The Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to Rotorua ♨️ [2023]

© Waimarino - Destination Rotorua

Romantic Adventure Activities

Rotorua is all about romantic adventures, whether it’s wandering the Redwood Forest with the picturesque light displays at night or working as a team in a double kayaking mission.

Glowworms Kayaking and Stand-Up Paddleboarding

Combine kayaking with glowworms and you have a winner! 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. Kayaking with them is also available. More information can be found on Viator and Tripadvisor.

Horse Trekking

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.

Romantic Walks

And if you are looking for activities to help stick to your honeymoon/romantic getaway budget, never fear. Rotorua has a wealth of walking trails in and around the city. A romantic stroll along the waterfront 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.

Check out more romantic ideas, like scenic flights over a volcano and the Redwoods Treewalk at night in the 10 Romantic Activities in Rotorua for Couples.

© Polynesian Spa - Destination Rotorua

Romantic All-Weather Activities

The weather might not always play ball in Rotorua but that doesn’t have to put a damper on your honeymoon or romantic getaway to Rotorua, especially when there are 15 Things to Do in Rotorua on a Rainy Day.

Zorb

It will hardly matter what the weather is doing when you’re together 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 take a turn. Check out Zorb’s page on Viator, Tripadvisor and Klook.

Hot Pools

And a must-do in Rotorua is unwinding in some of its glorious hot pools. There are a ton of amazing hot 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).

Experience some of the off-the-beaten-track hot pools 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. Plus, check out more hot pool options in the 10 Damn Relaxing Hot Pools in New Zealand.

For more ideas on all-weather activities, see the 15 Things to Do in Rotorua on a Rainy Day.

© Volcanic Hills - Destination Rotorua

Romantic Restaurants in Rotorua

Nothing concludes a romantic getaway to Rotorua quite like a special dining experience with your loved one. Indulge the senses at Volcanic Hills Winery (178 Fairy Springs Road), 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.

Also on-site is the Stratosfare Restaurant setting the right tone with its Italian marble, granite, schist, timber and artistic lighting. Choose from the effortless buffet offerings or the cooked-to-order menu featuring the freshest mussels from their tidal mussel tank to slow-cooked roast beef from their flame rotisserie.

Dine on cuisine from the most romantic country in the world at Giovanni’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria (346 Te Ngae Road) providing a rustic Italian-style setting with well-presented plates of fresh pasta, wood-fired pizza and more.

If your loved one prefers something cool and casual, head to the Abracadabra Cafe & Bar (1263 Amohia Street) serving plates designed to be shared. Pop in for brunch with organic coffee or spend the evening sipping creative cocktails and sharing tapas and sharing platters.

For more recommendations, check out The Foodie Guide to Rotorua.