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.
Quarry Lookout Track
Walking & Hiking
Enjoy a 4.8 km walk through the thick forest of Redwoods. Requires a reasonable level of fitness and sturdy footwear.
Mt Ngongotahā Nature Loop Track
Walking & Hiking, North
Mount Ngongotahā is a volcanic dome that sits 757 metres above sea level and overlooks the city of Rotorua.
Adventure Games Rotorua
Walking & Hiking
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.
Sulphur Bay Wildlife Refuge
Walking & Hiking
Explore an amazing geothermal area where threatened bird populations make their home.
Orakei Korako Cave & Thermal Park - The Hidden Valley
Walking & Hiking, South
Situated just 45 minutes south of Rotorua and nestled on the shores of Lake Ohakuri lies the hidden valley of Orakei Korako Cave and Thermal Park.
Kaharoa Kōkako Track
Walking & Hiking, North
This track offers a great opportunity to hear the enchanting dawn chorus of New Zealand's native kōkako birds.
Tarawera Trail
Walking & Hiking, East
The 15km Tarawera Trail is a beautiful native bush walk that follows the contour of Lake Tarawera to the popular Te Rātā Bay and Hot Water Beach.
Totally Tarawera
Walking & Hiking
Guided cultural and geothermal tours to Te Rātā Bay and Hot Water Beach, including a natural hot pool soak.
Ōhinemutu Māori Village
Walking & Hiking
Connect with the culture, people, history and landscape that have made Rotorua the incredible place it is today.
Foris Eco-tours
Walking & Hiking
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.
Paradise Valley Springs Wildlife Park
Walking & Hiking, North
A superbly presented New Zealand trout, bird and wildlife park along with a pride of African lions. Set amongst peaceful and well maintained native New Zealand bush.
Buried Village of Te Wairoa
Walking & Hiking, East
New Zealand’s most-visited archaeological site where stories of the 1886 Mt Tarawera eruption come to life.