things to do in Rotorua

Things to do in Rotorua

Rotorua is like no other place on earth. Bubbling mud pools, steaming geysers and a stunning geothermal landscape make this a city of spirit. Visitors can explore active volcanoes, test their limits with adventure activities and enjoy the unspoiled native forests that cloak the land.

Rotorua also offers adventurous horse treks, scenic walks and hikes, and some of the best mountain biking in the world.


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just 5 minutes away from Te Puia

Te Puia

Te Puia is the premier Māori cultural centre in New Zealand - a place of gushing waters, steaming vents, boiling mud pools and spectacular geysers.

Our Māori tradition lives on at Te Whakarewarewa, with our guided tours and attractions, our Māori culture, and our National Carving and Weaving Schools of New Zealand. www.tepuia.co.nz

Waiotapu © Channone Arif

WaioTapu

Explore spectacular nature at New Zealand's most colourful volcanic area.

Enjoy seeing unique volcanic features as you walk at your own pace along well defined tracks. First class Visitor Centre with retail and cafe facilities. www.waiotapu.co.nz

Waimangu © Vasek Vinklat

Waimangu

A protected scenic reserve and wildlife refuge, Waimangu Volcanic Valley geothermal park encompasses beautiful Lake Rotomahana and is set in pristine New Zealand bush.

Waimangu Volcanic Valley is just 20 minutes South of Rotorua and 40 minutes North of Taupo. www.waimangu.com

Rainbow Terrace © Kurtis Garbutt

Orakei Korako

Come and explore a world of gushing geysers, hot springs, bubbling mud pools and some of the largest and most amazing silica terraces in the world.

Wander through the Hidden Valley and visit the thermal Ruatapu Cave which extends more than 36m down to the 'Waiwhakaata' or 'Pool of Mirrors' hot pool at the bottom. www.orakeikorako.co.nz

Hells Gate © Percita

Hells Gate/Waiora Spa

Hells Gate geothermal attraction is Rotorua's most active geothermal park and is known as the "Awesome Beast" of New Zealand Geothermal attractions.

Hells Gate geothermal attraction features boiling hot pools and erupting waters with temperatures in excess of 100 degrees Celsius. www.hellsgate.co.nz

Polynesian Spa © Eli Duke

Polynesian Spa

Polynesian Spa is one of New Zealand's oldest international spas and is a "must-do" attraction when visiting Rotorua. www.polynesianspa.co.nz

Skyline Gondola © Nick Bramhall

Skyline

As well as the tranquil uphill Gondola ride and the thrilling downhill Luge tracks, Skyline New Zealand offers walking tracks, mountain biking trails, cultural experiences, adventure activities and great dining options, all with unsurpassed scenic views. www.skyline.co.nz

Rapids Jet © SteveCadman

Rapids Jet

The Jet Boat is a New Zealand icon, and jet boating is a favourite activity for Kiwis. Set in the beautiful Aratiatia Scenic Reserve is New Zealand's best white water Jet Boat Ride, Rapids Jet. www.rapidsjet.com

Buried Village © Gwydion M. Williams

Buried Village

The Buried Village with its award-winning museum, recreated pioneer cottage, Maori whare and excavated sites is a must-see attractionn for anyone visiting Rotorua.

The scenic nature trail, which includes a walk to the stunning Wairere waterfall, and Vi's Teahouse onsite are attractions in their own right. www.buriedvillage.co.nz

Redwoods Trail © Jussarian

The Redwoods Mountain Biking

The Redwoods has approximately 130km of trails and is one of the oldest mountain bike networks in the country. Cycle through the forest and along the Blue lake and Green lake edges. The trails have a variety of differculty level, from beginner to expert.

Zorbing

Zorb

ZORB® Rotorua is one of the Rotorua activities that will have you laughing non-stop. Check us out! Go on, we dare you. zorb.com/world/rotorua