What to do in Rotorua

Activities, attractions and tours

A geothermal area with a green pool, an orange rim, and steam rising from the water.
A group of people standing on a wooden deck overlooking a misty waterfall.
A rope bridge in a forest with illuminated hanging lights.
A wooden boardwalk through a foggy marshland with trees in the background.
A geyser erupting with steam, surrounded by a rocky landscape and a crowd of spectators.

Rotorua Tourist Attractions & Activities

Perpetually prepared for imaginative ways to get your kicks and broaden your horizons, you’re eager to discover a new locale from top to bottom. It’s not hard to fill an itinerary, because Expedia Australia can hook you up with tons of things to do. Find and book your activities today, and all you'll have left to do is pack your suitcase and prepare to have fun!

  • Book your favourite day trip on Expedia Australia for a great price, and you'll still have enough cash for a fancy hotel or luxurious dinner while you’re travelling. The activities in Rotorua are not only perfect for you, but they won’t bust your budget. We have 166 things to do here, and you can reserve them starting at just AU$17.
  • Rotorua is popular among adventurers similar to yourself. In fact, a good percentage of travellers can't wait for the next holiday to the regionto check out local hot spots and participate in the best activities. The top things to do can get the attention of even well-versed travellers, and one look at our list explains why. Our activities includes a wide range of entertainment and excitement. From unequalled ways to explore the best this area has to provide like a Hobbiton Film Set Tour to thrilling ways to discover what's below the water's surface like the Jet Boat & Manupirua Hot Springs Tour, there are plenty of possibilities to choose from when you check out the activities on offer here at Expedia Australia.

You'll need a game plan to really get the most out of Rotorua, especially when you long to pack in plenty of local cuisine and entertainment. And it's a no-brainer that you're itching to explore every avenue—you're excited to get out and have an adventure. You can't wait to scope out the top activities around, and an exploration of historic city neighbourhoods is what you love best. Our activities are the best way to organise your trip. Book professionally guided tours on Expedia Australia, and leave your map behind.

Activities


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Top places to visit

1. Polynesian Spa

Located adjacent to beautiful Lake Rotorua, the steaming baths of the Polynesian Spa are the perfect place to destress. Soak in steamy, cleansing water while you gaze out across the pristine lake. Escape to your very own private pool or play on the slides in the large family area.
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A serene hot spring surrounded by rocks and greenery, with a view of distant hills and a body of water.

2. Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest

Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest is a tranquil woodland park crisscrossed by trekking and biking trails. Set off on a hike past thermal ponds and geysers or admire eucalyptus trees and immense Californian Redwoods while horseback riding.
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A mountain biker navigating a dirt trail through a forest with tall trees.

3. Skyline Rotorua

Skyline Rotorua cable car carries passengers up Mount Ngongotaha to a height of 487 metres (1,598 feet). Admiring the views isn’t the only thing to do at the summit. Sip a coffee in the café, fly over dense forest on the zip line or steer down the steep luge course.
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A cable car over a town with a lake and mountains in the background.

4. Mitai Maori Village

The Mitai Māori Village gives you and your family the chance to experience Māori food, art and traditions. The tours are not only educational, they are also very impressive and enjoyable.
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A group of people observing a ritual in a lush, green forest with a river.

5. Te Puia New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute

The Te Puia New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute is dedicated to preserving Maori culture. Watch expert carvers and weavers produce sublime statues and garments. Listen to stories about why these arts are so precious to the country’s tribes and survey an array of exquisite handmade products.
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A signboard with information about Pohutu geyser, a wooden boardwalk, and a geyser with steam.

What to do in Rotorua


Stay near popular Rotorua attractions

Our guide on where to stay in Rotorua

Find the best Rotorua areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Rotorua
Learn more about Rotorua

Inner City

If you're spending some time in Inner City, Rotorua Central Mall and Eat Street are top sights worth seeing.

Fenton Street

You'll love the luxurious spas in Fenton Street, and you might want to stick around to check out Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre, a top place to visit.

Ohinemutu

Spas and lake views are notable features of Ohinemutu. You might consider stopping by Lake Rotorua while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

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.

Kawaha Point

River views, spas and restaurants highlight some of the notable features of Kawaha Point. Make a stop by Lake Rotorua while you're exploring.


 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 


 

Day trip destinations from Rotorua

Frequently asked questions

Is Rotorua worth visiting?
Whether you want to discover the local charm and cultural hotspots or try unique foods and explore in nature, there are many things to do in Rotorua.
How do I spend a day in Rotorua?
Once you've visited top attractions like Sulphur Point and Wingspan National Bird of Prey Centre, spend some time discovering Rotorua's shopping and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Rotorua?
The top tourist attraction in Rotorua is Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre, so don't forget to include it on your sightseeing itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Rotorua?
You can easily enjoy top attractions like Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre, Sulphur Point and Wingspan National Bird of Prey Centre with a three-day stay in Rotorua. On average, many travellers book two days here. There's plenty to do and see nearby too, so stick around longer and venture to Mourea.
Is Rotorua a walkable city?
It all depends on what you'd like to do and see in Rotorua. Several attractions, such as Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre and Sulphur Point, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander through some of Rotorua's neighbourhoods, Fenton Street is 0.97 kilometres away from downtown, while Glenholme is 2 kilometres away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Rotorua with kids?
Planning what to do in Rotorua with kids is easier than ever. Whether you have teenagers or little ones, there's a range of family-friendly sights and activities to keep them busy here.

What to do in Rotorua for adults?
There are plenty of things to do in Rotorua, with entertainment for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to Volcanic Hills Winery.
Are there free things to do in Rotorua?
One of the best ways to find free things to do in Rotorua is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider advice on exciting neighbourhoods, parks and other top attractions you can enjoy without getting your cash out. Sulphur Point is one spot that doesn't charge an entrance fee.

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