Geysers, hot springs, Māori culture and adventure sports welcome visitors to this fascinating city on New Zealand’s North Island.
Bubbling hot springs and mud pools offer relaxation, shooting geysers provide astonishment and mountains present boundless opportunities for adventure in Rotorua. This tourist-friendly city spreads around the southern shores of Lake Rotorua and is the thermal wonderland of New Zealand’s North Island. Rotorua is also home to one of the country’s largest population of Māoris, whose culture is visible throughout.
Learn about the local culture and geological history at the Rotorua Museum, housed in an historic timber-framed bathhouse. The museum is located in the Government Gardens, which is also home to the thermal pools of the Blue Baths. From here, follow Queens Drive north to Sulphur Point to enjoy views across Lake Rotorua. Follow the lakeshore to St. Faith’s Anglican Church, a pretty church decorated with Māori art. Afterwards, check out the hot springs at nearby Kuirau Park.
Just south of Government Gardens is the geothermal Te Whakarewarewa Valley. It is home to the Māori villages and cultural centres of Whakarewarewa Thermal Village and Te Puia. Watch traditional dances, visit craft workshops and sample a hangi cuisine, an ancient technique of cooking in a pit. Te Puia also affords superb views of Pohutu Geyser, which erupts up to 20 times per day.
At the northern edge of the city the Skyline Rotorua takes you on scenic journey to the slopes of Mt. Ngongotaha. Enjoy thrilling zip-line and go-kart toboggan adventures or explore hiking and mountain-biking trails. Find more high-adrenalin activities, such as zorbing, jet-boating and bungee jumping at Agroventures Adventure Park. Get up-close with kiwis and other birdlife at Rainbow Springs Kiwi Wildlife Park.
After a day of adventures, relax in the cafés, pubs and restaurants situated on the open-air dining and entertainment area of Eat Street. Its natural geothermal floor heating makes it an enjoyable place to be year-round. Alternatively, sample ethnic cuisine and browse for local arts and crafts at the weekly Rotorua Night Market.
Rotorua is about a 3-hour drive southeast from Auckland and well-connected with other North Island destinations by intercity buses. Rent a car or use public transport to visit geothermal attractions outside of the city centre. These include the Buried Village of Te Wairoa, Hells Gate and Waimangu Volcanic Valley.
Top hotels in Rotorua
Estimated price for 1 night / 2 adults
Rydges Rotorua
4 out of 5
272 Fenton St, Rotorua
NZ$149
per night
Feb 14 - Feb 15
Located in Fenton Street, this luxury hotel is within 1 mile (2 km) of Racing Rotorua, Tamaki Maori Village and Polynesian Spa. Whakarewarewa Hot Springs and ...…Located in Fenton Street, this luxury hotel is within 1 mile (2 km) of Racing Rotorua, Tamaki Maori Village and Polynesian Spa. Whakarewarewa Hot Springs and ...WWW…
4/5Very Good! (1,686 reviews)
"The room was spacious but the elevator was so small."…""The room was spacious but the elevator was so small."WWW…"
This family-friendly Rotorua hotel is steps away from Whakarewarewa Hot Springs and Whakarewarewa: The Living Maori Village. Tamaki Maori Village and Polynesian ...…This family-friendly Rotorua hotel is steps away from Whakarewarewa Hot Springs and Whakarewarewa: The Living Maori Village. Tamaki Maori Village and Polynesian ...WWW…
4.4/5Excellent! (1,834 reviews)
"Great hotel, good parking, very quiet location, easy to get around to the Rotorua activities we did, hope to come back to Rotorua one day again, would definitely stay here again. :)"…""Great hotel, good parking, very quiet location, easy to get around to the Rotorua activities we did, hope to come back to Rotorua one day again, would definitely stay here again. :)"WWW…"
This family-friendly Rotorua hotel is located in the shopping district, within a 15-minute walk of Matariki Hangi & Maori Cultural Performance, Tamaki Maori ...…This family-friendly Rotorua hotel is located in the shopping district, within a 15-minute walk of Matariki Hangi & Maori Cultural Performance, Tamaki Maori ...WWW…
4.2/5Excellent! (1,462 reviews)
"Shower head in the bathroom was disgusting with mold and gunk all over it. Mold in bathroom and bath shower combo which I hate"…""Shower head in the bathroom was disgusting with mold and gunk all over it. Mold in bathroom and bath shower combo which I hate"WWW…"
One of the largest lakes on the North Island, this location offers an abundance of exciting activities as well as a fascinating geological and cultural history.
Step into the world of Middle-earth, the Shire, and Hobbiton as you head to the movie set where acclaimed director Peter Jackson brought J.R.R. Tolkien's beloved books to life. Find out how this once-sleepy sheep farm was turned into a movie set and take an up-close look at real sets and props.
Venture inside the Waitomo Glowworm Caves and enter a magical world shimmering with thousands of tiny glowworms. After discovering the incredible acoustic properties of the chamber known as the Cathedral, board a boat and glide beneath a dazzling ceiling illuminated by living lights.
Tamaki Maori Village Cultural Discovery & Hangi Feast
NZ$130
Experience the authentic Tamaki Maori village nestled in the lush Rotorua forest. Discover the unique culture, customs, and traditions of the Maori people, then feast on a delicious Hangi-cooked meal and witness the traditional Maori war cry, the famous Haka dance.
Whakarewarewa - Guided Tour & Maori Cultural Performance
NZ$40
Combining authentic Maori culture and Rotorua’s geothermal activity, Whakarewarewa – The Living Maori Village is one of New Zealand’s oldest and most unique attractions.
Set amongst the stars atop Mount Ngongotaha, Skyline Rotorua’s Stratosfare Restaurant and Bar is home to some of New Zealand’s best award-winning cuisine. Enjoy a delicious Lunch or Dinner featuring a stunning array of freshly prepared buffet and cooked-to-order dishes highlighting locally sourced seafood, meat and produce.
Itinerary This is a typical itinerary for this product Stop At: Mohawk Ebike Tours, 1265 Fenton Street, Rotorua 3010 New Zealand Our guides will meet you inside the store and assist you with equipping yourself for the tour Duration: 15 minutes
