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.

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.

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.

Experience an authentic Maori cultural performance. Witness a live staging of traditional song and dance in front of your eyes, including the world-famous Haka, Poi dance, stick games, and more.

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.

Relax in the Pavilion Pools, exclusively for guests aged 12 and over, featuring seven hot mineral pools, a foot reflexology walk, and a deep pool for gentle exercise.

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.

• See Rotorua’s geothermal highlights in one easy plan — colorful volcanic landscapes paired with a relaxing mud spa experience. • Explore Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland with access to scenic walking trails, vibrant mineral pools, and the famous Lady Knox Geyser eruption. • Unwind at Hell's Gate Geothermal Reserve and Mud Spa with entry to the geothermal reserve, a therapeutic mud bath, and soothing sulphur hot pools.

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.

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.

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.

• 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!

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!

• 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.

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

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!

Experience the thrill of claybird shooting with our qualified instructors. There are a range of guns available including: 12 gauge under and overs. 410 Shotguns are available if a smaller gun is preferred. All safety gear is provided. Our facility is set in the stunning native bush overlooking beautiful Lake Rotorua. Travel up Mount Ngongotaha to the shooting facility in our 4WD buggy which seats up to 5 people - an experience not to be missed!

• Explore Rotorua’s geothermal highlights and Māori heritage in one seamless plan — dramatic geothermal landscapes paired with a guided cultural experience. • See Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland with access to scenic walking trails, colorful mineral pools, and the famous Lady Knox Geyser eruption. • Join the Te Rā guided experience at Te Puia to see the mighty Pōhutu Geyser and learn about Māori traditions at the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute.

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.

Soak in your own private cedar hot tub beside the forest in Rotorua and listen to the soothing sounds of the nearby stream and native birds. Only a 6-minute drive from the city centre.

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.

• 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.

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 the ultimate Rotorua experience with the Big Four: A full-day journey through Wai-O-Tapu, The Lady Knox Geyser, Waimangu Volcanic Valley, and the cultural richness of Te Puia.

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.

• 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.

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.

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.

• 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.

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.

New Zealand’s first multi-sensory immersive art experience.Seven dreamlike worlds brought to life through stunning 360° visuals and sound.More than an art gallery — a fully immersive journey for all your senses.Explore seven dreamlike interactive worlds in New Zealand’s first multi-sensory immersive art experience. This is a family ticket, which allows entry for 1 Adult + up to 3 Children.

• Twist, turn, slip, and laugh as you take on 4 unique tracks at New Zealand’s only ZORB site.
• Each ball is filled with 40 liters of water (warm in winter, cool in summer) for extra fun.
• Take on the 250m Straight Track solo or share the ride with up to 3 people.
• Race down MEGA, the longest, steepest, and fastest track in the world.
• Tackle Sidewinder, a fast, twist-filled track packed with sharp turns.
• Drop into Big Air with 3 thrilling dips, bends, and corners.
• The 2 Ride Combo includes 1 Straight Track ride and 1 Sidewinder ride.

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.

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

• 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.

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.

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.

• 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.

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.

• 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.

Indulge in five mineral hot pools overlooking Lake Rotorua, complemented by a cold plunge pool, geothermally heated recliners, and a relaxation lounge.

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.

• 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.