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.

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.

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.

• Travel to Mitai Māori with complimentary round-trip transportation 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.

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

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.

Enjoy the ultimate Redwoods experience in Rotorua - feel the thrill of a high ropes course, get fast pass entry to Redwoods Nightlights, and go on a daytime Treewalk.

• Soak in a mud bath and sulphur spa at Rotorua's most active thermal park.
• Admire views of the famous Hells Gate Geothermal Reserve.
• Later, cool off in a fresh spring waterfall.

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.

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.

• 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’.

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.

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.

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.

• 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 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!

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

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.

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

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

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.

• 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!

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.

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.

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 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.

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!

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.

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.

• Experience the perfect blend of history, culture, and humor with an expert English-speaking tour guide. • Enjoy traveling in 'The Duck', a World War II vehicle able to travel on land and water. • Discover the customs and culture of Rotorua by touring Lakes Titikapu and Ōkāreka. • Explore the contemporary life of the city while sightseeing its iconic buildings, million-dollar homes and gardens. • Journey through the natural landscapes and historically significant sites, getting a complete picture of the Lakes District.

Soak in your own cedar hot tub beside the forest and listen to the soothing sounds of the nearby stream and native birds.

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

• Escape city life to experience the wonders of Rotorua's geothermal reserve featuring a self-guided interactive geothermal walk, a mud bath, and a spa.
• Go on a guided or self-guided interactive geothermal walk to witness a magical hot waterfall and get your hands dirty with a Maori carving.
• Enjoy a soak in the geothermal mud bath at the reserve, a practice used by the local Maori for over 800 years.
• Cleanse yourself off in a sulfur spa and a cold plunge pool for some much-needed TLC.

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.

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

• No better way of taking in Okariki forest’s unparalleled beauty than going on this zipline adventure on a 220m zipline at a whopping 50 km/hr. 
• With two expert guides that will ensure your safety is a given, soar over the rimu trees and swing bridges and stop to feed some native birds.
• Step up your adventure game with the ultimate canopy tour, which includes a 2.25-hour zipline experience and access to a cliff walk among others. 
• Did you know? Modern ziplining as we know it was first popularized by wildlife biologists who studied Costa Rica’s forest canopies in the 1970s.

Experience an unforgettable journey into the heart of New Zealand's geothermal wonders with a guided tour through Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland and the Waimangu Valley.

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.

• 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.

Our most popular experience - Te Pō Combo: guided valley tour including Māori culture, kiwi and our geothermal valley, followed by a hāngī buffet dinner, and cultural performance.

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!

• 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.

The healing properties of Hells Gate mud and sulphur mineral water have been used by local Māori for over 800 years. Open and clean your skin by lathering it in a unique type of mud, before exfoliating and cleansing with a soak in the sulphur spa.

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.

• 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.

Watch glow worms light up the darkness on a guided tour from Rotorua. Take an evening bush walk through a native forest and keep an eye out for Morkporks, Weta, and other nocturnal creatures.

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

• 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!