Rotorua District Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A geothermal hot spring with clear water, surrounded by rocky terrain and a forested hillside.
A coastal town with houses and a large body of water in the background.
A geothermal hot spring with clear blue water, a red-brown edge, and steam rising from the water.
A cable car system over a town with a lake and mountains in the background.
A large, historic building with a central tower and multiple smaller towers, surrounded by a well-maintained lawn and benches.

Popular cities in Rotorua District

A geothermal area with a green pool, an orange rim, and steam rising from the water.
Rotorua
Known for Spas, Lakes and Family-friendly
Experience traditional Māori culture amid magnificent North Island scenery in this city known for its redwood forests, expansive lakes and delightful geothermal spas.

Reasons to visit

  • Polynesian Spa
  • Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest
  • Skyline Rotorua
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A beach with people, a caravan, and parked cars.
Lake Tarawera
Known for Dining, Luxury and Relaxing
Surrounded by picnic areas, camping spots and bushwalking trails, this scenic lake is a favourite holiday destination for New Zealanders.

Reasons to visit

  • Buried Village
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A river flowing through a dense forest with a waterfall.
Okere Falls
Known for Natural parks
Only 20 minutes from Rotorua CBD, there’s a little pocket of nature with water to wow at.

Reasons to visit

  • Okere Falls Scenic Reserve
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A river with clear water surrounded by dense forest and ferns.
Hamurana
Known for Friendly people, Lakes and Relaxing
Plunge into some of the deepest freshwater springs in New Zealand or tour a stream on a stand-up paddleboard at this collection of natural waters.

Reasons to visit

  • Hamurana Springs
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A wooden pier extending into calm waters with mountains in the background.
Mourea
Known for Lakes, Friendly people and Dining
Trip time! Discover the lake views, local cuisine and gardens in secluded Mourea.
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A lake with a wooden dock extending into the water, surrounded by mountains and a cloudy sky.
Lake Okataina
Known for Family-friendly, Dining and Romantic
Get away to romantic Lake Okataina! Enjoy the local cuisine, sports and parks.
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Stay near popular Rotorua District attractions

A tranquil indoor pool with a view of a lake and mountains.

Polynesian Spa

8.8/10 (879 reviews)
Set among the serene Government Gardens on the shores of Lake Rotorua, these hot pools are an idyllic place to relax and unwind.
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