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

Experience traditional Māori culture amid magnificent North Island scenery in this city known for its redwood forests, expansive lakes and delightful geothermal spas.

Discover the beautiful attractions of Rotorua, which was founded by a Māori explorer in the 14th century. Enjoy the area's sweeping beauty, fertile lakes and geothermal pools, which have barely changed since Ihenga’s time. 

Rotorua is known for its scenic waterways, including 18 lakes and three rivers. Experience Lake Rotorua with a rented kayak and explore caves illuminated by glow worms. Enjoy the calm as you fish by the lakeside or watch the sunset from a paddle-steamer cruise.

Refresh and revitalise your body at one of Rotorua's many spa attractions. Return to nature with a dip in a forest thermal stream. For a total pampering experience, visit one of the many spa complexes and feel the healing power of geothermal waters, Māori massage and herbal treatments.

Farther afield, try waterskiing on the artificial Lake Ohakuri. Wrestle with white water on a fast-paced tour down the Kaituna River Rapids. For something with a slower pace, take a relaxing daytrip to the isolated Lake Rerewhakaaitu and camp by the water's edge. 

Cycle or hike within Rotorua's lofty forests. The Redwoods is 5,600-hectares (12,800-acres) of forest stretched over rugged terrain. Over 70 trails pass through the Redwoods, offering options for all skill levels. 

Discover Māori culture while watching traditional dance performances at Whakarewarewa Māori Village. Visit the Buried Village of Te Wairoa to learn about the disastrous 1886 eruption of Mount Tarawera. See items recovered from the aftermath.

Rotorua is situated on New Zealand's North Island. Travel between attractions using a rental car or book tour buses from local operators. Finish your day exploring the area with a Twilight Spa at the Hells Gate Mud Bath and Sulphur Spa Complex, which opens until 10pm for this special experience. By day you can explore the Hells Gate geothermal park on a guided walk past bubbling mud, hot water lakes and coloured pools. After your walk, relax in the warm mud baths, get a massage and enjoy a meal at the on-site café. Hells Gate is just under 20 minutes’ drive east from the centre of Rotorua.

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 AU$129 per night from 31 July to 1 Aug
AU$129
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! (1,018 reviews)
"Excellent"

Reviewed on 24 Jul. 2025

Rydges Rotorua
Arawa Park Hotel

Arawa Park Hotel

4 out of 5
272 Fenton St, Rotorua
The price is AU$114 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
AU$114
3 Aug - 4 Aug
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! (1,007 reviews)
"The room was amazing so spacious, the staff member that checked us in wasn’t at all nice. Some PR training needed there!"

Reviewed on 28 Jul. 2025

Arawa Park Hotel
JetPark Hotel Rotorua

JetPark Hotel Rotorua

4 out of 5
237 Fenton Street, Corner Victoria Street, Rotorua
The price is AU$157 per night from 1 Aug to 2 Aug
AU$157
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! (1,010 reviews)
"Clean, modern, good continental breakfast."

Reviewed on 27 Jul. 2025

JetPark Hotel Rotorua
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
Redwood Apartments

Redwood Apartments

3 out of 5
21 Hilda St, Rotorua, Bay of Plenty
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly apartment in Rotorua. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and Netflix. Popular attractions Polynesian Spa and Skyline Rotorua ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (20 reviews)
Comfortable and nice apartments
"Very comfortable and well equipped appts in Rotorua. Perfect stay option for a family and someone who appreciates their own kitchen. The check in process is also very easy with great communication from the owners and digital access codes. I highly recommend staying here."

Reviewed on 11 Jul. 2025

Redwood Apartments
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
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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