School holidays are the perfect time to slow down, explore somewhere new and create lasting memories together. Whether you're planning a weekend escape or looking for ways to fill a few days with adventure, Rotorua offers an unbeatable mix of outdoor fun, wildlife encounters, cultural experiences and family-friendly attractions.
From soaring through the forest on a zipline to splashing in lakeside playgrounds and soaking in geothermal hot pools, here are some of the best ways to enjoy the school holidays in Rotorua.
Free & Easy Activities
Wander through Whakarewarewa Forest
Home to towering Californian redwoods planted in 1901, Whakarewarewa Forest is one of Rotorua's most iconic outdoor spaces.
Walking and cycling trails cater to all abilities, weaving through giant trees, alongside streams and across wooden bridges. Keep an eye out for colourful painted rocks hidden along some tracks, turning a simple walk into a treasure hunt.
Play the day away at the Rotorua Lakefront
With Lake Rotorua as its backdrop, the Rotorua Lakefront Playground is one of the city's most popular free attractions. Flying foxes, climbing structures, scooter tracks, basketball courts and playhouses provide hours of entertainment, while plenty of open space makes it easy to relax between adventures.
Grab an ice cream from nearby Parc, stroll along the waterfront or simply enjoy the lake views while the afternoon slips by.
See the cherry blossoms in bloom
Each spring, Centennial Park transforms as cherry blossom trees burst into soft shades of pink.
Typically peaking between late September and early October, the blossoms create one of Rotorua's most beautiful seasonal displays. Pack a picnic, take a leisurely stroll beneath the blooms and enjoy this fleeting reminder that sometimes the simplest experiences become the most memorable.
Explore Rotorua's beautiful lakes
Rotorua's 18 lakes offer a different side of the region, with swimming spots, picnic areas, walking tracks and stunning volcanic scenery.
Lake Tarawera features a playground and spectacular views of Mt Tarawera, while Lake Ōkāreka offers peaceful walking trails and lakeside picnic spots. The Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake) is a favourite for swimming, paddleboarding and relaxed lakeside strolls. Whether you're kayaking, picnicking or simply exploring, each lake has its own history, character and hidden corners to discover.
Surprise the kids with something more
Experience Mārama Nights at Te Puia
There's something magical about seeing Rotorua's geothermal landscape after dark. During the school holidays, Mārama Nights at Te Puia invites families to explore illuminated pathways, steaming valleys and a unique programme of evening activities.
Visitors can enjoy complimentary popcorn, add a wish to the Mārama Star Wall, receive face paint and enjoy family-friendly movie screenings. Mārama Kids takes place every Friday and Saturday during the school holidays, while Mārama Movie Nights are held on Friday 2 October and Friday 9 October 2026.
Take on the Skyline Rotorua Luge and Skyswing
Perched high above the city, Skyline Rotorua combines spectacular views with some of Rotorua's most iconic adventures.
The luge is often the highlight, allowing riders to navigate winding downhill tracks through forest while taking in panoramic views across Lake Rotorua. With multiple track options available, visitors can choose between a more relaxed ride or a faster-paced challenge.
For those seeking a bigger adrenaline rush, the Skyswing raises riders high against the hillside before sweeping out over the landscape.
Fly over the Kaituna River with Rotorua Ziplines
Hidden within native forest alongside the Kaituna River, Rotorua Ziplines offers an adventure that combines soaring views, cultural storytelling and a deeper connection with the natural environment. Over approximately two hours, visitors cross swinging bridges, glide through the forest canopy and learn about the significance of the Kaituna River and the surrounding landscape. The experience is as much about discovering Rotorua's natural beauty as it is about the thrill of ziplining.
Get up close with farm life at Agrodome
Agrodome offers a hands-on introduction to rural New Zealand. The Farm Tour gives visitors the chance to meet sheep, alpacas, cattle and other farm animals while learning about New Zealand's farming heritage.
If you're visiting during the holidays, the Agrodome Farmers Market on 4 October and 1 November adds local produce, artisan goods and entertainment to the experience.
Roll down a hill at ZORB Rotorua
Rotorua is the birthplace of ZORB, one of New Zealand's most iconic adventure experiences.
Climb inside a giant inflatable sphere filled with water and roll your way down purpose-built tracks designed to maximise speed, spins and laughter. Every ride is slightly different, creating that wonderful mix of anticipation and surprise that keeps people talking long after they've reached the bottom.
It's one of those uniquely Rotorua experiences that becomes a holiday highlight for many visitors.
Meet the animals at Paradise Valley Springs
Paradise Valley Springs combines native bush, wildlife encounters and farmyard fun in one easy-to-explore attraction.
The self-guided walk passes deer, alpacas, goats, pigs, emu and native birds, with opportunities to feed many of the animals along the way. One of the biggest highlights is the daily lion feeding, which offers a rare chance to see these powerful animals up close.
Soak in the geothermal waters of Waikite Valley Hotpools
Around 30 minutes south of Rotorua, Waikite Valley Hot Pools offers naturally heated geothermal pools set among native bush.
The water comes directly from Te Manaroa Spring, the largest single source of boiling water in New Zealand. Visitors can walk to the spring before relaxing in a selection of pools with varying temperatures, making it an ideal stop for those wanting to slow down and unwind.
Get up close to thousands of glowworms
Located beside Redwoods Treewalk, Redwoods Glowworms is a purpose-built 70-metre eco-cave where visitors can see thousands of real glowworms up close.
The fully guided experience explains how glowworms produce their distinctive blue-green light and survive in their carefully designed habitat. Open during the day, the accessible attraction is an easy addition to any Rotorua itinerary, whatever the weather.
Make time for an ice cream stop
Not every holiday moment needs to be packed with adventure. Sometimes an ice cream by the lake is all that's needed.
Juice Up is known for its milkshakes and acai bowls, Lady Jane's Ice Cream Parlour serves classic favourites, and Parc Café is perfectly positioned for a sweet treat after a visit to the Lakefront Playground.
Experience the energy of Rotorua Night Market
Every Thursday evening, Rotorua Night Market brings the city centre to life with food stalls, artisan products, and live music.
The lively atmosphere makes it a great place to sample international cuisine, browse local products and enjoy an evening out. If you're visiting during the holidays, it's worth planning your trip around a Thursday night.
