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!
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 Ōkāreka
Public Places & Spaces, 中央
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
Public Places & Spaces, 中央
Lake Ōkareka is popular with water skiers, swimmers, boaties and walkers.
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.
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.
Lake Rotorua
Public Places & Spaces, 中央
The largest of our region’s lakes, Rotorua is a volcanic caldera, formed from the crater of a large volcano.
Rotorua Lakefront
Public Places & Spaces, 中央
Walking or cycling along the Rotorua lakefront is a great way to enjoy the outdoors in a beautiful setting.
Kuirau Park
Public Places & Spaces, 中央
Check out the natural boiling, bubbling and steaming geothermal action throughout Kuirau Park, New Zealand’s only geothermal public park.
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).
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 Tikitapu
Public Places & Spaces, East
Lake Tikitapu, affectionately known as Blue Lake, is a local favourite and well known to regular visitors to Rotorua.