The Travel Guide to Rotorua for Families ♨️ [2023]

© Destination Rotorua

Family Adventure Activities

When it comes to outdoor activities in Rotorua for families, it’s all about experiencing the forces of nature!

Family-Friendly Geothermal Parks

Don’t miss the geothermal attractions like Wai-O-Tapu and the Waimangu Volcanic Valley. Wai-O-Tapu is one of the most popular geothermal parks in Rotorua, home of the orange-lined Champagne Pool, the vibrant green Devil’s Bath and the Lady Knox Geyser. A walking tour around Wai-O-Tapu is ideal for families on limited time. Learn more on Viator or Tripadvisor.

Alternatively, enjoy the multitude of walks and even a boat cruise at the Waimangu Volcanic Valley. See spectacular craters, huge steaming lakes, bubbling hot springs and all sorts of geothermal features. While families can enjoy a longer outing at this geothermal park, there is a bus running up and down the valley should you want to cut it short or give the little ones’ legs a rest. See Waimangu Volcanic Valley’s page on Viator, Tripadvisor or Klook for more details and (sometimes) discounted tickets.

Rainbow Springs

Learn more about nature, particularly New Zealand’s birds and the famous kiwi bird, at Rainbow Springs. It’s the ultimate family outing in Rotorua with aviaries of New Zealand’s native birds, trout pools, a kiwi hatchery and nocturnal house and a few fun attractions to let the kids loose on, like the Playscapes and Water Play installations. Don’t miss a ride on the Big Splash Water Ride too. Oh yeah, and a Maori show is also available. Check out Rainbow Springs on Viator, Tripadvisor or KKday.

Redwoods Treewalk

Daytime or under the beautiful night lighting, families can enjoy an eco-experience on the Redwoods Treewalk. Look out for unique birdlife and see the forest from a whole new perspective on the 700m (766-yard)-long walkway with 28 suspension bridges taking around 40 minutes to complete. When you’re done, enjoy some of the family-friendly walks and bike trails of the Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest (more on that below).

For more outdoor activities, check out the 20 Things to Do in Rotorua with Kids.

© Agrodome Rotorua - Destination Rotorua

Family All-Weather Activities

Sure, the weather doesn’t always play ball in Rotorua. Luckily, there are plenty of activities to still have an amazing time with the family.

Rotorua Duck Tours

A duck doesn’t care if it’s raining, so why should you? Jump in one of these wacky WW2 amphibious buses 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, Tripadvisor or Klook.

Rotorua Farm Show

Another way to enjoy a rainy day in Rotorua, or in any type of weather, in fact, is at Agrodome. This is one of the top sheep shows and farm tours of the country, where you have the option to watch a show on sheep shearing and wool spinning or see the variety of farming that happens in New Zealand on the farm tour – or both! Farmers will introduce you to sheep, cattle, deer, llamas, alpacas, emus and ostriches to feed them, while you’ll also get a chance for a feed with organic fruit orchard and honey tastings. Learn more about Agrodome on Viator, Tripadvisor and KKday.

For more ideas, check out the 15 Things to Do in Rotorua on a Rainy Day.

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Free Family Activities

Surrounded by stunning lakes, geothermal features and various types of forests, Rotorua is a place you can also enjoy for free with its breathtaking natural attractions.

Family Walks in Rotorua

The Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest is a good place to start when it comes to free walks in Rotorua for families, home to two fantastic short walks. Take the Redwood Memorial Grove Track on boardwalks over a thermal pond or the Waitawa Walk to spend more time among the giant Douglas firs and silver fern trees.

A day trip to one of the 18 lakes surrounding Rotorua is also an option to keep things affordable for families. We like Blue Lake, which has good swimming beaches, an easy-going walkway and a children’s playground. Alternatively, Lake Okareka is a great place for a picnic and has a stroller-friendly boardwalk through the wetlands. See more walks in the 11 Must-Do Walks in Rotorua.

For more free ideas on what to do for free, check out the 13 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Rotorua.