The Luxury Travel Guide to Rotorua [2025]

© Volcanic Air - Destination Rotorua

Luxury Adventure Activities

Get out and experience Rotorua’s lush forests, volcanos and geothermal hot pools on one of the premium tours. Delve into the Māori culture and even enhance your travel photography on specialised tours. It’s all available in Rotorua.

Volcano Helicopter Flights

Experience Rotorua’s volcanic lakes and geothermal features from a unique bird’s eye perspective with Volcanic Air (Lakefront Drive). Offering a range of scenic flights via helicopter and floatplane, Volcanic Air has a tour to fit most itineraries and interests but our recommended experience is a helicopter landing on the iconic Mt Tarawera. Stand on the lunar-like landscape of this vibrant red volcano that had a significant landscape-changing eruption in 1886 but now lies dormant. Alternatively, a flight via floatplane over Mt Tarawera is available. Check out Volcanic Air’s tours on Viator and Klook.

Private Māori Tours

You can hardly visit Rotorua without experiencing the richness of the Polynesian culture of the Māori. One of the most exclusive Māori tours is Kahukiwi Experiences who will take you to explore the natural wonders and historical and cultural sites of Rotorua with a passionate Māori guide. On a private or super small-group 4WD tour, learn the stories of the local Ngāti Pikiao and try traditional Māori fare with light refreshments. Transfers from Rotorua are included.

Luxury Geothermal Tour

With the bubbling mud pools, vibrant sulfur lakes and steaming vents found across Rotorua, visiting the geothermal parks and hidden gems is a must. While you can visit Rotorua’s geothermal parks independently, a hassle-free way to enjoy them is on a guided tour with Elite Adventures Rotorua Tours. Their small-group full-day tour takes you to Wai-O-Tapu, the shores of Rotorua’s surrounding volcanic lakes, on a bushwalk to a waterfall, to the historic Buried Village and much more. The whole experience is with a naturalist guide to enhance your understanding beyond that of the average tourist. Transfers from Rotorua are included.

More Adventure Experiences in Rotorua

See more adventures, like an off-the-beaten-track forest tour, as well as a private photography tour in the 10 Best Luxury Experiences in Rotorua. Otherwise, more experiences that are not necessarily in the “luxury” category but are no less amazing can be found in the 25 Best Things to Do in Rotorua.

© Destination Rotorua

Luxury All-Weather Activities

Whatever the weather, there’s always room for adventure or relaxation in Rotorua.

Off-Roading Tours

Starting with the adventure, join Off Road NZ (193 Amoore Road, Mamaku) for an exciting 4WD self-drive experience. Conquer the challenging trails through the New Zealand bush on the “4WD Bush Safari” or leave the driving to the experts on the “Monster 4X4 Thrill Ride” inside an all-terrain vehicle complete with a roll-cage. If you’re travelling as a group, don’t miss the Raceline Karting experience – a fast go-karting experience on a 1.2 km (0.7 mi) track in Sodi 390 cc 4-stroke karts that can reach speeds close to 100 kph (60 mph)!

Luxury Hot Pools

While Rotorua sometimes seems like its only home to full-on adventures, it’s also one of the best places to relax thanks to its abundance of geothermal mineral-rich hot springs. One of the most premium options for bathing in Rotorua’s famous geothermal waters is the Polynesian Spa (1000 Hinemoa Street). Opt for the “Deluxe Lake Spa” with natural surrounding features and premium changing rooms with indulgent soaps and shampoos and a tranquil ambience. Enhance the experience further with one of the lakeview private pools and indulge in the treatments at the day spa. Check out reviews and book tickets on Klook or KKday.

More All-Weather Luxury Experiences in Rotorua

For more all-weather experiences, from more indulgent hot pool complexes to art galleries, check out the 15 Things to Do in Rotorua on a Rainy Day.

© Volcanic Hills - Destination Rotorua

Fine Dining in Rotorua

Conclude each day in New Zealand’s famous hotspot with a sumptuous meal along with local wine and craft beer, or whatever you prefer.

One of the top choices is Mokoia Restaurant (77 Robinson Avenue at the Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort) serving up impeccably presented plates of Pacific Rim cuisine using indigenous herbs and spices. Try something from their grill menu with prime meat cuts and indulge as you enjoy the views from the stunning lakeside location.

For something a little closer to town, try The Regent Room (1191 Pukaki Street, Regent of Rotorua) offering an elegant European-style restaurant in the heart of Rotorua. Relax on the classic French or leather sofas, sip on creative cocktails and dine on contemporary New Zealand cuisine.

A token New Zealand winery to try in Rotorua is Volcanic Hills (176 Fairy Springs Road) where you will get to sample platters and wines amongst an industrial decor well worth half a dozen IG shots. Access the wine-tasting lounge by taking the Skyline Gondola.

More Dining Options in Rotorua

As for Rotorua’s most charming cafes and international eateries, see our top recommendations in The Food Guide to Rotorua.

© Polynesian Spa - Destination Rotorua

Frequently Asked Questions About Planning a Luxury Trip to Rotorua

As for those minute details of planning a luxury trip to Rotorua, here are some FAQs to guide you through planning your upscale getaway to this geothermal paradise.

What is the best time of year to visit Rotorua for a luxury trip?

The best time to visit Rotorua for a luxury trip is during the shoulder seasons of spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May). These periods offer mild weather, fewer tourists and the natural beauty of Rotorua in full bloom or the stunning autumnal colours, making it perfect for exploring the outdoors and enjoying luxury accommodations without the peak season crowds. For more on the subject, check out our guide, When is the Best Time to Visit New Zealand?

What are the top luxury accommodations in Rotorua?

Rotorua caters to luxury travellers with a selection of high-end accommodations:

• Solitaire Lodge: Provides a secluded and serene experience with spectacular views over Lake Tarawera.
• Treetops Lodge & Estate: Offers a luxury escape amidst a native forest, complete with adventure activities and fine dining.
• The Black Swan Lakeside Boutique Hotel: This boutique hotel combines luxury with the tranquillity of lakefront views.
• On the Point – Lake Rotorua: A luxury lodge offering stunning lake views, exquisite dining, and spa services.

For more details on each, browse our 20 Best Luxury Accommodations in Rotorua.

Are private tours available to explore Rotorua’s geothermal wonders?

Yes, Rotorua offers private tours for those looking to explore its geothermal wonders in an exclusive setting. Tailored to your preferences, these tours provide a more personal and in-depth experience of Rotorua’s famous geothermal parks, cultural sites, and hidden gems. Companies like Elite Adventures and MDA Experiences offer bespoke tours, including private visits to geothermal sites and cultural experiences.