Things to do in Rotorua

Activities, attractions and tours

Rotorua which includes a hot spring
Rotorua featuring forest scenes as well as a small group of people
Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest which includes forests, night scenes and a suspension bridge or treetop walkway
Rotorua featuring mist or fog, a bridge and a river or creek
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland which includes views and a hot spring as well as a small group of people
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Most popular experiences in Rotorua

Tours & day trips

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Te Puia Geothermal, Kiwi and Māori Art

Te Puia Geothermal, Kiwi and Māori Art

Activity duration is 8 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is RM 544 per adult
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Adventure & outdoor

See all 25 activities
Rotorua: Redwoods Altitude High Ropes Adventure

Rotorua: Redwoods Altitude High Ropes Adventure

Activity duration is 2 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 49 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is RM 329 per adult
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Private & custom tours

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Rotorua: Secret Spot Hot Tubs

Rotorua: Secret Spot Hot Tubs

Activity duration is 45 minutes
9.6 out of 10 with 94 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is RM 102 per adult
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Water activities

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Rafting Rotorua: Kaituna River White Water Experience

Rafting Rotorua: Kaituna River White Water Experience

Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 328 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is RM 315 per adult
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Spa & wellness

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Hell's Gate Mud Bath & Spas

Hell's Gate Mud Bath & Spas

Activity duration is 1 hour
9.4 out of 10 with 102 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is RM 204 per adult
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What to do in Rotorua

Popular places to visit

Skyline Rotorua which includes a city, tranquil scenes and landscape views

Skyline Rotorua

4.5/5(18 reviews)

Take in the splendid scenery during a gondola ride and jump in a luge cart to navigate your way down the exciting mountain track.

Skyline Rotorua
Polynesian Spa which includes a lake or waterhole

Polynesian Spa

5/5(8 reviews)

Set among the serene Government Gardens on the shores of Lake Rotorua, these hot pools are an idyllic place to relax and unwind.

Polynesian Spa
Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest featuring forests

Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest

5/5(21 reviews)

Walk, cycle or ride a horse through this picturesque forest filled with a magnificent array of trees from around the world.

Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest
Rotorua which includes markets and night scenes

Eat Street

4.5/5(20 reviews)

During your trip to Rotorua, you can enjoy retail therapy at Eat Street.

Eat Street
Rotorua showing indigenous culture, rainforest and a river or creek

Mitai Maori Village

5/5(10 reviews)

For a great insight into Māori customs and way of life, sign up for this magical, entertaining and educational cultural experience.

Mitai Maori Village
This show was awesome! After the initiation you are welcomed into the village and go threw different stations learning about the culture and then you get a performance show and dinner. Definitely recommend and reservations book way out, so book early! And tip: ask for Mark to be your driver... Seriously I can't remember the last time I laughed so hard

Tamaki Maori Village

4.5/5(17 reviews)

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Tamaki Maori Village in Rotorua. Stroll along the lakeside or visit the spas in this relaxing area.

Tamaki Maori Village
Amazing sight, the hot springs in this traditional Maori village. Very smelly!

Whakarewarewa: The Living Maori Village

4.5/5(18 reviews)

You can find out about the history of Rotorua with a trip to Whakarewarewa: The Living Maori Village. Stroll along the lakeside or visit the spas in this family-friendly area.

Whakarewarewa: The Living Maori Village
Te Puia New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute

Te Puia New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute

Discover more about the Maori people and the traditional arts and crafts that are integral to their culture.

Te Puia New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute
Kuirau Park which includes a hot spring and mist or fog

Kuirau Park

4.5/5(12 reviews)

Family-friendly and easily accessible, this Rotorua park is home to a collection of geothermic vents and a weekly flea market.

Kuirau Park

Areas of Rotorua

Lake Okareka showing a lake or waterhole

Lake Okareka

Despite its pretty views and charming, leafy walks, this picturesque lake manages to remain relatively crowd-free and peaceful.

Lake Okareka
Aerial: Scenic Blue and green lakes, Rotorua, New Zealand

Whakarewarewa

The panoramic lake views and luxurious spas are just a few highlights of Whakarewarewa. Make a stop by Whakarewarewa: The Living Maori Village or Te Puia New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute while you're exploring the area.

Whakarewarewa
Four of a kind

Owhata

If you're spending some time in Owhata, Lake Rotorua and Haiku Pathway are top sights worth seeing.

Owhata
Aerial view of Rotorua, New Zealand

Inner City

If you're spending some time in Inner City, Rotorua Night Market and Tamaki Maori Village are top sights worth seeing.

Inner City
Kuirau Park walk in Rotorua, the thermal wonderland of New Zealand.

Glenholme

Though Glenholme may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Rotorua Central Mall and Rotorua Night Market.

Glenholme
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Lynmore

When in Lynmore, you can plan a visit to Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest and Polynesian Spa, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Lynmore
Waikato Region aerial view on a cloudy summer day. Countryside of New Zealand

Horohoro

Landscape photo of a jetty on Lake Rotoiti, New Zealand. This jetty is within the Nelson Lakes National Park and is one of the most Instagrammed locations in New Zealand

Mourea

Hamurana which includes forest scenes and a river or creek

Hamurana

Okere Falls Scenic Reserve which includes rapids, a river or creek and forests

Okere Falls

Frequently asked questions

Is Rotorua worth visiting?
Whether you want to discover the local charm and cultural hotspots or try unique foods and explore in nature, there are many things to do in Rotorua.
How do I spend a day in Rotorua?
Once you've visited top attractions like Sulphur Point and Wingspan National Bird of Prey Centre, spend some time discovering Rotorua's shopping and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Rotorua?
The top tourist attraction in Rotorua is Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre, so don't forget to include it on your sightseeing itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Rotorua?
You can easily enjoy top attractions like Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre, Sulphur Point and Wingspan National Bird of Prey Centre with a three-day stay in Rotorua. On average, many travellers book two days here. There's plenty to do and see nearby too, so stick around longer and venture to Mourea.
Is Rotorua a walkable city?
It all depends on what you'd like to do and see in Rotorua. Several attractions, such as Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre and Sulphur Point, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander through some of Rotorua's neighbourhoods, Fenton Street is 0.97 kilometres away from downtown, while Glenholme is 2 kilometres away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Rotorua with kids?
Planning what to do in Rotorua with kids is easier than ever. Whether you have teenagers or little ones, there's a range of family-friendly sights and activities to keep them busy here.

What to do in Rotorua for adults?
There are plenty of things to do in Rotorua, with entertainment for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to Volcanic Hills Winery.
Are there free things to do in Rotorua?
One of the best ways to find free things to do in Rotorua is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider advice on exciting neighbourhoods, parks and other top attractions you can enjoy without getting your cash out. Sulphur Point is one spot that doesn't charge an entrance fee.