Need a quiet space to unwind? A secret hideaway from the restless kids? How about a little spot of nature or a picnic-perfect park?
Lots of public places and spaces are easily accessible in Rotorua, and most are free. From the recently renovated (and caffeinated!) Te Aka Mauri Rotorua Library, to Sulphur Bay Wildlife Refuge, to many of our 18 lakes. Don’t forget our most-loved Whakarewarewa Forest, the geothermal Kuirau Park in the heart of town, and the rolling, tree-lined hills of Centennial Park. Such perfect antidotes if you’ve been on the go.
The listings below will provide you with some great ideas and many won’t cost a thing!
Boyes Beach & Park
Public Places & Spaces, East
Boyes Beach is one of the largest beaches on Lake Ōkareka and a great attraction during the warmer months, and popular for swimming, fishing and picnicking.
Government Gardens
Public Places & Spaces
Government Gardens is a beautiful public park situated along the edge of Lake Rotorua and just minutes from the city centre.
Guy Roe Reserve
Public Places & Spaces, South
A popular location for fishing, picnics and boat activities.
Hinehopu Reserve
Public Places & Spaces, East
At the eastern end of Lake Rotoiti is Hinehopu Reserve, well-known for shoreline fishing.
Kaharoa Kōkako Track
Public Places & Spaces, North
The Kaharoa Kōkako Track offers a great opportunity to hear the enchanting dawn chorus of New Zealand's native birds, including the kōkako. If you’re really lucky, you may even spot a kōkako or two high up in the canopy above.
Rotorua Library Te Aka Mauri
Public Places & Spaces
Come relax with your favorite book or learn something new. There's something for everyone at the local Rotorua Library.
Kuirau Park
Public Places & Spaces
Check out the natural boiling, bubbling and steaming geothermal action throughout Kuirau Park, New Zealand’s only free geothermal public park!
Lake Ōkāreka Walkway
Public Places & Spaces
Lake Ōkāreka is popular with water skiers, swimmers, boaties and walkers.
Lake Ōkataina
Public Places & Spaces
Lake Ōkataina is closed for one month effective from October 1st 2023. The name Ōkataina means "The lake of laughter", a shortened form of the original name Te Moana-i-kataina-a-Te Rangitakaroro.
Lake Rerewhakaaitu
Public Places & Spaces, South
Camping, picnicking, swimming and boating are all popular recreational activities at Lake Rerewhakaaitu Recreational Reserve.
Lake Rotoiti
Public Places & Spaces
Lake Rotoiti is one of the three largest lakes in the Rotorua region. Surrounded by lush native bush, it also features glow worm caves and a secluded hot pool complex.