Rotorua Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Rotorua
Rotorua showing forest scenes as well as a small group of people
Rotorua
Rotorua
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland which includes a hot spring and views as well as a small group of people

Rotorua Travel Guide Video

Visitors flock to this geothermal site to enjoy its hot springs, mud pools, watersports and fascinating Maori culture.

Rotorua, which sits squarely on the Volcanic Plateau and the Pacific Rim of Fire, is built over one of the world’s geothermal hotspots. Large numbers of visitors come to Rotorua every year for its numerous geothermal attractions, as well as its Maori cultural heritage and wide choice of adventure sports.

The city sits on the shore of Rotorua Lake in the Bay of Plenty area on New Zealand’s North Island. The area is well known for trout fishing and boating opportunities. Rent fishing equipment or enquire about local tour operators in town.

Many of the famous hot springs, colourful crater lakes and bubbling pools are located in parks and reserves such as Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland. Soak in a geothermal mud bath, marvel at geysers erupting almost 100 feet (30 metres) into the air, and take a scenic flight to nearby White Island, the country’s only active marine volcano.

Make time for a visit to The Buried Village. It was covered with ash when adjacent Mount Tarawera erupted in 1886. Today, the site has a museum, nature trail and teahouse. Nearby Rainbow Springs Nature Park has beautifully sculptured ponds filed with fish. See Kiwi birds and other creatures native to New Zealand.

Discover the culture of the Te Arawa people, who settled in the area more than 600 years ago. At Tamaki Maori Village, see how villagers used the hot springs to bathe and do laundry. Try a hangi feast, which is cooked by steaming the food in the ground, and watch performances of Maori songs and war dance.

Adventure seekers will find plenty of things to do in Rotorua. Try skydiving, mountain biking, whitewater rafting or zorbing. Activites are organised by various operators around the city. In winter, head for the North Island’s ski slopes, easily accessed via Rotorua’s international airport.

Where to stay in 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
Lake Okareka showing a lake or waterhole

Lake Okareka

Travellers like the parks in Lake Okareka, and Lake Okareka is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Lake Okareka
Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve showing a river or creek and a bridge

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
Rotorua Museum of Art and History featuring 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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Lynmore

When in Lynmore, you can plan a visit to Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest and Polynesian Spa, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Lynmore
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Ngongotaha

Ngongotaha is noteworthy for its lake views, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Lake Rotorua and Agrodome.

Ngongotaha
Rydges Rotorua

Rydges Rotorua

4.5 out of 5
10 Tryon Street, Whakarewarewa, Rotorua, Bay of Plenty
The price is Rp1.248.859 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
Rp1.248.859
Rp1.436.192 total
25 Aug - 26 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Rotorua. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,006 reviews)
"Excellent"

Reviewed on 24 Jul 2025

Rydges Rotorua
Marsden Stay Rotorua

Marsden Stay Rotorua

3 out of 5
273 Fenton St, Rotorua, Bay of Plenty
The price is Rp851.497 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
Rp851.497
Rp979.222 total
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Rotorua. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Polynesian Spa and Skyline Rotorua are located ...
7.4/10 Good! (226 reviews)
"Great for s short stau quiet with a great shower"

Reviewed on 2 Aug 2025

Marsden Stay Rotorua
Millennium Hotel Rotorua

Millennium Hotel Rotorua

4.5 out of 5
1270 Hinemaru Street, Rotorua
The price is Rp1.353.986 per night from 20 Aug to 21 Aug
Rp1.353.986
Rp1.557.084 total
20 Aug - 21 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Rotorua. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,004 reviews)
Excellent
"Great location. Easy Parking. Friendly staff. Great on site bar, restaurant & pool."

Reviewed on 31 Jul 2025

Millennium Hotel Rotorua
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Quest Rotorua Central

Quest Rotorua Central

4 out of 5
1192 Hinemoa Street, Rotorua
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified aparthotel in Rotorua. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, daily housekeeping and dry cleaning or laundry services. Our guests praise the helpful ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,038 reviews)
"Excellent service and room was very clean"

Reviewed on 26 Jun 2025

Quest Rotorua Central
Redwood Apartments

Redwood Apartments

3 out of 5
21 Hilda St, Rotorua, Bay of Plenty
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly apartment in Rotorua. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and Netflix. Popular attractions Polynesian Spa and Skyline Rotorua ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (21 reviews)
"It was great. Brand new"

Reviewed on 26 Jul 2025

Redwood Apartments
Alpin Motel & Conference Centre

Alpin Motel & Conference Centre

4 out of 5
16 Sala Street, Rotorua, Bay of Plenty
Stay at this 4-star golf aparthotel in Rotorua. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and private hot tubs. Popular attractions Polynesian Spa and Skyline Rotorua are ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (604 reviews)
"I love the private hot tubs heated pool and the maori designs our the property i would recommend Going back 2 stay again"

Reviewed on 5 Aug 2025

Alpin Motel & Conference Centre
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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