Rotorua – Guide for Backpackers ♨️ [2023]

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Affordable Geothermal Parks in Rotorua

At first, the smell of rotten eggs wrapping up the city can be a bit off-putting but this small detail is just the first sign of the powerful activity that is happening underground. Hot mud pools, geysers and craters: Rotorua is a reminder that the earth is a living and breathing mechanism. Here are a few options to enjoy Earth’s power when backpacking in Rotorua.

Waimangu Volcanic Valley

The Waimangu Volcanic Valley is a 17 km (10.5 mi) rift in a mountain split in half by an eruption. The seven craters around display colourful lakes, small geysers and silica terraces. See them all by taking various walks through the valley down to Lake Rotomahana, where you can hop on a cruise to see more amazing geysers and steaming cliffs.

Have a look at the 10 Free Natural Attractions in Rotorua for similar experiences.

Wai-O-Tapu

Wai-O-Tapu is a geothermal park, home to the Lady Knox Geyser, huge mud pools and what are considered to be New Zealand’s most colourful geothermal attractions. It is one of our favourite spots in Rotorua. Be aware though, the Lady Knox Geyser only erupts once daily, at 10:15 am, so time your visit accordingly.

Plus, for more natural wonders visit our guide, Natural Wonders of New Zealand.

Te Puia

The most famous thermal area in Rotorua is Te Puia, combining Maori cultural experience and geothermal attractions like the Pohutu Geyser that erupts 30 m (100 ft) high and over 20 times per day. Check it out on Klook and KKday.

Compare all of Rotorua’s geothermal parks and more in the 8 Best Geothermal Parks in New Zealand.

Free Hot Pools

Nothing feels better than relaxing in soothing natural hot water after a long day in a bus, car or hiking. Rotorua has many spas around filled with the famous geothermally heated mineral waters. On a backpacker budget, however, we recommend visiting the free hot springs, like Kerosene Creek, the Wai-O-Tapu Secret Spot and more. Check out more details and locations of the hot springs in the 5 Free Natural Hot Pools in Rotorua.

© Zorb

Adventure Activities in Rotorua

If your budget allows it, Rotorua has plenty of adventure activities to offer within a short walk, drive or shuttle ride from the city centre.

White Water Rafting

On the Kaituna River, you can raft the highest commercially rafted waterfall in New Zealand, a 7m (23ft) drop into water that is populated by sacred eels and breathtaking scenery. 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 the rafting in Rotorua compares with the 7 Best Places to Go White Water Rafting in New Zealand.

Ziplining Tour

We also love Rotorua Canopy Tours, a 3-hour journey deep into virgin native New Zealand forest. Stand up to 22 m high in the forest, zip-lining from tree to tree. 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.

Weird Extreme Activities

Other activities include Zorb: going down a hill in a huge hamster ball, Shweeb: a suspended aerodynamic capsule on track, or luging. Luge is essentially downhill go-karting simple, but heaps of fun. Grab a bunch of mates and race to the finish!

For more epic activities that are affordable, check out the 15 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Rotorua.

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The Maori Culture of Rotorua

Rotorua is a perfect example of living history; the term often used to describe the city applies perfectly to this mix of technology, ancient beliefs and ancient geothermal wonders.

Maori Villages and Shows

The many Maori village attractions in Rotorua await you to share their stories, legends, songs and myths. Immerse yourself in the rich Maori culture in one of the five main villages:

• Te Pa Tu (formerly Tamaki Maori Village – more info on Viator and Klook)
• Mitai Maori Village
• Te Puia
• Whakarewarewa: The Living Maori Village (on Viator and Klook)
• Buried Village of Te Wairoa.

You will be treated to traditional food like a hangi, a roast cooked with your help in an oven underground, while an elder tells you the story of his ancestors. The young warriors will train for combat in front of you and teach you their famous haka dance. Be prepared with the Maori etiquette by checking out our guide on what to do when entering a Marae (a Maori meeting place).

Get more information in 10 Places to Experience Maori Culture in New Zealand.

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Hikes Around Rotorua

On the hiking side of backpacking in Rotorua, there are many tracks and trails around worth visiting. Get the full list and track descriptions from the 11 Must-Do Walks in Rotorua. Otherwise, see below for a quick overview of the highlights.

Redwood Memorial Grove Track (30 Minutes)

The Redwood Memorial Grove Track will take you on a journey deep into the Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest, it is also a great place to mountain bike.

Okere Falls Track (30 Minutes)

This waterfall is the site of white water rafting, kayaking and sledging. Take a walk to the falls to watch people get their adrenaline rush. Get there by taking State Highway 33, about 21 km (13 mi) from Rotorua. Drive down Trout Pool Road to find the track to Okere Falls.

Blue Lake Track (1 Hour)

Starting from the northwest corner of the Blue Lake Reserve, the Blue Lake Track is only 1 hour but passes through an exotic forest, isolated beach and a worthwhile view of the Green and Blue Lake.

Rotorua City Walkway (4-5 Hours)

The Rotorua City Walkway runs for 26 km and will lead you to all the important historic sites of the area. Start at Kuirau Park.

Maunga Kākaramea (Rainbow Mountain) Crater Lake Walk (15 Minutes)

About 15-minute drive south of Rotorua, Maunga Kākaramea’s Crater Lake Walk will amaze any volcano fans, with a great view of the crater lake. Also, hike the Maunga Kākaramea Summit Track (1 hr 30 mins) one way for elevated views of the Wai-O-Tapu thermal area and other lakes.

Hinehopu/Hongi’s Track (1 Hr 30 Mins)

About 30 km (18 mi) north of Rotorua, between Lake Rotoiti and Lake Rotoehu, the Hinehopu or Hongi’s Track follows the steps of chief warrior Hongi Hika.