Things to Do in Rotorua

Rotorua to Auckland via Waitomo Caves and Hobbiton Movie set one-way tour includes visiting two of the iconic New Zealand attractions – Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Glow Worm Caves.

Experience an evening of culture at Te Pa Tu that includes performances, dance, and a 4-course fusion feast held in the forest outside Rotorua.

Explore The Lakes Tour – 9am to 1pm By far the best lakes tour in Rotorua, small group, locations and value. With 18 lakes in the Rotorua area our Explore The Lakes Tour provides a driver-guided exploration of some of the highlights of New Zealand’s Lake District: Hamurana springs, the largest fresh water spring in the North island. Okere falls and Tutea falls with Native forest walk. lake Rotoiti, the Blue and Green lakes and lake Tarawera. Explore our favourite scenic spots and natural springs on foot. Take photographs at your leisure and learn about Rotorua’s colourful culture and history from our knowledgeable and friendly guide. • Highlights • Small group, relaxed atmosphere. •  Informative, outgoing driver-guide. • Breath-taking scenery. • No queues . • Half day tour.

• Enjoy a guided tour through Te Puia, home to New Zealand’s largest active geyser and extraordinary geothermal wonders.
• Visit the renowned Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, watching skilled artisans create intricate wood carvings and delicate woven art.
• Explore the Kiwi Conservation Centre, where you'll see New Zealand’s iconic bird up close and learn about ongoing conservation efforts.
• Upgrade your experience with options including a live Haka performance or a traditional Hangi buffet dinner for deeper cultural immersion.
• Pohutu Geyser erupts up to 20 times a day, shooting water as high as 30 meters into the air—don’t miss this natural wonder during your visit.

Enjoy combine massive Kaituna raft and sledge options in to one action packed day and accompanied by your awesome kiwi guides along the way.

Journey through steep, lush New Zealand canyons as you conquer 14 rapids and 3 waterfalls, including the world’s highest rafted fall. Experience thrilling rafting infused with rich Māori culture.

Combine the thrill of landing on Mount Tarawera with a flight that includes spectacular aerial views of our stunning crater lakes, the renowned Tarawera Falls and the vibrant Waimangu and Wai-O-Tapu geothermal reserves. Leaving Wai-O-Tapu we descend to follow the Waikato River to the hidden valley of Orakei Korako. Once landed, you will ferry across the river and begin your land-based tour. Experience hot springs, gushing geysers and the natural beauty of this geothermal wonderland. Your return flight takes in views of farmland and the Paeroa mountain range before flying over Rotorua City and returning to our lakefront pier.

• Take a geothermal tour through Te Puia’s dramatic landscape, then savor a delicious hangi meal slow-cooked using natural geothermal heat.
• Discover Māori culture up close, with access to the Arts and Crafts Institute where expert carvers and weavers continue age-old traditions.
• Enjoy a guided exploration of the vibrant Te Whakarewarewa Valley, including the erupting Pohutu Geyser and bubbling mud pools.
• Your visit includes a Hangi buffet meal, where you’ll experience authentic flavors of traditional Maori cuisine and New Zealand’s culinary heritage.
• Fun fact: The name "Hāngī" refers to the Maori method of cooking food underground, an ancient practice that adds unique earthy and smoky flavors.

Join Kaituna whitewater sledging half-day guided tour to experience the unique Kiwi adventures with professional guides and enjoy beautiful native scenery during on tour.

Visit a traditional Maori village and learn more about their customs and rituals at an amazing cultural experience, including a tasty hangi feast and dessert.

Sustainability ‘Manaaki whenua, manaaki tangata, haere whakamua - Care for the land, care for people, go forward’ Wonderworld is bordered by a protected strand of Kihikitea forest of significant natural value, being one of the last remnants of the towering Kihikitea forest that used to surround Lake Rotorua. Wonderworld LOVES this forest. The birds and insects singing that come with it. The fresh air. The natural greenery. We are committed to nurturing the forest and supporting the future prosperity of the wildlife that lives here. We do this through - eradicating introduced pests that damage the forest, planting over 500 native plants to rejuvenate the land and eradicating noxious and invasive weeds.

• Travel to Mitai Māori with round-trip thotel transfers from Rotorua and be regaled with creative storytelling around the history, culture, and traditions of this village.
• After a welcoming ceremony, a traditional meal is unveiled and set to slow cook in an earth oven for consumption at the end of your visit.
• You will be privy to warriors paddling down the Wai-o-Whiro stream by canoe, and cultural performances galore.
• Stroll through nature and see an ancient fortified village, the spring of Te Puna Tapu o Tuhoe, and glow worms illuminating the forest.
• Discover the ways of living, natural resources, and survival techniques used by indigenous peoples.
• Wind down with authentic food cooked in a hāngī pit, and engage in a lively question and answer session.

Discover the unique landscape and history of Mt. Tarawera with the fully guided hiking experience and journey off road 4x4 experience through native New Zealand bush to the craters edge.

Enjoy an evening of culture and connection at Te Puia with a cultural performance, hāngī buffet dinner and hot chocolate near Pōhutu Geyser.

Travel at high speed across scenic Lake Rotorua and through the Ohau Channel, then onto Lake Rotoiti where we will take you to the beautiful and peaceful Manupirua Hot Springs for a 1 hour relaxing soak. This hidden gem is only accessible by boat.

• This ticket is the full-access pass to Hell’s Gate Geothermal Reserve, with access to mud and sulfur pools, and Māori carving activities.
• Pick your path through three different walking tracks. You'll pass through mud pools, steaming cliffs, and pockets of native bush.
• Visit the Kakahi Falls and the constantly shifting mud volcano, plus join a Māori carving session to learn the stories and techniques that bring wood to life.
• Bathe in nutrient-rich geothermal mud and sulfur pools, a tradition enjoyed by Māori warriors for centuries.
• Every visit supports the preservation of Māori heritage and Rotorua’s geothermal environment.

Join the most popular 3-hour water rafting adventure tour over 14 awesome rapids & 3 waterfalls including world-renowned 7 metre Tutea Falls, the Highest Commercially Rafted Waterfall in the World!

Explore Wai-O-Tapu Thermal wonderland with this entry ticket. Witness the Lady Knox Geyser erupt and enjoy all-day access to one of New Zealand’s most popular geothermal parks.

Take a guided canyon kayak tour in the daytime, on the Waikato River. Learn the history of the submerged village and enjoy the serenity of being on the water. Paddle slowly up the Pokaiwhenua Stream and through the canyon carved out by water over many hundreds of years.

• Double the dose of fun with 40 liters of water (warm in winter, cool in summer) added to every ball.
• Stay warm and toasty in between rides with 3 hot tubs available on site.
• Choose from 2 Ride Combo, 2 Ride Flexi Combo, and 3 Ride Super Deal options.
• 2 Ride Combo gives access to 1x Straight Track and 1x Sidewinder; 2 Ride Flexi Combo lets you pick any 2 tracks you want; 3 Ride Super Deal includes 1x Straight Track, 1x Track Sidewinder & 1x Big Air Track.

Journey through Rotorua and discover the history of our lakes, volcanic areas, while visiting 4 lakes with a splashdown on 3 including Tarawera.

Explore the Hobbiton movie set from the Lord of the Rings film trilogy on this half-day tour from Rotorua. See and hear how New Zealand's landscape was transformed into the famous Hobbit holes.

Fly over New Zealand’s only permanently active offshore volcano, White Island and enjoy amazing aerial views of the island's crater lake and ever-changing volcanic activity. Continue across the Pacific Ocean and further inland to the site of the largest eruption in our living memory, Mount Tarawera.

• Enjoy the thrill of rolling down Mt Ngongotaha in a giant inflatable ball promising you fun and laughs to the end.
• This experience has been a New Zealand bucket list adventure ever since Andrew and David Akers invented and developed it back in 1995.
• Choose between four tracks varying in distance and thrill, each crazier than the next, or forget choosing and experience them all!
• Don’t worry about not having enough time on your adventure with flexible duration and flexible entry.

Journey through Rotorua riding New Zealand's only genuine WW2 landing crafts and visit 3 of Rotorua's 18 stunning lakes with splashdown on 2.

Get an adrenaline rush on a half-day white water rafting activity on the Kaituna River. Brave the rapids of the 7-meter Tutea Falls, the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world.

Join us to view Rotorua beyond the crater rim. Enjoy spectacular views of our hidden lakes district, distant volcanoes and local geothermal activity. In this captivating overview of this stunning area and continue your experience on your floatplane scenic flight towards lake Rotoiti. Landing on the lake we’ll taxi to the pier where you disembark, your Eden awaiting. Only accessible by water, the hot pools are in a secluded bay on the shores of Lake Rotoiti. Seemingly disconnected from the world, this is where you’ll spend 90 minutes, with your only concerns being which pool to experience next. Take your time soaking, cool off in the lake, rest a bit on a lounger and repeat before returning to the Rotorua City Lakefront

• Enjoy a 1-hour guided tour in our state-of-the-art, purpose-built facility.
• Go behind the scenes to witness the hatchery operations, from egg incubation to hatching.
• Observe adult and juvenile kiwi in our specially designed nocturnal enclosure and explore the immersive kiwi burrow experience.
• If you're lucky, you might see kiwi chicks being weighed, fed, or receiving a health check. 
• Fun fact: The National Kiwi Hatchery has successfully hatched and raised over 2,500 kiwi chicks, making it the leading kiwi conservation facility in the world!

See one of the world-famous visitor attractions in one wonderful day on this small-group day tour from Rotorua to Auckland via Hobbiton movie set!

Combine a relaxing mud bath and sulphur spa experience with an exploration of Rotorua's most active thermal park at Hells Gate Geothermal Reserve.

We will host you and share this amazing park with you. Your expert guide will point out the unique geology, flora and fauna and cultural history that makes Tongariro special. The full day option involves; - Pick up/meet in Rotorua 8.00am / Taupo 9.00am (One-hour travel time from Taupo or 1 hour 45 minutes from Rotorua) - Start the day with the Taranaki Falls walk (2 hours), take in stunning views of Mount Ruapehu and Mount Ngauruhoe, continue on to the Tama Lakes if fitness allows (4 hours) or add Lake Rotopounamu if group is less fit). Lunch will be on route as day allows - Return to Taupo / Rotorua

• Step into New Zealand's most active geothermal reserve with steaming mud pools, erupting geysers, and the country's largest hot waterfall.
• Try your hand at traditional Māori carving, an interactive, creative experience unique to Hell’s Gate.
• Join a guided tour to uncover ancient legends and geological wonders, or explore at your own rhythm with a self-guided map.
• Complimentary shuttle makes getting to and from Rotorua’s central area effortless and stress-free.
• All ages can enjoy the geothermal walk, while the carving experience is open to guests aged 12 and above.

Experience a Legacy Guided Tour through New Zealand’s iconic Maori village, and discover the rich history and traditions.

As passionate conservationists we'll take you out of our way to discover birds you have never seen. A full day birding adventure checking out a few sites to maximize your chances to see a range of endemic New Zealand birds. We explore arguably New Zealand's finest forest, stunning estuaries, amazing wetlands and seek out rare birds in their natural habitat.

• Zip through the trees and over three thunderous waterfalls at speeds hitting 40 km/h on 4 cables. It’s fast, it’s furious, and it’s a whole lot of fun!
• The two expert guides will not only ensure your gear’s tight but also share Maori legends about New Zealand's origins and the Earth's creation.
• With swing bridges and hand-built boardwalks, you get to hover over the forest and peek at the plants from a bird's view.
• Not only will you explore, but you’ll also plant a native tree labeled with your name and discover the rich flavors of ancient Maori teas.
• Fun fact: You'll be zipping right over the top of the world's highest commercially rafted waterfall, Tutea Falls, which stands at a whopping 7 meters!

Learn all about New Zealand’s national icon at the world’s leading kiwi hatchery in Rotorua and discover the conservation efforts dedicated to protecting and preserving the precious Kiwi bird.

An unforgettable adventure from start to finish! This guided Māori cultural walking tour through a stunning Jurassic podocarp rainforest was truly one-of-a-kind. The journey began with a comfortable and fun bus ride from Rotorua, where we met our friendly Māori guides. Upon arrival, we were welcomed with a traditional Mihi Whakatau and Karakia, which set a deeply meaningful tone for the day. The rainforest itself is breathtaking—towering 1,000-year-old Totara trees, lush native plants, and the chance to spot rare birds in their natural habitat. The guides shared fascinating stories about the forest’s history, Māori traditions, and the medicinal plants known as Rakau Rongoa. We even got to experience 'Forest Bathing,' a peaceful moment of connection with nature, accompanied by beautiful Māori chants and music. The packed picnic lunch, infused with traditional flavors, was delicious, and hot Kawakawa tea was the perfect ending. A must-do for anyone visiting Rotorua!

• Join a full-day small-group day tour from Auckland to see Waitomo Glowworm Cave, Te Puia’s geothermal wonders, and Rotorua’s city highlights.
• Explore Waitomo Glowworm Cave on a 45-minute guided tour with stalactites and stalagmites, then enjoy a serene boat ride beneath the glowworm-lit grotto.
• Explore Te Puia Geothermal Park with a guide, seeing geysers, hot springs, Māori arts, and the unique Kiwi bird up close.
• Drive through Rotorua’s most iconic sights, including Lake Rotorua, Rotorua Museum, Government Gardens, Rachel Spring, and the Blue Baths.

Explore the Rotorua Lakes in the evening on an amazing scenic kayak tour. Follow your guide along the shorelines to small caverns home to a galaxy formation of glow-worms illuminating the night.

Raceline Karting is NZ’s premier karting adventure it is New Zealand's newest and longest state of the art outdoor KartSport circuit.Situated at the Rotorua International KartSport Raceway the track is 1.2km long, 8 metres wide, and includes a 150 metre straight, you will also take on 11 corners and 6 hairpins. We are operating Sodi 390cc 4 stroke karts imported from France, they can reach speeds close to 100km/hour.

• Discover the art of jade carving and New Zealand pounamu's heritage in Rotorua on a 40-minute guided tour.
• Witness local artists in action as they showcase the step-by-step process of jade carving and engage with them during the live demonstration.
• Delve into the rich history of pounamu, uncover its significance for Māori culture, and select your unique piece to string into a necklace for a take-home souvenir.
• Fun Fact: Pounamu is the Māori name for New Zealand jade. It is found only in New Zealand’s South Island, which is why the island is also known as Te Waipounamu, meaning ‘the greenstone waters’.

A hosted, immersive night-time journey through Te Puia. Experience the geothermal valley as never before, with geysers, paths, and landscapes brought to life in a spectrum of light.

Tour Highlights: Start your journey with a convenient pickup from iSite Rotorua Visitor Center, 1167 Fenton Street, Rotorua, and enjoy a scenic drive to Waimangu Volcanic Valley. Created by the 1886 Mount Tarawera eruption, Waimangu is the world’s youngest geothermal system. Upon arrival, explore a breathtaking landscape filled with unique geothermal features, including Frying Pan Lake, the world’s largest hot spring, and the mesmerizing blue Inferno Crater. Wander through steaming craters, bubbling pools, and vividly colored terrain, witnessing the powerful forces of nature and the vibrant regeneration of the valley. This tour allows you to experience Waimangu’s stunning blend of geothermal wonders and lush greenery at your own pace. Please complete your walk by 12:30 pm for a convenient return to Rotorua, bringing back unforgettable memories of this extraordinary place.

• Explore two of New Zealand’s best sites in one tour: the Hobbiton film set and the geothermal and Māori cultural treasures of Te Puia.
• Enjoy a comprehensive guided tour of the Hobbiton film set, with behind-the-scenes stories and a complimentary drink at the Green Dragon Inn.
• Visit Te Puia to see the famous Pohutu Geyser, bubbling mud pools and the National School of Māori Arts where you’ll see traditional carving and weaving.
• This tour offers great flexibility, with return transfers from Auckland and the comfort of a small group with personalized attention.
• Did you know? Te Puia’s Pohutu Geyser is the largest active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere, erupting up to 20 times a day!

Step into a jade carving studio in Rotorua for an up-close look at this Māori craft. Meet local artists, see a live jade carving demonstration, and select your very own piece of New Zealand jade.

Experience “Volcanic Extremes” flying over the active crater of “Whakaari” White Island before landing on the now dormant but extremely spectacular summit of Mount Tarawera. Both of these volcanoes are of significance, Whakaari more recently for the devastating 2019 eruption and Mount Tarawera for the much larger 1886 eruption considered to be the largest in New Zealand’s living memory. Different in the extreme, Whakaari is an active marine volcano and changes its activity on a daily basis while far inland Mount Tarawera stands impressively above its central North Island landscape. The mountains now dormant but no less impressive craters and domes are evidence of the massive eruption that shaped this area. Views from the Mountains summit are breathtaking, not only for the volcanoes deep craters but also for commanding vistas of the surrounding region.

• Experience Rotorua’s Agrodome, where you can feed alpacas, watch sheep shearing, and explore 350 acres of farm life.
• Watch the renowned farm show where 19 breeds of sheep take center stage, showcasing the diversity of the nation's sheep farming. 
• See talented farm dogs keep the sheep in line and try your hand at farming traditions like sheep shearing or milking a cow.
• Climb aboard a cozy tractor trailer for an all-terrain tour through a 350-acre farm and stop to pose with cute animals for great photos.

Explore the world’s youngest geothermal site with lush valleys, native flora and fauna, hot springs and more. Admire geothermal features, crater lakes, and explore hiking trails with an entry ticket.

Raceline Karting is NZ’s premier karting adventure it is New Zealand's newest and longest state of the art outdoor KartSport circuit.Situated at the Rotorua International KartSport Raceway the track is 1.2km long, 8 metres wide, and includes a 150 metre straight, you will also take on 11 corners and 6 hairpins. We are operating Sodi 390cc 4 stroke karts imported from France, they can reach speeds close to 100km/hour. Next up is our action-packed Monster 4X4 Thrill Ride, your professional driver will tackle local terrain in the 4X4 monster jeep with custom built chassis and suspension. The V6 Holden engine will propel you through our private native bush using all of its front & rear steering abilities. Both awesome all-weather activities

• Experience the Hobbiton Movie Set’s magic in person and learn about the Maori culture at Te Puia during this guided tour. • Enjoy a guided tour of the set, starting with a scenic drive across the Kaimai Ranges to the town of Matamata. • Gorge yourself on a hefty meal at the Green Dragon Inn after you visit Hobbit Holes, the Party Tree, the Mill and other iconic structures. • Take in the Maori culture at Te Puia as you visit the wood carving and weaving schools. • Walk past forceful geysers and bubbling mud pools at the end of your full-day guided tour.