What to do in Rotorua

Activities, attractions and tours

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
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Top places to visit

1. Skyline Rotorua

Skyline Rotorua cable car carries passengers up Mount Ngongotaha to a height of 487 metres (1,598 feet). Admiring the views isn’t the only thing to do at the summit. Sip a coffee in the café, fly over dense forest on the zip line or steer down the steep luge course.
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Skyline Rotorua

2. Polynesian Spa

Located adjacent to beautiful Lake Rotorua, the steaming baths of the Polynesian Spa are the perfect place to destress. Soak in steamy, cleansing water while you gaze out across the pristine lake. Escape to your very own private pool or play on the slides in the large family area.
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Polynesian Spa which includes a lake or waterhole

3. Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest

Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest is a tranquil woodland park crisscrossed by trekking and biking trails. Set off on a hike past thermal ponds and geysers or admire eucalyptus trees and immense Californian Redwoods while horseback riding.
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Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest showing forest scenes

4. Mitai Maori Village

The Mitai Māori Village gives you and your family the chance to experience Māori food, art and traditions. The tours are not only educational, they are also very impressive and enjoyable.
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Rotorua which includes indigenous culture, rainforest and a river or creek

5. Te Puia New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute

The Te Puia New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute is dedicated to preserving Maori culture. Watch expert carvers and weavers produce sublime statues and garments. Listen to stories about why these arts are so precious to the country’s tribes and survey an array of exquisite handmade products.
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Te Puia New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute

What to do in Rotorua

Popular places to visit

Skyline Rotorua

Skyline Rotorua

4.5/5(18 reviews)

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 which includes a lake or waterhole

Polynesian Spa

5/5(8 reviews)

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 showing forest scenes

Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest

5/5(21 reviews)

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 which includes indigenous culture, rainforest and a river or creek

Mitai Maori Village

5/5(10 reviews)

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

4.5/5(17 reviews)

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 featuring markets and night scenes

Eat Street

4.5/5(20 reviews)

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

4.5/5(18 reviews)

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.

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 showing a hot spring and mist or fog

Kuirau Park

4.5/5(12 reviews)

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

Kuirau Park

Explore 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 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
Lake Okareka showing 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
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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Tikitere

Travellers like the parks in Tikitere, and Hell's Gate and Wai Ora Spa is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Tikitere
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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

Day trip destinations from Rotorua

Photo by Taylor Bank

Horohoro

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 kilometers away from downtown, while Glenholme is 2 kilometers 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.