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.

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.

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.

• Explore the vibrant geothermal landscapes of Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, one of Rotorua’s most colourful natural attractions.
• See striking geothermal features like the vivid Champagne Pool and the bright green Devil’s Bath formed by mineral-rich activity.
• Watch the dramatic daily eruption of Lady Knox Geyser, a highlight of the park’s geothermal displays.
• Walk scenic trails through steaming vents, colourful craters, and bubbling mud pools across this active volcanic landscape.

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

Enjoy a visit to the 350-acre Agrodome Farm in Rotorua. Watch an entertaining farm show, see adorable baby animals, taste local products, and learn about New Zealand’s agricultural heritage.

Challenge yourself with New Zealand's largest and most diverse range of mazes, mind-bending puzzles, and game attractions! Navigate Rotorua's famous 1.7km 3D Maze, explore our NEW glow in the dark Neon Cave experience, plus try New Zealand's tallest wall maze. Keep the family entertained for hours with the ultimate maze experience with so much to do - colour maze, puzzle path, arrow maze, Tui's Tangle maze, children's playground, tilt maze, giant games and rope maze. Wonderworld has been an icon in Rotorua’s family entertainment and tourism industry, bringing fun and happiness for over 40 years. We're conveniently located 12 minutes from Rotorua & 3 minutes from the Airport making it a perfect thing to do in Rotorua!

• Sink into mineral-rich mud baths and soothing sulfur pools at Hell's Gate Geothermal Reserve for a Māori healing tradition passed down for generations.
• Explore New Zealand’s most active geothermal reserve, home to bubbling mud pools, steaming fumaroles, and the Southern Hemisphere's largest hot waterfall.
• Wander past steaming vents, mud volcanoes, and the famous Kakahi Falls.
• Shuttle transfers from Rotorua Central make getting to this legendary spa experience easy and convenient.

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.

The Kaituna River is ranked the number 1 Travellers Choice Experience in NZ. It doesn't get much better than whitewater rafting through this river. Finish the experience in our free sauna!

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.

• 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.

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.

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.

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 the wheel of your own railcar for a unique self-drive adventure along historic tracks from Ngongotaha.
• Enjoy a 2-hour return journey, taking in local heritage and scenic landscapes at your own pace.
• A full safety briefing and all required equipment are included, so you can focus on the ride.
• Depart from Ngongotaha Station and experience hands-on railway heritage rarely found elsewhere.
• Ideal for history enthusiasts and adventure-seekers keen to explore New Zealand’s rail legacy.
• Relish the freedom of self-driving while connecting with the region’s cultural past.

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!

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.

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!

• 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.

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

Enjoy the ultimate Redwoods experience in Rotorua with this ticket. Feel the thrill of a high ropes course with zip lines, get Fast Pass entry to Redwoods Nightlights, and go on a daytime Treewalk.

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.

• 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’.

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.

Step into a world of wonders at Hamilton Gardens. Explore 18 immersive gardens with a self-guided audio tour that brings centuries of stories and cultures to life.

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.

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!

Experience Lake Rotorua on a paddle steamer cruise. Choose a sightseeing cruise or a buffet dining experience with a selection of dishes inspired by fresh local flavors.

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.

Our most popular daytime experience - Te Rā + Haka. Enjoy a 90-minute guided tour of our geothermal valley, New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute and kiwi house, plus a cultural performance.

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.

• 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.

Zipline through Rotorua’s ancient native forest on a guided 2.5 hour canopy adventure. Fly six ziplines, cross swing bridges, explore treetop platforms. Small groups, free photos, stunning scenery.

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!

Visit the bubbling Mud Pool, Witness the Lady Knox Geyser erupt at 10:15 AM, Explore Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal - a surreal place on the Earth, Redwood forest and Crystal Clear Blue Springs.

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

• 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.

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!

Enjoy a morning journey in the Wai-o-Tapu Scenic Reserve. Starting with the fascinating Mud Pool and Lady Knox Geyser. Take your time to wonder through New Zealand's most colourful and diverse geothermal park where you are introduced to a uniquely different natural landscape. The key to what you see lie below the surface. We are local Maori whanau (family) owned business, who love sharing history and stories of our homeland.

• 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!

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.

7 Immersive Exhibition Rooms Each room at 3 Mirage is designed to evoke emotion, spark imagination, and transport you to another world. Tree of Life – The Source of Creation Vast Starry Sky – A Cosmic Journey Exotic Landscape – Worlds Unknown Ocean of Flowers and Waterfalls – Flow of Nature Forest Exploration – Secrets of the Wild Journey of Discovery – Path to Self Dreamlike Clouds – Floating Between Worlds Be among the first to experience the future of art and technology! What Makes 3 Mirage Revolutionary? 360-Degree Immersion 4D Experience 中文this attraction is a must-visit for anyone looking to make the most of their time in New Zealand. This is a family ticket, which allows entry for 1 Adult + up to 3 Children.

• 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.

Redwoods Altitude is a high ropes adventure in Rotorua, a thrilling experience that takes you to new heights amidst the majestic Redwoods Forest. (This includes entry to Redwoods Glowworms.)

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.

• Enhance your geothermal tour with a dynamic Haka performance, blending Māori culture and storytelling in a thrilling live show.
• Walk through Te Puia’s volcanic landscape, marveling at boiling mud pools and the powerful Pohutu Geyser as it erupts before your eyes.
• Discover Māori traditions as you visit a working Marae and gain insight into ancient customs through interactive cultural displays.
• Spend time exploring the village and learning about Māori crafts at the Arts Institute, where you can interact with the artisans.
• The Haka, performed by warriors in stunning costumes, was once used to prepare for battle and is now a key symbol of Māori pride.