Things to Do in Rotorua

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

On our customised Private Tour you'll enjoy a fun and informative tour with an experienced local guide showcasing the iconic Mt Maunganui, gorgeous sandy beaches, affluent homes, then we gradually ascend the central volcanic plateau to Rotorua stopping at a Kiwi farm where you'll be amazed at how this locally economically important plant is grown. In Rotorua we visit the iconic venue - Whakarewarewa Maori village (incl. a slick 30 minute performance of unique harmonious song/dance by members of the local tribe, a walk through a mystical geothermally active wetland, bubbling hot mudpools and springs and view some iconic geysers) Then we drive to the nearby holiday lakes of okareka and tikitapu/blue (and possibly Tarawera if time allows), Stunning photo opportunities abound here, plus we take a quick easy trek into a grove of NZ native forest...tranquil, serene and unique. Redwoods forest and the dynamic rapids at Okere falls are two more options, again if time allows.

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!

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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!

Discover Rotorua's stunning lakes district. Ride on land and in the water on New Zealand's only genuine World War II landing craft. Take in the sights of Rotorua without leaving your seat!

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

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.

Explore the 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.

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.

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.

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 family-friendly aquatic fun with a large heated pool, hydro slide, and two geothermal mineral hot pools.

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.

Start your Rotorua adventure with a visit to a Maori village, immersing yourself in rich culture and geothermal wonders. Then, choose your own adventure from a range of exciting afternoon activities.

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.

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!

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.

For a limited time, soak into the sunset in New Zealand's only mud spa complex, situated within an active geothermal reserve. As the temperature begins to drop, Hell's Gate is offering the ultimate winter indulgence - Experience our geothermal mud baths and sulphur spas by night. Bring your partner, family and friends - Book today. The mineral-enriched geothermal mud contains a variety of minerals and trace elements that offer numerous health benefits. The mud has a detoxifying and purifying action on the skin, absorbing excess oils and fatty secretions from within the pores, leaving you feeling soft, smooth, and rejuvenated. Additionally, the mud has bactericidal properties through its sulphur content, which kills bacteria and assists in the prevention and elimination of acne. The strong affinity of the mud to moisture in the skin also promotes the regeneration of skin cells.

Explore the canopies of New Zealand's forests on this exciting guided zipline adventure. Cross swing bridges and fly through the air. See unique wildlife including geckos, birds, and blue mushrooms.

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.