Rotorua sits on the shores of its namesake lake in the Bay of Plenty. It’s the most geothermally active city in New Zealand and one of the country’s richest centres of Māori culture.
Yes, it smells faintly of sulphur. No, you won’t notice after the first hour.
What you will find is a destination that combines geothermal wonders, authentic cultural experiences, native forests, hot pools and adventure activities into one of the North Island’s most memorable holidays.
What Are the Best Things to Do in Rotorua, New Zealand?
The best things to do in Rotorua, New Zealand include visiting geothermal parks, experiencing Māori culture, walking among the Redwoods, relaxing at Polynesian Spa, riding the Skyline Rotorua Luge and exploring the region’s unique adventure activities.
Visit Rotorua’s Geothermal Parks
Rotorua has more geothermal attractions than anywhere else in New Zealand, and each offers a different experience.
Te Puia
Home to the famous Pōhutu Geyser, Te Puia is Rotorua’s best-known geothermal attraction. The geyser erupts up to 20 times daily and can reach heights of 30 metres. Te Puia also houses the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute and a kiwi conservation centre.
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
Wai-O-Tapu is Rotorua’s most colourful geothermal attraction. Bright mineral pools, steaming vents and silica formations create one of New Zealand’s most photographed landscapes.
The Lady Knox Geyser erupts daily at 10:15am. Arrive before 10am for the best viewing position.
Waimangu Volcanic Valley
Formed by the 1886 eruption of Mount Tarawera, Waimangu is the world’s youngest geothermal system. Walking trails pass volcanic craters, steaming lakes and dramatic geothermal features.
Hell’s Gate
For a more hands-on experience, Hell’s Gate combines geothermal walks with mud baths and sulphur spas.
Experience Māori Culture
Rotorua is widely regarded as the centre of Māori tourism in New Zealand.
Several cultural experiences combine a pōwhiri (welcome ceremony), kapa haka performances, storytelling and a traditional hāngī feast.
Te Pā Tū
One of New Zealand’s most highly regarded cultural experiences, offering immersive storytelling and seasonal experiences.
Mitai Māori Village
Set in native bush, Mitai combines cultural performances, a traditional feast and a unique river canoe experience.
Whakarewarewa Living Māori Village
A living community where residents continue to use geothermal resources for cooking and bathing. It offers one of the most authentic cultural experiences in the country.
Relax at Polynesian Spa
One of Rotorua’s most iconic attractions, Polynesian Spa sits on the edge of Lake Rotorua and offers a range of geothermally heated mineral pools.
Pool temperatures range from 36°C to 42°C, with options for adults, families and private bathing.
Whether or not you believe in the therapeutic benefits of mineral water, relaxing in a hot pool overlooking the lake is hard to beat.
Walk Among the Redwoods
Just five kilometres from the city centre, Whakarewarewa Forest is one of Rotorua’s most loved attractions.
The forest contains more than 130 kilometres of mountain biking and walking trails, suitable for all fitness levels.
The highlight for many visitors is the Redwoods Treewalk. Suspension bridges wind through the forest canopy, creating a unique perspective among the towering Californian redwoods.
After dark, the illuminated lantern installation designed by David Trubridge transforms the experience completely.
Ride the Skyline Rotorua Luge
The Skyline Gondola carries visitors to the summit of Mount Ngongotahā, where panoramic views stretch across Rotorua and the surrounding lakes.
At the top, the Luge provides one of Rotorua’s most popular family attractions.
The gravity-powered carts are simple to operate and surprisingly addictive.
Additional activities include mountain biking, ziplining and dining with a view.
Experience Rotorua Canopy Tours
Rotorua Canopy Tours combines adventure with conservation.
Participants travel through 1.2 kilometres of ancient native forest via ziplines, suspension bridges and elevated platforms.
Along the way, guides share the remarkable ecological restoration story of the forest.
The experience is suitable for most ages and fitness levels and consistently ranks among New Zealand’s top-rated activities.
Try Zorbing
Rotorua is the birthplace of zorbing.
The concept is simple: climb inside a giant inflatable sphere and roll downhill.
It’s quirky, uniquely Kiwi and far more fun than it sounds.
Discover Rotorua’s Hot Pools
Beyond Polynesian Spa, Rotorua offers several excellent thermal bathing experiences.
Secret Spot Hot Tubs provides private cedar tubs surrounded by native bush, while Waikite Valley Thermal Pools offer a quieter geothermal experience fed by New Zealand’s largest single boiling water source.
Both are excellent alternatives for travellers seeking a more secluded soak.
How Long Should You Spend in Rotorua?
Two to three days is ideal.
This gives you enough time to:
- Visit a geothermal park
- Experience Māori culture
- Explore Whakarewarewa Forest
- Relax at Polynesian Spa
- Enjoy one or two adventure activities
Many visitors combine Rotorua with Taupō and Tongariro National Park as part of a North Island self-drive holiday.
Ready to explore Rotorua?
Browse our Rotorua holiday packages or speak to one of our New Zealand specialists today.