Rotorua Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Rotorua
Rotorua which includes forest scenes as well as a small group of people
Rotorua
Rotorua
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland featuring views and a hot spring as well as a small group of people

Rotorua Travel Guide Video

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.

Where to stay in Rotorua

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Owhata

If you're spending some time in Owhata, Lake Rotorua and Haiku Pathway are top sights worth seeing.

Owhata
Lake Okareka showing a lake or waterhole

Lake Okareka

Travellers like the parks in Lake Okareka, and Lake Okareka is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Lake Okareka
Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve showing a river or creek and a bridge

Whakarewarewa

The panoramic lake views and luxurious spas are just a few highlights of Whakarewarewa. Make a stop by Whakarewarewa: The Living Maori Village or Te Puia New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute while you're exploring the area.

Whakarewarewa
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Lynmore

When in Lynmore, you can plan a visit to Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest and Polynesian Spa, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Lynmore
Rotorua Museum of Art and History which includes interior views as well as an individual child

Inner City

If you're spending some time in Inner City, Rotorua Night Market and Tamaki Maori Village are top sights worth seeing.

Inner City
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Glenholme

Though Glenholme may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Rotorua Central Mall and Rotorua Night Market.

Glenholme
Rydges Rotorua

Rydges Rotorua

4.5 out of 5
10 Tryon Street, Whakarewarewa, Rotorua, Bay of Plenty
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$141 per night from 31 July to 1 Aug
NZ$141
31 July - 1 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Rotorua. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,017 reviews)
"Excellent"

Reviewed on 24 Jul. 2025

Rydges Rotorua
JetPark Hotel Rotorua

JetPark Hotel Rotorua

4 out of 5
237 Fenton Street, Corner Victoria Street, Rotorua
The price is NZ$171 per night from 1 Aug to 2 Aug
NZ$171
1 Aug - 2 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Rotorua. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,008 reviews)
"Easy to get around from here. Great breakfast and nice staff"

Reviewed on 24 Jul. 2025

JetPark Hotel Rotorua
Arawa Park Hotel

Arawa Park Hotel

4 out of 5
272 Fenton St, Rotorua
The price is NZ$125 per night from 27 July to 28 July
NZ$125
27 July - 28 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star luxury hotel in Rotorua. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,004 reviews)
"Everything was nice"

Reviewed on 22 Jul. 2025

Arawa Park Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Quest Rotorua Central

Quest Rotorua Central

4 out of 5
1192 Hinemoa Street, Rotorua
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified aparthotel in Rotorua. Enjoy free WiFi, daily housekeeping, and dry cleaning or laundry services. Our guests praise the helpful ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,038 reviews)
"Excellent service and room was very clean"

Reviewed on 26 Jun. 2025

Quest Rotorua Central
Alpin Motel & Conference Centre

Alpin Motel & Conference Centre

4 out of 5
16 Sala Street, Rotorua, Bay of Plenty
Stay at this 4-star golf aparthotel in Rotorua. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and private hot tubs. Popular attractions Polynesian Spa and Skyline Rotorua are ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (603 reviews)
"Staff were super friendly, the location, the room it was all perfect, the kids loved the hot tub and being close to the pool. We know where we will be staying next time we are in Rotorua :)"

Reviewed on 8 Jul. 2025

Alpin Motel & Conference Centre
Kings On Peace

Kings On Peace

4 out of 5
4A Peace Street, Fenton Park, Rotorua
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Rotorua. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (228 reviews)
"Great family stay - clean and well equipped apartment, easy and friendly check in, good facilities"

Reviewed on 3 Jul. 2025

Kings On Peace
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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