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.
Lake Tikitapu
Walking & Hiking, East
Lake Tikitapu, affectionately known as Blue Lake, is a local favourite and well known to regular visitors to Rotorua.
aMAZEme
Walking & Hiking, North
For more than a decade, the Jensen family has been providing good old-fashioned outdoor fun at an affordable price.
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.
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.
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 1300’s. 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.
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 Ōkareka Walkway
Walking & Hiking
Lake Ōkareka is popular with water skiers, swimmers, boaties and walkers.
Lake Okataina
Walking & Hiking
The name Okataina 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 Rotokakahi (Green Lake)
Walking & Hiking
Rotokakahi means "the lake of the shellfish kakahi". It is affectionately known to locals as the Green Lake.
Lake Rotoma
Walking & Hiking
Lake Rotoma means "lake of exceptionally clear water". The lake currently has the best water quality of all the Rotorua lakes.