This blog may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy for more info.
Looking for the best things to do in Rotorua? Then you’ve come to the right place. While traveling around New Zealand, I found the absolute best things to do, from hidden gems to popular attractions. Read about them below!
After moving to New Zealand, I’ve spent years traveling around the country and Rotorua is one of my favorite destinations on the North Island.
I’ve been here several times and I’m always amazed by just how much there is to do. From mud baths to ziplining and diving deep into Maori culture, Rotorua is a true paradise for the adventurous at heart.
But with so many options, narrowing down what’s worth your time and money can be difficult, which is why I’ve created this guide to help you out. Have a look through the top 10 BEST things to do in Rotorua below to make the most out of your time in this amazing little city!
Don’t have time to read the full article? These are my absolute favorite things to do in Rotorua:
- Delve into Māori culture on the Te Pā Tu experience. You’ll tour a village, eat a traditional feast, and see a famous haka dance!
- Go whitewater rafting along the Kaituna River and take on the epic drop over a 7-meter (23-foot) waterfall!
- Soar above the beautiful old-growth forest of Rotorua on New Zealand’s best zipline adventure!
The BEST Things to do in Rotorua
1. Go Ziplining!
Fly high above the ancient 500-year-old growth forest of Rotorua with this 3-hour ziplining adventure tour! You’ll start at a platform 21 meters (72 feet) above the ground before taking a series of six ziplines above the tree canopy.
I’ve ziplined around the world and have to say New Zealand has some of the best ziplines, with my favorite being this one in Rotorua. It’s such a neat way to cover a lot of ground and explore a unique spot. Plus, the feeling of soaring above the ground never gets old!
The expert guides are so nice at giving you all the instructions and safety gear you’ll need, so it’s easy to relax and enjoy the ride. The longest zipline here is 220 meters (722 feet), which gives a nice long ride and time to take in the views. There are also suspension bridges to walk across along the way.
It’s easily the most popular tour in Rotorua. Seriously, this zipline tour has over 3,000 5-star reviews (read them here!) – if that doesn’t tell you how much fun it is then nothing will!
Round-trip transportation can be arranged if you need it, and at the end of the tour, you will get access to all the images from your zipline adventure and be able to download them for free. The tour starts at $179 NZD and runs multiple times throughout the day making it super easy to fit into your busy schedule!
Check availability for this popular zipline adventure here and secure your spot before it sells out!
2. Māori cultural experience
With a large Māori population and a few different cultural experiences on offer, Rotorua is the perfect place to learn about Māori people and their culture. You can completely immerse yourself here by visiting a Māori village or taking part in a traditional feast.
I’ve done a few cultural experiences in the area, but must say this evening experience at Te Pā Tū is my absolute favorite! You will visit a Maori village just outside of Rotorua for an evening of performances and food.
I was welcomed to the village with a Powhiri (welcome ceremony). Then the warriors (all dressed traditionally) showed many tools and demonstrated ways of life including games. They also performed a Haka for us before heading to dinner for a Hāngī feast (cooked in an underground oven) with slow-cooked meat and vegetables – it was a delicious 3-course meal!
Honestly, it was such an interesting experience and one I would recommend to anybody visiting Rorotua. Nowhere else in New Zealand can you have a cultural experience quite like this! Tour prices begin at around $260 NZD per visitor, but are worth every penny if you ask me (and the hundreds of others who left 5-star reviews!).
This popular tour often sells out, so make sure you book far in advance here!
3. Whitewater rafting (the famous 7-meter drop!)
The whitewater rafting in Rotorua is somewhat famous, and for good reason – here you’ll find the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world! The 7-meter (23-foot) drop of Tutea Falls is definitely one that gets your heart racing. It’s easily one of the best whitewater rafting experiences in all of New Zealand!
While there are a few different companies that offer whitewater rafting in Rotorua, this particular whitewater rafting tour is my favorite and comes with the best reviews (check them out here!). It starts with some easier rapids on the Kaituna River before you reach the famous drop! If that isn’t enough excitement, you’ll also have the chance to try cliff jumping with a leap off of a 3-meter (10-foot) cliff.
It will take some courage for sure, but all the safety equipment including a wetsuit and helmet is provided, and the experienced river guides are always on hand to help. There are also some photographers out there who will capture you in your best wetsuit-wearing pose! You can buy those after the activity, once your heart has stopped racing.
You’ll spend about an hour out on the river and the prices start at $115 NZD per person – which I think is a great deal for this once-in-a-lifetime experience! Just make sure to budget an extra $15 NZD per person if you need roundtrip transportation from your hotel.
Tip: Wear a swimsuit and bring a change of clothes for afterward!
Book this thrilling whitewater rafting tour online here to get FREE 24-hour cancellation!
4. Visit a geothermal park
Instead of amusement parks, Rotorua has “geothermal parks!” These parks are huge and full of activities and attractions centered around geothermal activity – which is one of the things Rotorua is most well-known for!
On this half-day tour, you get to explore and learn about two of the best parks in the area. You’ll be picked up in Rotorua around 8 am and start the day with a visit to Wai-O-Tapu, which is a popular geothermal park. You’ll have around an hour to explore the park and check out its bubbling mud pools, hot springs, and sulfur lakes.
Make sure to check out the Devil’s Bath, which is neon green and looks like it belongs in a cartoon. But don’t worry, the color comes from sulfur, not radioactivity!
Then, you’ll head to the park’s main attraction, the Lady Knox Geyser, in time for its daily eruption at 10:15, when water shoots up to 20 meters (65 feet) into the air. The eruption is accompanied by a presentation where you can learn more about the park and all of its geothermal activity.
Then, you’ll be driven to Waimangu Volcanic Valley to check out even more crazy volcanic landscapes – believe me, you’ll feel like you’re on another planet! Here, you’ll see the steaming Frying Pan Lake, which is actually the largest hot spring in the world. Another notable spring is Inferno Crater Lake, which is a stunning shade of blue.
The tour runs every day for $185 NZD and you can expect it to last for around 5 hours. The price includes hotel pickup and drop off, your guide, and entry fees. I also like the fact that this is a small group tour and is capped at 12 people, so it feels more personal!
To get a front-row seat to the incredible geothermal activity in Rotorua, secure your spot here!
5. See glow worms
Imagine entering a cave with twinkling blue lights that look almost like stars in the night sky. This amazing phenomenon is created by a species of glow worm that can only be found in New Zealand and select parts of Australia.
The first time I saw these glow worms in NZ I was just in awe – these tiny creatures produce this light naturally and the bioluminescence is spectacular up close. Glow worms are typically found in caves or forests and while you can try to find them on your own, joining a tour is the best way to guarantee seeing them.
I loved this kayaking tour through small hidden caves that are home to galaxies of glow worms. You’ll gently glide through the caves to see the spectacular display and then paddle across the lake as the first stars appear at night. This is a nice small group tour, so it doesn’t feel crowded. It costs around $170 NZD and is such a unique experience.
Check availability for this kayaking glow worm tour here!
If exploring on foot is more your thing, check out this nocturnal glow worm tour. The guides will take you on a 2 km (1.2 mile) walk through the bush, and before you know it you’ll be surrounded by thousands of glow worms lighting up the night sky. Plus, you might see other wildlife like wallabies and possums and get to do a bit of star gazing. This affordable tour costs $105 NZD per person and starts daily at 7:30 pm.
Book this popular glow worm walking tour here before it sells out!
Related read: Exploring glow worm caves is just one of the incredible stops on a road trip from Auckland to Paihia!
Why I Book Tours on Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! I almost always book all of my tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here!
6. Relax in secret hot tubs
If you’re looking for a bit of R&R after all of your adventures in Rotorua, look no further than these secret hot tubs! They are my absolute favorite out of all the different hot pools in New Zealand (a huge statement, I know – but it’s true!). As the name suggests, the place offers private hot tubs hidden away in the forest overlooking Puarenga Stream.
What I love about these hot pools is that they are all private cedar tubs, so you won’t be sharing a pool with anybody but yourself or your group. The private hot tubs each fit up to 6 people and the water comes from a hidden stream in the Whakarewarewa Forest – how cool!
Sitting in your cedar tub surrounded by trees is so relaxing. After a busy day of exploring, this is the perfect way to wind down for the evening (my favorite time to go is in the evening when it’s cooler.) Of course, when I went I ordered a glass of wine to enjoy during my soak – they have a full bar and snack service and will deliver right to your hot tub!
The price is only $39 NZD per person. For this price, you’ll get your private tub for a 45-minute soak. They also have onsite changerooms and showers as well as the restaurant/cafe in case you’re hungry or thirsty. Lockers are also included in the entrance price.
You can choose to go at any time of day, but because there are only 6 hot tubs and they are all private, this place is often fully booked – so make sure to book in advance to avoid missing out!
Read all of the 5-star reviews and reserve your secret hot pool online here!
7. Day trip to Hobbiton
As you probably already know, the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies were filmed here in New Zealand. So, why not step into Middle-earth and see where movie magic came to life? There are over 150 filming locations scattered across the North and South Islands, but one of the best is the amazing Hobbiton Movie Set not far from Rotorua.
This sheep farm with lush green pastures and rolling hills has been transformed with hobbit holes, the famous Green Dragon Inn (where you can enjoy a drink!), and the Party Tree. It’s a treasure trove for Lord of the Rings fans and a pretty cool experience, even if you’ve only seen a couple of the movies.
The easiest and best way to visit Hobbiton from Rotorua is on this small-group Hobbiton tour. The tour departs from Rotorua and takes you to explore the movie set and visit Bilbo’s hobbit hole as you hear behind-the-scenes stories. A lunch at The Party Marquee in Hobbiton is also included!
This fun experience lasts around 7 hours and includes transportation and all admission fees for $179 NZD.
Hobbiton is one of the most popular attractions in New Zealand – book it in advance here!
Related Read: Want to see another spot where movie magic was made in NZ? One of the best things to do on the Coromandel Peninsula is visit Cathedral Cove, where the Chronicles of Narnia were filmed!
8. Feel the adrenaline at Velocity Valley
Rotorua might be known for its geothermal wonders and Māori culture, but if you’re craving a dose of adrenaline, Velocity Valley is the place to be. This action-packed adventure park had us laughing, screaming, and cheering each other on, and it turned out to be one of the most fun afternoons of our trip.
You can choose from a variety of high-thrill rides, or bundle them together with a combo pass (which is what we did). The Freefall Xtreme simulates skydiving, and yes, it really feels like you’re flying. The Shweeb is unlike anything we’ve tried before: a pedal-powered capsule suspended from a monorail track that had us racing and giggling like kids. And then there’s the Agrojet, a jet boat ride that whips around a custom watercourse at wild speeds.
What we loved most was that everything was set up for quick transitions, so there’s no long waiting around. The staff were super welcoming and great at walking you through each activity, great if you’re a first-timer.
Velocity Valley is family-friendly, but definitely best for adventurous travelers who want to switch things up from the usual sightseeing. It’s located just a few minutes from central Rotorua, so it’s easy to fit into your day. If you’re up for trying something different (and maybe conquering a fear or two), this place delivers big energy and even bigger fun.
Ticket start from $65 NZD for one ride, up to $195 NZD, where you can pick 4 different rides!
Check out 340+ 5-star reviews and book this thrilling adventure here!
9. Roll around in a Zorb
If you’ve ever seen those giant inflatable balls called Zorbs, well you’ve come to where this bizarre and fun activity was invented! That’s right, two Kiwi friends invented the downhill ball rolling craze in Rotorua back in 1994. Now you can join in on the fun with this one-of-a-kind Zorb experience run by one of the original inventors!
Here you’ll find three different downhill tracks to offer lots of laughs as you go down in a giant Zorb. You’ll be inside the inflatable ball filled with 40 liters of water as you roll down the hill – it’s definitely unique and a lot of fun!
You can pick from straight or twisty tracks to go downhill. It’s lots of fun and feels like a waterslide! And don’t worry the water is warm if you go during the winter. Make sure to pack your swimsuit and expect to get soaking wet!
In between rides, you can have a relaxing dip in hot tubs, or you can make use of the complimentary Wi-FI and have some included snacks.
I think this is a great activity for families with children over the age of 5. Tickets cost $95 NZD per adult and the park is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, so make sure you go early enough to give yourself enough time to Zorb before the park closes!
Secure your tickets in advance here and don’t pay a thing until just before you go!
10. Visit New Zealand’s only Mud Bath
Given all of the geothermal activity in New Zealand, you might be surprised to learn that there’s actually only ONE outdoor mud bath you can soak in in the whole country – and it’s right here in Rotorua!
Located between lakes Rotorua and Rotoiti, the geothermal mud baths are located in the thermal park called Hell’s Gate.
Despite the ominous name, a mud bath at Hell’s Gate can do wonders for your skin and it’s super relaxing, although you might smell like rotten eggs for a while afterward. Still, we think that it’s worth it for this one-of-a-kind experience!
The Hells Gate mud baths are located 16.7 kilometers (10.3 miles) from Rotorua, and there’s plenty of parking on site. You can choose to go at many different times throughout the day to easily fit your schedule. Most people bring their own swimsuits and towels, but you can rent both for $5 NZD per item or even buy a swimsuit on-site if you’re in need of a new one.
Tickets for Hell’s Gate cost $85 NZD for adults and your soak will last for an hour, which is plenty of time to absorb all the fabulous mineral benefits of the mud.
Purchase your tickets in advance here!
You can also combine your mud bath with an exciting walk around the Hell’s Gate geothermal park with this tour. You will learn so much about the area on a guided (or self-guided if preferred) bush walk before trying your hand at Maori carving. Then get dirty and try out the mud baths of course!
It costs $105 NZD per person, so if you’re interested in learning more about New Zealand’s geothermal landscape then we really recommend this option!
Check availability for this popular Hell’s Gate tour here!
Where to Stay in Rotorua
Now that you know just how much Rotorua has to offer, plan to stay a while! What’s great about this area is all the choices for accommodations – whether you are backpacking on a budget or looking for a luxurious place to call home for a few nights. These are my top picks for every budget!
$ – Rock Solid Backpackers Rotorua
This is one of the budget-friendly hotels centrally located in the city within walking distance of many Rotorua attractions like Government Gardens and the Polynesian Spa. It is a perfect fit for travelers with a tight budget where rooms in a shared dorm of four to eight people start at only $27 NZD per night. If you don’t want to share, there are private rooms available as well around the $100 NZD mark.
You can save money on meals by using the communal kitchen here complete with cooking facilities and there’s a spacious guest lounge where you can hang out. If you’re in the mood for a more challenging activity, head to the 20-meter (65-foot) rock-climbing wall next door which offers guests staying here a discounted rate.
Another convenience at the hostel is the on-site tour desk. There you can inquire and ask for help as you organize your Rotorua activities for the day.
You can easily book a room on HostelWorld.com or Booking.com.
$$ – Thermal Oak Motel
If more rooms and spacious accommodations are what you’re looking for, you’ll find them here. The motel offers modern suites and high-quality units with free parking and Wi-Fi. The choices range from deluxe studios to a three-bedroom flat house, with rates from $180 NZD up to $600 NZD per night.
All accommodations are complete with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a fully-equipped kitchenette and a large modern bathroom with a walk-in shower. There’s also a dining area available in most of the rooms, including the executive two-bedroom unit (which also has a private outdoor spa pool).
Besides the rooms, you can go for a dip in one of the two public mineral spa pools. Another advantage is the convenient access to the city center, which is only a 10-minute walk away. This means you can enjoy the activities and sights of Rotorua downtown anytime you please.
$$$ – Rydges Rotorua
For a more luxurious stay in Rotorua, this hotel offers a scenic view and a relaxing atmosphere located on the edge of Redwoods Forest and overlooking the Whakarewarewa Geothermal Reserve and Historical Village.
Choose between a superior or deluxe room, which each features air conditioning, comfy beds, and cable TV with free movies. If you’re looking for something a little extra, you can book a private suite instead. Accommodation rates start from $242 NZD per night.
Start your morning with a visit to the on-site gym or a swim in the heated outdoor swimming pool. You can also drop by the hotel’s award-winning restaurant and bar that offers modern New Zealand cuisine. Then, spend the day exploring the mountains by bike. If you bring your own mountain bike, they have secure storage for it inside the hotel and a bike washing station.
Anything for the little ones? Yes! Rydges Rotorua houses a Play Zone with various games for children of all ages, including table tennis, foosball, Nintendo Switch, air hockey, and more.
Thanks for reading!
As you can see, Rotorua is a fantastic place to base yourself for a few days to explore everything this part of the North Island has to offer. Whether you’re touring a movie set, rolling around in a Zorb, or exploring the geothermal wonders around here, you definitely can’t get bored.
If you enjoyed this post about all the great things to do in Rotorua, be sure to look around at some of my other posts for more ideas on the amazing things to do and see in New Zealand:
30 FUN Things to do in Paihia, New Zealand
Where to Stay in Auckland: The BEST Auckland Hotels for all budgets!