Rotorua Experience & Activities

Kia ora from Rotorua!

A place known for their community spirit and manaakitanga (​​extend love and compassion) to others, the Rotorua locals welcome you to their home!

Located on the southern shores of Lake Rotorua with an estimated population of 80 thousand people, Rotorua is iconic for its heavily prominent Maori culture.

Offering multiple attractions from its famous hot geysers to dense, exotic forests and bike riding trails, Rotorua’s pleasant, year-round weather makes this the perfect holiday destination.

 

What is the best time of year to visit Rotorua?

The best thing about pleasant weather year-round is that it makes Rotorua a year-round holiday destination!

Things to do in the summer

With summer being the best time to explore outdoors, there's no better season to explore this vibrant city, whether that's on one of the beautiful hiking trails or taking a dip in the lakes. During summer, many events and festivals are also held in Rotorua, which lures tourists from all over the world - including Laneway and Rhythm and Vines; two of the country’s premiere music festivals!

 

Things to do in autumn

Autumn is the time for sightseeing, mountain biking and getting out and about in nature, with the seasonal shift creating a gorgeous landscape seen in the golden hues of the leaves. A Te Puia Day Pass is a great way to see, do and discover as much as you can across a short amount of time. Explore the Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley, get up close to New Zealand's native kiwi birds and learn all about the Maori history and culture all on this one Rotorua day trip!

 

What to do in Rotorua during winter

When winter rolls around, Rotorua is best enjoyed through the hot springs and spas in the city - and there's plenty to choose from! Take this 45 Minute Forest Hot Tub Experience for example, where you can enjoy a natural hot tub experience that complements the forest setting of the Waipa Valley and soak in secluded cedar tubs surrounded by birdsong…this is quite the luxurious experience. While in Rotorua during the winter, also pay the geothermal hot springs and mud pools a visit, then again, no trip is complete without exploring these attractions! This Hell’s Gate package combines all three of the area’s most popular experiences making for the ideal combination of relaxation and culture. What more could you want?

 

Spring activities in Rotorua

Known as Rotorua quietest season, spring is the time of year that sees many tourists looking for a more relaxing experience come to town, with guided tours the best way to get out there without having to think too much! Take this Twilight Stand Up Paddleboard Tour and discover beauty beyond your wildest dreams. Learn about the area’s colourful history across two hours as the sun sets,  before heading into the neighbouring caverns full of the region’s iconic glowworms. This is truly a must-do!

 

Top Rotorua Activity Destinations and Attractions

With so many Rotorua day tours and activities to choose from, it’s hard to work out what to do, when. Luckily, we’ve curated a catalogue of tours and experiences that truly are the best of the best in Rotorua, so, some other places and attractions to consider a visit to include: 

 

Hell’s Gate

Home to one of the largest hot waterfalls, Hell's Gate is also famous for its land coral and large areas of sulphur deposits. You can enjoy guided walks as you traverse through conversations about the area's history or relax with a geothermal mud bath or in the sulphur spas. This Hell’s Gate Sulphur Spa experience allows you to take the chance to relax and indulge in these naturally heated geothermal waters, renowned for their restorative properties. While you soak, take the chance to admire the native flora around you, you’ll soon feel rejuvenated inside and out.

 

Whakarewarewa

Whakarewarewa is a Maori village in Rotorua. A ​​Whakarewarewa Village Geothermal Guided Tour allows you to explore the incredible history and culture of the Maori heritage, plus, you'll also get to see the geothermal wonders of the village. Finally, enjoy a traditional hangi meal that has been cooked by the geothermal waters and steam of the Whakarewarewa Valley for a truly authentic experience.

 

Velocity Valley

The ultimate destination for thrillseekers, Velocity Valley Adventure Park includes the famous bungy jump 'The Swoop', the Agrojet jet boat, the Shweeb Race Thru Space human-powered monorail and more! Experience the lot with a Velocity Valley - Rotorua VIP Adventure Pass where you can choose five activities to experience throughout the park!

 

Ziplining

One of our most popular activities, a 3 Hour Zipline Experience is a great way to enjoy a thrilling, aerial tour of New Zealand. Spot wildlife and explore the extraordinary scenery the rainforest has to offer on this exciting adventure through the treetops. Or, check out what other ziplining experiences we have on offer, HERE.

 

Whitewater Rafting

The seven metre high Tutea Falls are the worlds highest commercially rafted waterfalls - and what better way to experience them than with a Rotorua White Water Rafting experience! With 14 rapids and three waterfalls, there’s a reason why the rapids of the Wairoa River are also known as 'The Rollercoaster' and ' Mothers Nightmare'. You will also get a chance to paddle over a three metre waterfall rushing into a pool of white water that lies beneath it - a much-loved experience by guests of all ages!

 

So you think you’re sold on your next adventure? Discover the magic Rotorua has to offer, now. Book today and save!
 

Frequently Asked Questions About ​Day Trips In Rotorua 

 

What are the best outdoor activities in Rotorua?
Quite literally, everything and everywhere. With its pleasant trans-seasonal climate, you’re guaranteed to be comfortable all year-round, so any outdoor activity in Rotorua makes for a good time!

 

What should I know before booking a Rotoruaa travel package?
Spots sell out…FAST! As this is such a popular holiday destination for both local and international guests, be sure to secure your spot on a Rotorua tour or activity ASAP.

What is Rotorua most known for?
Rotorua’s proud Maori culture and heritage make it all the more incredible to visit. Immerse yourself in a Rotorua Cultural Experience to get a true, authentic feel of this unique destination.

 

How do I spend a day in Rotorua?
Start your day in Rotorua around 8am by stretching your legs on a Mt. Tarawera Guided Hiking Experience. By early afternoon, you'll be back in time to make the most of a Polynesian Spa Deluxe Lake Spa Pools Entry, where you can relax and unwind in this geothermal bathing experience. Then, come night, wrap up your day in Rotorua with a visit to Te Pā Tū - (Previously Tamaki Maori Village). Join a uniquely Maori celebration of culture and cuisine within the forest sanctuary and end your 24 hours in Rotorua with this authentic, cultural experience.

 

What Rotorua activities are good for families?
As most parents know, the more active your kids are during the day…the better! So check out Skyline Rotorua - Gondola & Luge Combo. This is a fun, fast-paced family activity and the best part? Once you reach the bottom, you'll be eager to get straight back up to the top so jump on the scenic chairlift and do it all over again - up to four times, with this pass entitling you to five rides total!

 

Can you swim in Lake Rotorua?
In select locations…yes. There is a large grassy area with seating and a boat ramp and jetty accessed at the end of Reeme Street. Here, swimming is among some of the activities at this scenic location.

 

How long should I spend in Rotorua?
At least 4 days (3 nights) should be enough to explore Rotorua and its surrounding attractions.