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!
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.
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).
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.
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.
Kuirau Park - Geothermal Wonderland
Public Places & Spaces, 中央
Check out the natural boiling, bubbling and steaming geothermal action throughout Kuirau Park, New Zealand’s only free geothermal public park!
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.
Government Gardens
Public Places & Spaces, 中央
Government Gardens is a beautiful public park situated along the edge of Lake Rotorua and just minutes from the city centre.
Guy Roe Reserve
Public Places & Spaces, South
A popular location for fishing, picnics and boat activities.
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.