Attractions in Rotorua

ActivitiesActivities

Rotorua boasts an array of iconic experiences that together encapsulate the spirit of this remarkable country. From gentle audience participation shows showcasing our farming and forestry heritage to hands on adventure activities like the Swoop, Shweeb and Freefall Xtreme – Rotorua has it all. More..

AdventureAdventure

Rotorua's natural setting provides lots of thrill and adventure experiences. Walk on a volcano, raft the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the southern hemisphere, try Zorbing and luging (two Rotorua world first adventure options) or mountain bike some of the world's best trails. More..

Culture and heritageCulture and heritage

Rotorua is the heartland of New Zealand's Maori culture. Encounter the warmth, proud spirit and deep sense of history that encompasses Maoridom. Come into contact with the descendants of the original Te Arawa tribes who made Rotorua their home five centuries ago. Picturesque cobbled and lantern lined streetways and striking Tudor architecture celebrate New Zealand's significant colonial history. More..

FamilyFamily

It is easy to find activities to keep the whole family entertained in Rotorua. There are plenty of options suitable for families with children of all ages, all year round. There are also lots of free things to do in Rotorua such as walking tracks, public parks, Whakarewarewa Forest wilderness area, 15 freshwater swimming lakes, some of the world's best mountain biking trails and three excellent adventure playgrounds. More..

Geothermal wondersGeothermal wonders

From the moment visitors enter Rotorua, they know they are somewhere unique. Steam rises from cracks, gardens, pathways and even residential streets. This, together with the distinctive scent of sulphur, signals to visitors that they are in the centre of an active thermal area. Just minutes from city centre there are geysers, boiling pools of mud, silica terraces, mud fumaroles and volcanoes. More..

Lakes and fishingLakes and fishing

Gaze across the tranquil waters of Rotorua's 15 lakes. Kayak, ski, sail or fish for trophy trout in the lakes and streams that surround Rotorua. Ride wild rapids and waterfalls along some of the more turbulent stretches. Rotorua's stunning natural setting offers endless possibilities for relaxation, to feel nature's spirit in, on and around our waterways. More..

Scenic flightsScenic flights

An exhilarating way of exploring Rotorua's unique geothermal landscape is from the air. Fly into the crater of a dormant volcano or land and explore New Zealand's only active marine volcano. Escape to back country bush, forest and streams for some hiking, hunting or fly fishing. More..

SightseeingSightseeing

Rotorua, winner of New Zealand's most beautiful city award 2006, 2002, 2000 and 1999, has a variety of experiences, attractions, adventures and day trips. Lots of options are within close proximity of the city centre; just minutes from town visitors can be in a giant Redwood forest, on a farm, in a wilderness area or experiencing native wildlife. More..

Spa and wellnessSpa and wellness

Nature's Spa of the South Pacific, reputation as a spa destination goes back more than 160 years to when The Pink and White Terraces were considered to be the eighth wonder of the world. Sadly the terraces were destroyed during the Mt Tarawera eruption in 1886. Despite this, Rotorua's reputation as a spa destination continued to grow and the city now offers a wide range of spa and wellness options. More..

Tours and daytripsTours and daytrips

One of the easiest ways to explore the many attractions around Rotorua is with a local tour company. Their expert guides (some of them Maori) will share the history of the area and its people. Set tours are available, but personalised itineraries are also on offer. Options range from half and full days to multi-day trips. More..

View additional attraction providers here.