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)
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.
Adventure Games Rotorua
Walking & Hiking, Central
Adventure Games Rotorua gets your team out and about, working together to solve an exciting mystery. You’ll love the challenge of solving the puzzles and clues, at the same time learning something about local history, culture and nature. Developed by Escapade – NZ's best rated escape room business.
Whakarewarewa Forest and Redwoods Walking Trails
Walking & Hiking, South
The Whakarewarewa Forest or Redwoods walking trails all start at the Redwoods i-SITE, where you can pick up a map before heading to explore the forest walks.
Geyser By Night – Te Puia Light Trails
Walking & Hiking, Central
When darkness falls, the true love story of the city's geothermal wonderland comes to life.
Lake Tikitapu
Walking & Hiking, East
Lake Tikitapu, affectionately known as Blue Lake, is a local favourite and well known to regular visitors to Rotorua.
Adventurers Travel Company
Walking & Hiking, Central
Adventurers is a specialist travel agency, creating custom adventures in Rotorua and throughout New Zealand. We are unique in what we do. We use our own knowledge of mountain biking, cycling and hiking to organise or help you organise, an exceptional holiday doing what you love outdoors.
Mount Tarawera Volcanic Crater Hike - Kaitiaki Adventures Aotearoa
Walking & Hiking, Central
Experience the unique landscape and history of Mount Tarawera, famous for its eruption on June 10, 1886, which created the world’s youngest geothermal valley of Waimangu.
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
Walking & Hiking, Central
New Zealand's most colourful geothermal attraction is just a short drive from either Rotorua or Taupo. This is an area in which the landscape has been sculptured by geothermal activity and where unique volcanic features can be viewed from well defined tracks.
Real Rotorua
Walking & Hiking, Central
Experience the Real Rotorua... with guided sight-seeing tours of the Rotorua area.
Whakarewarewa - The Living Māori Village
Walking & Hiking, Central
Home of the Tuhourangi, Ngati Wahiao (Māori sub tribes) people and located on a geothermal plateau, Whakarewarewa village is New Zealand’s oldest continuous Māori tourism experience’s pre-dating the world famous Pink & White Terraces.
Waimangu Volcanic Valley
Walking & Hiking, Central
Waimangu Volcanic Valley connects people with the beating heart of the world’s youngest geothermal valley, its unique history and legacy. They share how the world began!
Volcanic Air
Walking & Hiking, Central
From the experience of taking flight in a floatplane or helicopter, through to the thrill of exploring our stunning lakes district, vibrant geothermal reserves and remarkable volcanoes, Volcanic Air has an option for everyone.
Te Puia
Walking & Hiking, Central
Experience New Zealand's geothermal wonderland. Walk alongside a beautiful landscape of uncovered natural bush, mud pools and the majestic Pōhutu Geyser, the largest active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere.