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!
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.
Lake Tikitapu - Blue Lake
Public Places & Spaces, East
Lake Tikitapu, affectionately known as Blue Lake, is a local favourite and well known to regular visitors to Rotorua.
Sulphur Bay Wildlife Refuge
Public Places & Spaces, 中央
Explore an amazing geothermal area where threatened bird populations make their home.
Rotorua Lakefront
Public Places & Spaces, 中央
Rotorua Lakefront is a must do for all visitors to our region. Enjoy surreal morning views and epic sunset's over a pearl-like water reflections.
Pohaturoa Track
Public Places & Spaces, 中央
Enjoy a 8km walk with a medium difficulty through different strands of pine tree. Great hike for an active family.
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 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.
Lake Ōkareka Walkway
Public Places & Spaces, 中央
Lake Ōkareka is popular with water skiers, swimmers, boaties and walkers.
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.
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. It's free to visit and located within an easy walk from the city centre, just off Pukuatua and Ranolf streets.
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.
Kaharoa Kokako Track
Public Places & Spaces, 中央
This track offers a great opportunity to hear the enchanting dawn chorus of the kōkako.