Public Places & Spaces

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! 
 

Showing 12 out of 19.
Lake Tikitapu

Public Places & Spaces, East

Lake Tikitapu, affectionately known as Blue Lake, is a local favourite and well known to regular visitors to Rotorua.

Lake Rerewhakaaitu

Public Places & Spaces, South

Camping, picnicking, swimming and boating are all popular recreational activities at Lake Rerewhakaaitu Recreational Reserve.

Centennial Park

Public Places & Spaces

Situated on the slopes of Tihi-o-tonga in Rotorua south.

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.

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 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. 

Maunga Kākaramea (Rainbow Mountain) Summit Track

Public Places & Spaces

A 2.5km walk or mountain bike ride to the top of Mt Kakaramea rewards you with breathtaking 360° views.