in Rotorua
Finally, plan more of your itinerary around the North Island with the North Island Honeymoon Itinerary: Two Weeks and North Island Honeymoon Itinerary: One Week.
