10 wonderful walks in Rotorua
Discover dramatic landscapes, wild nature and surreal sights just outside our door
Discover a walk for everyone!
Rotorua has some of the most surreal landscapes and incredible geothermal activity.
Grab your loved ones or enjoy your own company as you explore the unique natural environments in and around Rotorua.
Redwoods Forest
30 to 75 minutes. Six sign-posted tracks ranging from 2 to 34km in more than 5,600 hectares of forest are here for you to explore. FREE
Hell's Gate
1.5-hours guided. Follow the footsteps of ancient warriors as you learn the history of our city's most active geothermal park.
Orakei Korako
1 to 1.5 hours. Wander through the hidden geothermal valley, marvelling at New Zealand's only geothermal cave.
Kuirau Park
15 minutes. In the heart of the city, Kuirau Park's walkways wind their way through mud pools, boiling lakes and geothermal wonders. FREE
Waimangu Volcanic Valley
45 minutes to 4 hours (depending on trail). Marvel at hot water lakes, craters and silica formations at the world's youngest geothermal system.
Skyline Nature Walk
15 minutes to 1 hour. View exotic and native plantings as you take advantage of the fantastic views at the top of Mount Ngongatahā.
Sulphur Bay
2 hours. Magnificent steam vents, boiling mud pools, naturally hot water and the Puarenga Stream are home to an array of bird species right on the edge of town. FREE
Hamurana Springs
30 minutes to 1.5 hours. Walk guided or unguided beneath towering Californian redwoods as you marvel at the magic blue, green and turquoise waters of Hamurana.
Tarawera Trail
5 to 6 hours one way (pickup available). Billed as one of New Zealand's next Great Walks, the trail ends at Hot Water Beach where you can soak in a natural hot pool. FREE
Lake Tikitapu Tracks
1.5 hours. Set amongst native bush and quiet beaches, this track provides stunning vistas over the Blue and Green lakes. FREE