Whakarewarewa Travel Guide
Rotorua
Visit Whakarewarewa
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.
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.
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.
Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve
Learn about geothermal activity and how the Maori people have been living in these intense surroundings for hundreds of years.
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.
Things to do
National Kiwi Hatchery - Kiwi Encounter Guided Tour
The Hell's Gate Experience
Cambridge, Matamata, Waitomo: 1-Hour Ecological River Cruise
Hobbiton Day Tour from Rotorua with lunch at Hobbiton
Top hotels in Whakarewarewa
Rydges Rotorua
Very clean and spacious. We only stayed one night but we were very pleased with the property and staff.
Reviewed on 22 Feb 2026
Imperial Hotel Rotorua
Clean room everyday and easy access to the pool
Reviewed on 15 Feb 2026
Alpin Motel & Conference Centre
It was a very nice stay with friendly and helpful Staff!
Reviewed on 4 Feb 2026
Greenview Motel
What you see in the picture is NOT the hotel. This is VERY misleading. This is a picture of the mansion across the street. The Greeview is old and run down. The "Hot" pool was dirty, unusable, uncared for, like the hotel in itself seemed. It is sad that the owners were nice and helpful, but the property ...
Reviewed on 17 Feb 2026
Pohutu Lodge Motel
Property is a bit dated but roomy, clean and tidy. Passing heavy traffic caused the bed to shake.
Reviewed on 20 Jan 2026
Sudima Lake Rotorua
This hotel is not 4 stars hotel, the lady works at the breakfast this morning and the young girl at the reception extremely rude and unprofessional. I have expectations in a “4 stars” hotel. Bathroom is dated and the bedsheets were not the cleanest. Overall not a comfortable staying. Paid way too ...
Reviewed on 15 Feb 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Whakarewarewa
Fenton Park
Though Fenton Park may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Whakarewarewa: The Living Maori Village and Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve.
Fenton Street
Spas and lake views are some things travellers note about Fenton Street. Check out Rotorua Central Mall or Polynesian Spa while you're familiarising yourself with the larger area.
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 Tamaki Maori Village.
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 Tamaki Maori Village.
Inner City
If you're spending some time in Inner City, Tamaki Maori Village and Rotorua Central Mall are top sights worth seeing.
