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, Central
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
Walking & Hiking, Central
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.
Kia Ora Guided Walks
Walking & Hiking, Central
A highly personal and entertaining tour through Rotorua city including the picturesque Government Gardens and Ohinemutu Māori Village. Take this opportunity to share our history, explore our land and most importantly to meet our people.
Kuirau Park - Geothermal Wonderland
Walking & Hiking, Central
Check out the natural boiling, bubbling and steaming geothermal action throughout Kuirau Park, New Zealand’s only free geothermal public park!
Lake Ōkāreka
Walking & Hiking, Central
One of the smaller lakes in the Rotorua region, Lake Ōkāreka remains off the beaten path, tucked away off the main road accessing lakes Tikitapu and Tarawera.
Lake Ōkareka Walkway
Walking & Hiking, Central
Lake Ōkareka is popular with water skiers, swimmers, boaties and walkers.
Lake Rotoiti
Walking & Hiking, Central
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.
Totally Tarawera
Walking & Hiking, Central
Guided cultural and geothermal tours to Te Rātā Bay and Hot Water Beach, including a natural hot pool soak.