Hey there, sports fans! The FIFA Women's World Cup is on, and Rotorua can't wait to host you.
Ready to experience a soccer (just kidding) football-filled vacation like no other? Rotorua is the place to be between games – we have everything from New Zealand’s best recovery hot pools to the most activities and attractions anywhere in the country. Best of all, we’re only an hour’s drive from the games in Hamilton and an easy three-hour drive from Auckland.
Rotorua has it all. Just like your favourite team, every activity and attraction you choose is a winner. From Rotorua Canopy Tours (the world's BEST rated zipline and top activity in the South Pacific) to the multi-million-dollar luxury spa, Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa (pictured above), Rotorua is the authentic playground of Aotearoa New Zealand.
For the 'gram
Looking for Insta-worthy shots like the one above from @didgeriduo to show off your trip? No worries! Rotorua has the perfect backdrop for your winning selfies. Lakes, forests, and geysers, oh my. Snap away and get the pics that make your old friends, and the new friends you make here, jealous that you’re living your best life.
Afraid of missing the match atmosphere? Fear not! Rotorua locals are like your cheer squad, always ready to chant and support you. The community vibe is electric and welcoming – just as it has been for more than 150 years. We have no doubt you'll be high-fiving strangers like you just scored a hat-trick.
A thrill-seeker’s paradise
Operators like Adventure Playground, Off Road NZ, and Velocity Valley offer multiple ways to get the adrenaline flowing in place. From the Freefall Xtreme wind tunnel, Monster 4WD thrills, bungy jump, clay bird shooting to outdoor race karts and much more, you can easily amuse yourself for hours at each of these spots. Adventure Playground is also one of the earliest adopters of the UBCO 2x2 Electric Adventure Vehicles offered to the tourism sector, so you could be among the first to experience an off-road farm bike tour.
Additional options include rolling downhill in a ZORB (pictured above) like a bouncing footy ball, or mountain biking New Zealand’s newest Great Ride, the Whakarewarewa Forest Loop, like a pro player dribbling through defenders.
Of course, we’re world-famous for whitewater rafting the world's tallest commercially rafted waterfall on the Kaituna River, as seen above. A number of extremely skilled, not to mention fun, guides will take you for the rafting trip of your life: Kaitiaki Adventures, Kaituna Cascades (pictured above), Raftabout Whitewater Rafting, River Rats, and Rotorua Rafting.
More extreme fun on the water can be had on Velocity Valley’s high-octane jet boat sprint course on the Agrojet, Katoa Jet’s jet boat ride across Lake Rotorua to soak in secluded hot pools, or New Zealand Whitewater Academy’s tandem kayaks.
So many more adrenaline-raising options can be found here.
New Zealand’s spa and wellness capital
As mentioned above, the new spa complex Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa opened last month. The $60 million luxury facility along the shores of Lake Rotorua is an absolute show-stopper and an experience that will leave you feeling like a new person.
Hell’s Gate Geothermal Park & Mud Spa (pictured above) offers not only an incredible geothermal valley to walk through, but also New Zealand’s only mud bath for you to soak in. Your skin will love you for it! Polynesian Spa has been a favourite of locals and manuhiri for more than 50 years, famous for its 28 lakeside thermal pools spread across four bathing areas, plus their indulgent spa treatments. The secluded Manupirua Springs Hot Pools, rural Waikite Valley Thermal Pools, and award-winning, Secret Spot Hot Tubs along the forest’s edge, round out the list of amazing spots to spoil yourself before you head back home to the real world.
Still not convinced? Rotorua is New Zealand’s legacy destination – it’s where memories are made, like those unforgettable goals that win championships.
For all our visitors, Rotorua is the golden boot of holiday spots, where this winter, soccer and tourism collide for the ultimate fiesta! Pack your bags, grab your lucky jersey, and get ready to shout, "GOOOOOAL!" every step of the way. Rotorua will have you feeling like a champion, scoring the best memories from all the unforgettable experiences. So come on down and experience a trip that's more fun than a victory dance!
