The Travel Guide to Rotorua on a Budget 💸 [2023]

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Free Activities in Rotorua

With geothermal attractions, amazing forest reserves, lakes and a whole bunch of walks to experience them all, there are plenty of free ways to enjoy Rotorua.

Free Hot Pools

Get in on some of the geothermal action by dipping in one of Rotorua’s free natural hot pools. One of the highlights is Kerosene Creek (Old Waiotapu Road) with a picturesque waterfall dropping off into a steaming hot pool. The Bridge (Waiotapu Loop Road) or “Secret Spot” near the Wai-O-Tapu geothermal park is also a good option for a free dip after you’ve wandered around one of Rotorua’s most affordable geothermal attractions.

Warning: don’t put your head underwater at any geothermal pool, as there is a risk of contracting amoebic meningitis.

Find more free hot pools and their locations in the 5 Free Natural Hot Pools in Rotorua.

Free Geothermal Park

The cheapest geothermal attraction, however, can be found right in the city centre of Rotorua at Kuirau Park (Kuirau Street). It’s so cheap, it’s free! Wander around the park and see pools of bubbling mud, a steaming lake and some geothermal foot baths. See more attractions like this in the 10 Free Natural Attractions in Rotorua.

Free Walks in Rotorua

Also on the itinerary for a budget trip to Rotorua should be one of the many amazing walks. The Whakawerawera Redwood Forest (Longmile Road) is a popular option with a wealth of walk and bike trails among the Californian redwoods and New Zealand ferns. We also like Maunga Kākaramea (Rainbow Mountain) (1 h 30 mins one way) for its views of a steaming cliff face and summit views of the surrounding countryside.

If you’re feeling fit, why not try the Tarawera Trail (5 hours one way) along Lake Tarawera and all the way to a campsite with yet another free geothermal hot spring flowing into the lake. Boat transport with Totally Tarawera is available to return you back to where you started. For more ideas, check out the 15 Must-Do Walks in Rotorua.

Plus, for more free activities, head to the 15 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Rotorua.

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Cheap Activities in Rotorua

If you have some room in your budget, then these paid activities won’t set you back too far while still providing tons of fun.

Wingspan, The National Bird of Prey Centre

Check out Wingspan, which is the National Bird of Prey Centre (Paradise Valley Road). For only around NZ$30 per adult entry, visitors can see rare New Zealand birds of prey close-up in the rehabilitation centre, such as the New Zealand falcon, morepork (dwarf owl) and harrier hawks. Admission also includes access to a mini-museum, as well as birds of prey flying displays to see these impressive birds in action.

Hamurana Springs

For an off-the-beaten-track nature experience and some of the clearest pools of water you’re ever likely to see, head to Hamurana Springs (773 Hamurana Road). Enjoy a self-guided walk of various lengths for under NZ$20 to see lush native forest, the crystal clear freshwater springs and learn about the culturally significant sites of the area. On-site is also a 9-hole golf course which requires an additional but another affordable fee.

Hell’s Gate

The only mud spa in Rotorua, Hell’s Gate (351 State Highway 30) is a geothermal activity in Rotorua with a difference. Experience the mud, which you lather on yourself to open your skin, and wash it off in the sulphur mineral water that has been used by the local Maori for more than 800 years. The experience starts at around NZ$40 but optional transport from your Rotorua accommodation is available. Book your entry to Hell’s Gate on Viator, Klook or whatever you prefer!

For more cheap experiences, check out the 15 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Rotorua.

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Cheap Food in Rotorua

While the cruise mentioned above could be considered one of the cheap eats in Rotorua, there are plenty more for dining experiences and trying the local goodies.

For classic Kiwi favourites, head to the Patrick’s Pies Gold Star Bakery (89 Old Taupo Road) for their hearty savoury pies. Also try out Lady Jane’s Ice Cream Parlour (1092 Tutanekai Street, Eat Streat) where there are more than 50 ice cream flavours, Danish waffle cones, sundaes, smoothies and more.

For an affordable lunch, check out Rotorua’s very own French cafe, Le Cafe De Paris (1206 Hinemoa Street) for affordable crepes and breakfasts. And for dinner, get irresistibly cheap eats at Sobar (1104 Tutanekai Street, Eat Streat) with nightly meal deals on things like nachos, pizzas, chicken wings and more.

For more recommendations, check out the Cheap Eats in Rotorua.