Things to do in Rotorua

Activities, attractions and tours

Rotorua
Rotorua which includes forests 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

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Most popular experiences in Rotorua

Tours & day trips

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Mitai Maori Village Cultural Experience in Rotorua

Mitai Maori Village Cultural Experience in Rotorua

Activity duration is 3 hours
9.6 out of 10 with 11 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €85 per adult
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Adventure & outdoor

See all 25 activities
Rotorua: Nocturnal Glow-Worm Adventure Tour with a Guide

Rotorua: Nocturnal Glow-Worm Adventure Tour with a Guide

Activity duration is 3 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €60 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 16 activities
Rotorua Tour from Auckland with buffet Lunch at Skyline Summit

Rotorua Tour from Auckland with buffet Lunch at Skyline Summit

Activity duration is 13 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is €302 per adult
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Water activities

See all 14 activities
Glow Worm Kayak Tour

Glow Worm Kayak Tour

Activity duration is 3 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is €95 per adult
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Air, helicopter & balloon tours

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White Island & Whale Island 1-Hour Volcano Scenic Flight

White Island & Whale Island 1-Hour Volcano Scenic Flight

Activity duration is 1 hour
Free cancellation available
Price is €176 per adult
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What to do in Rotorua

Popular places to visit

Skyline Rotorua

Skyline Rotorua

Take in the splendid scenery during a gondola ride and jump in a luge cart to navigate your way down the exciting mountain track.

Skyline Rotorua
Polynesian Spa showing a lake or waterhole

Polynesian Spa

Set among the serene Government Gardens on the shores of Lake Rotorua, these hot pools are an idyllic place to relax and unwind.

Polynesian Spa
Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest which includes forest scenes

Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest

Walk, cycle or ride a horse through this picturesque forest filled with a magnificent array of trees from around the world.

Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest
Rotorua featuring a river or creek, indigenous culture and rainforest

Mitai Maori Village

For a great insight into Māori customs and way of life, sign up for this magical, entertaining and educational cultural experience.

Mitai Maori Village
Tamaki Maori Village

Tamaki Maori Village

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Tamaki Maori Village in Rotorua. Stroll along the lakeside or visit the spas in this relaxing area.

Tamaki Maori Village
Rotorua which includes markets and night scenes

Eat Street

During your trip to Rotorua, you can enjoy retail therapy at Eat Street.

Eat Street
Whakarewarewa: The Living Maori Village

Whakarewarewa: The Living Maori Village

You can find out about the history of Rotorua with a trip to Whakarewarewa: The Living Maori Village. Stroll along the lakeside or visit the spas in this family-friendly area.

Whakarewarewa: The Living Maori Village
Te Puia New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute

Te Puia New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute

Discover more about the Maori people and the traditional arts and crafts that are integral to their culture.

Te Puia New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute
Kuirau Park which includes a hot spring and mist or fog

Kuirau Park

Family-friendly and easily accessible, this Rotorua park is home to a collection of geothermic vents and a weekly flea market.

Kuirau Park

Areas of 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
Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve showing a bridge and a river or creek

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
Lake Okareka which includes a lake or waterhole

Lake Okareka

Despite its pretty views and charming, leafy walks, this picturesque lake manages to remain relatively crowd-free and peaceful.

Lake Okareka
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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 showing 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

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.