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.
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.
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.
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.
Hinehopu Reserve
Walking & Hiking, East
At the eastern end of Lake Rotoiti is Hinehopu Reserve, well-known for shoreline fishing.
Lake Rotokākahi (Green Lake)
Walking & Hiking
Rotokākahi means "the lake of the shellfish kakahi". Locals also refer to the lake as the Green Lake.
Rotorua Lakefront
Walking & Hiking
Walking, running or cycling along the Rotorua lakefront is a great way to enjoy the outdoors in a beautiful setting.
Totally Tarawera
Walking & Hiking
Guided cultural and geothermal tours to Te Rātā Bay and Hot Water Beach, including a natural hot pool soak.
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!
Sulphur Bay Wildlife Refuge
Walking & Hiking
Explore an amazing geothermal area where threatened bird populations make their home.
Lake Tikitapu
Walking & Hiking, East
Lake Tikitapu, affectionately known as Blue Lake, is a local favourite and well known to regular visitors to Rotorua.
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.