Need a quiet space to unwind? A secret hideaway from the restless kids? How about a little spot of nature or a picnic-perfect park?
Lots of public places and spaces are easily accessible in Rotorua, and most are free. From the recently renovated (and caffeinated!) Te Aka Mauri Rotorua Library, to Sulphur Bay Wildlife Refuge, to many of our 18 lakes. Don’t forget our most-loved Whakarewarewa Forest, the geothermal Kuirau Park in the heart of town, and the rolling, tree-lined hills of Centennial Park. Such perfect antidotes if you’ve been on the go.
The listings below will provide you with some great ideas and many won’t cost a thing!
Hemo Gorge Trail - Te Ara Ahi
Public Places & Spaces, 中央
Hemo Gorge Trail is two-way, Grade 2, shared trail that takes cyclists and walkers off SH5 for access to the Waipa Mountain Biking car park. It is part of the Te Ara Ahi cycleway that continues to Rainbow Mountain. The trail is 1.5km from the Te Puia carpark to the Waipa car park (actual trail length to Waipa trailhead: 1.5km).
Neil Hunt Park
Public Places & Spaces, 中央
Located 5 minutes drive from central Rotorua, Neil Hunt Park serves the local communities sport's and recreational needs.
Rotorua Library Te Aka Mauri
Public Places & Spaces, 中央
Come relax with your favorite book or learn something new. There's something for everyone at the local Rotorua Library.
Lake Tarawera
Public Places & Spaces, 中央
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.
Whakarewarewa Forest (the Redwoods) Mountain Biking
Public Places & Spaces, South
Whakarewarewa Forest, also known as the Redwoods, is a mecca for mountain bikers, with more than 180km of trails winding their way through native and exotic forest.
Adventure Games Rotorua
Public Places & Spaces, 中央
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
Public Places & Spaces, 中央
Explore an amazing geothermal area where threatened bird populations make their home.
Boyes Beach & Park
Public Places & Spaces, East
Boyes Beach is one of the largest beaches on Lake Ōkareka and a great attraction during the warmer months, and popular for swimming, fishing and picnicking.
Hinehopu Reserve
Public Places & Spaces, East
At the eastern end of Lake Rotoiti is Hinehopu Reserve, well-known for shoreline fishing.
Kaharoa Kōkako Track
Public Places & Spaces, North
This track offers a great opportunity to hear the enchanting dawn chorus of New Zealand's native kōkako birds.
Lake Ōkareka Walkway
Public Places & Spaces, 中央
Lake Ōkareka is popular with water skiers, swimmers, boaties and walkers.