Fordlands Travel Guide
Rotorua
Visit Fordlands
Popular places to visit
Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest
Walk, cycle or ride a horse through this picturesque forest filled with a magnificent array of trees from around the world.
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.
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.
Eat Street
During your trip to Rotorua, you can enjoy retail therapy at Eat Street.
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 relaxing area.
Rainbow Springs Kiwi Wildlife Park
Learn about New Zealand’s most famous bird as you explore this comprehensive wildlife park, complete with a lake full of trout and walk through aviaries.
Things to do
Rotorua: Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Park Entry Ticket
Rotorua Tour from Auckland with Optional Extras
Cultural Experience & Seasonal Māori Cuisine at Te Pā Tū
Top hotels in Fordlands
Pullman Rotorua
Rydges Rotorua
"staff excellent & helpful, rooms lovely & clean"
Reviewed on 7 Jun 2026
Millennium Hotel Rotorua
"Great place to stay for our wee whanau. Heated pool was excellent! Although its not as heated as it states, so gets cold after a while. Town is a very short walk distance and brilliant food places around."
Reviewed on 6 Jun 2026
Novotel Rotorua Lakeside
"I think the rooms need a bit of paint and new taps/showers and toilets"
Reviewed on 8 Jun 2026
JetPark Hotel Rotorua
"Highly recommended. Walking distance from Shops and restaurants. Very clean. Friendly staff."
Reviewed on 1 Jun 2026
Prince's Gate Hotel
"Staff are welcoming, helpful and deliver great customer service. Enjoyed their restaurant, food amazing staff amazing! Relaxed everyday in the spas. All amenities we needed are within walking distance. Will definitely return 😁"
Reviewed on 6 Jun 2026
Where to stay in Fordlands
Inner City
If you're spending some time in Inner City, Rotorua Night Market and Rotorua Central Mall are top sights worth seeing.
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 Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve while you're exploring the area.
Lake Okareka
Travellers like the parks in Lake Okareka, and Lake Tikitapu is a top attraction you might want to visit.
Owhata
If you're spending some time in Owhata, Lake Rotorua and Haiku Pathway are top sights worth seeing.
Ngapuna
While Ngapuna may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Polynesian Spa and Government Gardens.
