Fun family activities
Rotorua is a fabulous natural playground; an ideal spot for family holidays that will be treasured for years to come. The possibilities for fun and adventure are endless, and there’s something for all the family.
Walk among towering Redwoods or splash around in any of Rotorua’s 16 sparkling lakes. These lakes lend themselves to activities such as swimming, boating, kayaking and waterskiing: perfect for family fun.
Bring the kids to Rotorua and let them muck around in geothermal mud while you indulge in a unique massage treatment. There is no shortage of ideas for kids’ activities whatever the weather, and plenty of family holiday deals are up for grabs; the Rotorua i-Site has plenty of travel deals available.
Milk a cow or bottle-feed a lamb and watch a sheep shearing demonstration. Ride a gondola up Mt Ngongotaha and enjoy an exhilarating luge ride down or visit a working kiwi hatchery and nursery. The kids will love the chance to get up close to New Zealand’s iconic bird.
See wild trout, animals and birdlife in a native bush setting or bond with the kids over shared adventures such as white water rafting and jet boating.
Mountain biking is also a fun family activity. Whakarewarewa Forest provides the perfect introduction, with gentle beginner trails offering relaxing rides for all ages. More daring families can visit a theme park offering world-first adventure activities
Soak up some Maori history at any of the region’s cultural attractions; the whole family can learn weaving or the haka, see indigenous flavours cooked the traditional way or take in a cultural performance.
If all the sightseeing has worked up an appetite, drop into a lakeside café for tempting treats. The dining strip in the city centre, known as Eat Streat, has some great family restaurants.
There is also plenty of family accommodation on offer in the region, from self-catering motel units to hotels to lake lodges.
With all this and more on offer, Rotorua is a dream destination. Its central North Island location puts it within easy driving distance of major centres such as Auckland (3.5 hours), Hamilton (one hour, 10 minutes) and Tauranga (one hour). Rotorua Airport is also serviced by regular domestic flights.
