Nature lovers who love to get around on foot, find great delight in the dozens of trails through beautiful forests and around tranquil lakes
Call in to see the friendly staff at either of our i-SITE locations for information on trails, as well as camping sites, huts and other great attractions, or speak to a Department of Conservation (DOC) consultant, located at our Fenton Street i-SITE.
Download and save the PDF guide for Walking and hiking in Rotorua here:
Walking and hiking in Rotorua (PDF) or check out these 10 wonderful walks.
Tarawera Trail is a fan favourite. This 15-kilometre advanced tramping track has everything from bridges and natural springs, to native bush and gorgeous views of two lakes. At the end, your efforts will be rewarded with a natural hot water beach, so make sure to include your swim suit when you pack your backpack.
If the return trip by foot is too daunting, pre-book a water taxi to take you back to the start.
Foris Eco-tours
Walking & Hiking, South
Foris Eco-tours offers guided tours of the spectacular Whirinaki Forest and Rotorua's premium rafting adventure down the gorgeous Rangitaiki River. Choose guided hiking or combined river and guided walking options.
Hamurana Springs Nature Reserve
Walking & Hiking
Discover the beauty of Hamurana Springs at your own pace or be guided by a descendant of the Ngāti Rangiwewehi people who first migrated to the area in the mid-1300s. Enjoy the stunning natural elements and cultural stories that make this such a magical place.
Hinehopu Reserve
Walking & Hiking, East
At the eastern end of Lake Rotoiti is Hinehopu Reserve, well-known for shoreline fishing.
Kaharoa Kōkako Track
Walking & Hiking, 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.
Kuirau Park
Walking & Hiking
Check out the natural boiling, bubbling and steaming geothermal action throughout Kuirau Park, New Zealand’s only free geothermal public park!
Lake Ōkāreka Walkway
Walking & Hiking
Lake Ōkāreka is popular with water skiers, swimmers, boaties and walkers.
Lake Ōkataina
Walking & Hiking
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
Walking & Hiking
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.
Lake Rotokākahi (Green Lake)
Walking & Hiking
Rotokākahi means "the lake of the shellfish kakahi". Locals also refer to the lake as the Green Lake.
Lake Rotomā
Walking & Hiking
Lake Rotomā means "lake of exceptionally clear water". The lake currently has the best water quality of all the Rotorua lakes.
Lake Tarawera
Walking & Hiking
One of the largest lakes in New Zealand, the picturesque Lake Tarawera (meaning ‘burnt spear’), is a firm favourite with boaties, and famous for the size and condition of its rainbow trout.
Lake Tikitapu
Walking & Hiking, East
Lake Tikitapu, affectionately known as Blue Lake, is a local favourite and well known to regular visitors to Rotorua.