Fordlands Travel Guide
Rotorua
Popular places to visit
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.
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.
Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest
Walk, cycle or ride a horse through this picturesque forest filled with a magnificent array of trees from around the world.
Mitai Maori Village
For a great insight into Māori customs and way of life, sign up for this magical, entertaining and educational cultural experience.
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.
Things to do
Cultural Experience & Seasonal Māori Cuisine at Te Pā Tū
Rotorua Tour from Auckland with Optional Extras
National Kiwi Hatchery - Kiwi Encounter Guided Tour
Top hotels in Fordlands
Rydges Rotorua
Enjoyed stay there! Family friendly highly recommended.
Reviewed on 3 May 2026
Pullman Rotorua
Having the open washroom concept situated in the room was very uncomfortable and inconvenient, also not shown in the photos.
Reviewed on 27 Apr 2026
Prince's Gate Hotel
Very well maintained hotel with large rooms.
Reviewed on 3 May 2026
Millennium Hotel Rotorua
The room was nice but the bathrooms weren’t overly clean. No conditioner in the shower, only conditioning shampoo which was horrible. No body lotion or hand lotion either, for this sort of hotel I would expect those basic items.
Reviewed on 3 May 2026
Marsden Stay Rotorua
Was up stairs that were difficult for my senior mum. No lift. Suitcases etc were very challenging to manoeuvre. Our fault they told me for not specifying wheelchair access - but she doesn’t need a wheeelchair! TV wouldn’t work. Such a weird place to exit - gates were tied up. Bit of an odd vibe.
Reviewed on 1 May 2026
Novotel Rotorua Lakeside
Reserved a room with a king bed but got a room with a queen bed. Toilet in room needed a cleaning. Looked like it was missed when they did a between stay clean. Rusty and older bathroom.
Reviewed on 29 Apr 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Fordlands
Mangakakahi
Though Mangakakahi may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Kuirau Park and Eat Street.
Hillcrest
While Hillcrest may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Rotorua International Stadium and Rotorua Central Mall.
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.
Victoria
If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Victoria and surrounding area, you can visit Rotorua Central Mall and Rotorua Night Market.
Inner City
If you're spending some time in Inner City, Rotorua Night Market and Tamaki Maori Village are top sights worth seeing.
Koutu
While visiting Koutu, you might make a stop by sights like Lake Rotorua and Tribal Lights Cultural Theatre.
