From A-Z, Rotorua has activities and attractions to suit everyone.
Whether it’s relaxing in a spa overlooking a lake, getting your adrenaline pumping on a mountain bike in the forest, learning about the Māori legends, or exploring the geothermal landscapes, there's something here that ticks everyone’s boxes.
Relax and rejuvenate
Feel relaxed and rejuvenated when you enter one our spa attractions. Given Rotorua is surrounded by geothermal activity, it’s home to mineral springs and mud spas that have natural healing properties and health benefits.
Relax in one of Polynesian Spa’s alkaline or acidic mineral pools, rejuvenate by discovering the healing properties of Hell’s Gate geothermal waters or immerse yourself in mud baths or unwind in one of Secret Spot’s Hot Tub's freshwater cedar tubs set amongst native bush.
Get the adrenaline pumping
Take advantage of the stunning landscapes on an adventure in Rotorua. Zipline through the forest at Rotorua Canopy Tours or Redwoods Altitude, roll down a hill in a giant inflatable ball at ZORB, experience 360-degree spins on Katoa Lake Rotorua’s jet boat, freefall at Velocity Valley, raft down the world-famous Kaituna River with Rotorua Rafting or River Rats, take off on a 4WD Bush Safari at Off Road NZ, self-drive on the 4X4 buggies at Adventure Playground or race down on the luge at Skyline Rotorua.
Learn about local Māori history and legends
With Rotorua being New Zealand’s first bilingual city, you will be inspired by the rich Māori culture that is present throughout the city. Gain a deep understanding of local legends and traditions through guided or self-guided experiences.
Experience first-hand a living Māori village through a guided village tour at Whakarewarewa - The living Thermal Village, get up close and personal with the carvers and weavers at New Zealand Maori Arts & Crafts Institute at Te Puia, or learn the haka and enjoy a hangi at Tamaki Māori Village.
Explore the geothermal landscapes
Being home to volcanic and geothermal activity has created stunning landscapes that you can experience by foot or air.
See the famous Pōhutu Geyser erupt before your eyes at Te Puia, go on a guided crater walk experience on Mount Tarawera with Kaitiaki Adventures, take a boat cruise on Lake Rotomahana in the youngest geothermal valley at Waimangu Volcanic Valley or take a scenic flight over Mount Tarawera and the lakes via floatplane with Volcanic Air.
Get on the lakes and in the forest
Rotorua is a breath of fresh air with its 18 lakes and surrounding forest. It is the perfect paradise for mountain bikers, hikers and the ones who just want to escape and experience the outdoors.
Gaze at the glow-worms when you’re out on the stand-up paddle boards with Paddle Board Rotorua at Lake Ōkarēka, experience three lakes via a WWII landing craft aboard Rotorua Duck Tours, explore the majestic Californian Redwoods in the Whakarewarewa Forest with Redwoods Treewalk and experience the nightlights, or plan your next mountain bike on the Whakarewarewa Forest Loop.
