Playfully referred to as 'RotoVegas' by Kiwi's, you'll find plenty on offer to keep you entertained and intrigued in Rotorua - just don't expect to find a casino or any slot machines! The affectionate nickname refers to the tourist dollars that enrich the regions local economy. Many visitors to New Zealand's North Island consider Rotorua's geothermal wonders and the chance to gain insight into Maori culture found here to feature in their visit to New Zealand. But there's plenty more to this region. To give you a taste of what to expect from your visit to Rotorua, here's an overview of great itinerary ideas I've collated for you.
A trip to Rotorua will capture your heart and elevate your soul. Ancient towering trees frame wonderful bush walks and mountain bike trails, while the soft sand shores of 18 pristine lakes are a temptingly short trip from the city centre.
Highlights can include:
take the Gondola and enjoy the 180 degree views at Skyline Rotorua - try out The Luge, a 3-wheel, gravity-based cart ride 👨👩👦👦
travel on the steep gradient railway in your own self-drive RailCruiser on the Mamaku Express Rail Cruising experience 🛤️
explore Whakarewarewa The Living Maori Village with a fully guided tour including a cultural performance and access to geothermal nature trails 🌋
the internationally acclaimed Polynesian Spa offers relaxing hot mineral spring bathing, sumptuous spa therapies and picturesque Lake Rotorua views ♨️
ride to 27 historical, geothermal and cultural sights with Happy Ewe Cycle Tours, a leisurely paced bicycle adventure through central Rotorua 🚴
fast fun for everyone and home to the world's only Schweeb Racer, Velocity Valley offers adventurers the Swoop, Agrojet, Freefall Xtreme, Rotorua Bungy and the Freestyle Airbag
eco tour through the world's youngest geothermal system at Waimangu Volcanic Valley and round off your visit with a boat cruise on beautiful Lake Rotomahana 🌋👟
extremely photogenic Lake Tarawera is one of the largest lakes in New Zealand with a backdrop of Mount Tarawera, the volcano responsible for a large eruption in 1886 🌋🛥️
situated on the lake’s edge in downtown Rotorua, the Government Gardens are the perfect place to relax 🌷
Lake Rotoiti is popular for boaties and is home to Manupirua Hot Springs, located on an island within the lake 🛥️ 🎣♨️
Kerosene Creek is a hot spring which flows through natural bush to a 2 metre waterfall into a secluded hot pool - take care not to damage this special environment ♨️
get back to nature at Hamurana Springs, where crystal-clear water emerges from the deepest natural fresh spring water in the North Island 👟
you can't help but laugh as you get all topsy turvy rolling down the hill with OGO Rotorua and Zorb
discover steaming, hissing, and boiling geothermal activity at Kuirau Park - NZ’s only geothermal public park 🌋👟
New Zealand's most colourful geothermal attraction Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland sculptured by geothermal activity - unique volcanic features can be viewed from well defined tracks including the incredible Champagne Pool 🌋👟
take the Kawarau Jet to Mokoia Island and discover the bird sanctuary, Maori culture and geothermal hot pool ♨️
discover Rotorua's rich culture, volatile landscape and dramatic history in the world-class Rotorua Museum
Planet Bike offers mountain bike tours for first timers to expert - see why Rotorua is a mountain bike haven with a diverse and unique bike trails 🚵
visit Te Puia is home to world famous Pohutu Geyser and also known for Māori cultural experiences, geothermal valley with famous geysers and interesting guided tours 🌋
Paradise Valley Springs is a beautifully presented NZ Trout, Bird and Wildlife park, along with a pride of African Lions - a family favourite 🦁
soak in the 'Living Waters' of the Te Manaroa Spring at Waikite Valley Thermal Pools ♨️
relax in a Rotorua Mud Wrap + Massage allowing rich minerals to release protective antioxidants for clean and refreshed skin
play with mud in the Mud Bath + Spa Complex at Hells Gate ♨️
journey back to a time of proud warriors and ancient traditions with Tamaki Maori Village, experiencing ceremonial rituals, powerful performances like the haka and a hangi feast
white water raft the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall with the River Rats 🌊
when you are after an adrenaline-filled off road experience, a stunning scenic horse trek or simply some fun with a gun clay bird shooting, Adventure Playground is the place to be
discover family fun at Rainbow Springs and get up close to the wonderful birds, bugs and beasts that call New Zealand home - the Kiwi Encounter is unforgettable 👨👩👦👦
stroll through Ohinemutu Village to Te Papaiouru Marae and get a sense of the richness and depth of this living Maori village set on the picturesque shores of Lake Rotorua
St Faith’s Anglican Church is intricately decorated with Maori carvings, tukutuku (woven panels), painted scrollwork and stained-glass windows
The Buried Village of Te Wairoa is New Zealand's most visited archaeological site where stories of the 1886 Mount Tarawera's volcanic eruption come to life 🌋
see the sacred Green Lake (Lake Rotokakai) then take a walk around the Blue Lake (Lake Tikitapu) an easy enjoyable walk in native bush with quiet beaches 👟
fly with Volcanic Air to the site of the largest eruption in New Zealand’s living memory and experience a volcanic landing 🌋
for over 40 years visitors have come to The Agrodome to see the Farm Show starring a cast of talented animals 🐑👨👩👦👦
known to locals as ‘The Redwoods', the Whakarewarewa Forest is a perfect for horse riders, mountain bikers, walkers and hikers with the Redwoods Treewalk especially popular when illuminated after dark 🌲
visit Wingspan Rotorua’s aviary and their amazing birds of prey flying display which is both thoroughly entertaining and educational 🦅
a magical eco-adventure in native forest suspended high amongst ancient trees with Rotorua Canopy Tours
ROTORUA AT A GLANCE 🛏️ minimum 3 night stay recommended 📅 visit any time of year
📍 7 out of 10 visitors include Rotorua in their New Zealand itinerary
🌦️there is a chance of rain 3½ days each week on average each year
👨👩👦👦Family fun scores high here with plenty to keep children entertained 🍽️Food + Wine experiences in this region were almost always mentioned as a highlight 🏳️🌈 LGBTQI+ friendly 👍
This part of New Zealand is home to:
Largest town: Rotorua
Popular places: Ngongotaha, Lake Rotoiti, Wai-o-Tapu, Waimangu, Lake Rotoma, Hamurana, Okere Falls, Blue Lake, Lake Tarawera, Lake Okataina, Mamaku, Murupara and more...
Accessible by:
🚗 self-drive on a road trip
✈️ board a plane to land at Rotorua's Airport in Rotokawa, 6 km north east of the city centre (ROT)
🚌 take a bus from Auckland, the Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Ruapehu, Gisborne, Lake Taupo or the Hawke's Bay
