How to Spend TWO Days in Rotorua: A 2-Day Itinerary

This blog may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy for more info.

Planning a two-day stay in Rotorua? This town is full of adventurous activities, unique sights, and so much more. It can be hard to pick and choose exactly what activities are best worth your time!

I’ve spent a lot of time in Rotorua and have tried most of the “can’t-miss” things to do. While two days can feel like a short amount of time, I think it’s just right to tick off Rotorua’s highlights. 

Let me show you with this two-day itinerary! I’ve put together a streamlined schedule of activities, like geothermal parks, mud pools, whitewater adventures, and more. Plus, the best restaurants, and some chill activities to balance it out too! Simply follow along and enjoy this adventurous North Island town.

Day 1

Breakfast – Ciabatta Cafe and Bakery

Rotorua has an amazing restaurant scene, so we are going to start this itinerary by diving into it! With only two days in the city, you really have to maximize your meals to try it all. My favorite breakfast spot in Rotorua is the Ciabatta Cafe and Bakery, you simply can’t miss it!

This is a local favorite spot, so you are getting the inside scoop here! Famous for their soft and flavorful ciabatta bread, they make some amazing sandwiches, baked goods, and coffee. I also love the quaint and cozy decor, so I recommend taking a slow breakfast here to settle into Rotorua’s charming vibe! 

Be sure to try one of these legendary sandwiches – the Brekkie is the classic breakfast sandwich, but I also love the Reuben if you get here a little later in the day. If you’ve got a sweet tooth they have donuts, cronuts, turnovers, and pies that pair perfectly with a cup of coffee. 

The Ciabatta Cafe and Bakery can get a bit busy, so try to get there around 8:30 to 9 am. Or get there when they open at 8 am! They close at 3 pm on Tuesday through Friday and at 2 pm on Saturday (closed on Sunday and Monday). 

Morning – Visit one of the thermal parks

You might already know that Rotorua has a ton of geothermal activity, so visiting one of these geothermal parks is one of the top things to do! There’s more to do than just look at geysers and bubbling hot pools (although that’s pretty cool if you ask me), and there are also a variety of parks out there. 

With just two days in the area, you won’t have time to visit all of them, and to be honest they can be a little expensive. So I’ve listed the three most popular geothermal parks below, and you can pick one to spend your morning exploring!

Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

If you’re traveling on a budget, the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland will be a great pick! This is the cheapest geothermal park in Rotorua, and it has some unique things to see. Although I will say it’s a little less interactive than some of the others, it’s still really cool to see and a good deal at $45 NZD. 

This is home to the largest mud pool in New Zealand – it looks more like a mud lake – and also the Lady Knox Geyser. This geyser shoots water 10-20 meters (33-65 feet) in the air at 10:15 am daily! There are walking paths around the park that take you by sulfur lakes (they smell great, let me tell you), geysers, bubbling mud pools, and brightly colored hot springs. I think the giant volcanic craters are the most impressive part, it feels like I’m walking through another planet!

You can visit on your own or take a guided tour, which gives you more information as you explore. The Wai-O-Tapu Park is located about 20 minutes from Rotorua and it sits along the famous Thermal Explorer Highway (SH5). 

Te Puia

Te Puia is a unique place to visit, as it’s home to one of the two remaining geyser fields in the world that is in its natural state. This 60-hectare park is within the Te Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley and has tons of mud pools and geysers, such as the Pōhutu Geyser – the largest active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere!

Best of all, this world-famous sight is only a 5-minute drive from Rotorua. You have to join a guided tour to explore the park, but I honestly prefer that so I can learn about the fascinating history and heritage of the area. 

There are a few different experiences you can choose from, but the general guided tours start at $95 NZD per person. If you want to include a traditional Maori Haka performance or Hangi meal, there are options to upgrade!

You can visit Te Puia every day most of the year, but it’s closed on Mondays and Tuesdays during the winter. Check the most up-to-date hours here!

Hell’s Gate

Last but not least we have Hell’s Gate! With a name like “Hell’s Gate” you might be wondering just what you’re getting yourself into, but I can assure you it’s one of the best parks out there. This unique geothermal reserve is home to some of the only mud pools you can bathe in, and your skin will feel angelic afterward!

The history of Hell Gate actually goes back to ancient Maori times, as warriors used to bathe in the mud pool to heal their wounds. It got its more modern name from an Irish playwright who visited in 1934 and exclaimed that this place must be the gates of hell! He was wrong – but the Maori owners thought it was pretty funny and kept the name. 

This geothermal park is located between Lake Rotorua and Lake Rotoiti, which gives it impressive geothermal activity. It’s super fun to walk through the park, being enveloped by clouds of geothermal steam, witnessing mud volcanoes, and even a hot waterfall – the largest in the Southern Hemisphere!

You can explore on your own, but I recommend booking a tour so you can learn the unique history and features of the park. This Hell’s Gate tour includes a geothermal walk, a Maori carving lesson, and the best part, time to soak in the mud pool and sulfur pool! This experience is well worth $105 NZD if you ask me – you won’t get an experience quite like it anywhere else. 

Check availability and reserve this tour in advance to get FREE cancellation options. 

Afternoon – Walk in the Whakarewarewa Forest

If you’re traveling to Rotorua, odds are you like the outdoors. If this is true – you’ll absolutely love the Whakarewarewa Forest, or as the locals call it, “the Redwoods”. Just 5 minutes outside of downtown Rotorua, this forest is made of 160 kilometers (100 miles) of walkable and bikeable paths. 

This forest is so fun to explore because you can see the massive Redwood trees. There are also Douglas Fri, Eucalyptus, and Larch trees, plus other native New Zealand flora. It is so calm and quiet, and with all those walking paths you can go for quite a while without seeing a soul! The walking paths are free, so this makes for an awesome budget-friendly thing to do while in Rotorua. 

One of the most popular short walks is the Redwood Memorial Grove Track, named in honor of the Forest Servicemen who served and died in World War II. The path takes you over a thermal pond and through a grove of European larch trees, it’s all very scenic in a 30-minute walk. The path is about 2 kilometers (1.25 miles) long and is doable for any traveler. 

If you’re up for more of a challenge, I recommend hiking the Tokorangi Pa Track. This 11.5-kilometer (7.1-mile) track has a steady climb that takes you above the treeline to get stunning views of Lake Rotorua, Mt Ngongotaha, and the city below. It’s a bit of a workout, but seriously beautiful and worth the effort! This track takes about 3.5 hours to complete. 

However one of the most unique sights of the Whakarewarewa Forest is the Treewalk! This is a treetop course, 20 meters (65 feet) above ground. The walkway is a set of 28 suspension bridges that are built around the trees so it doesn’t disturb the natural environment. It’s so cool to walk amongst the treetops and see just how high the Redwood trees are!

There are a bunch of information boards along the path, so you can learn about the ecology of the forest, as well as local legends and myths! You’ll need around 40 minutes to complete the entire Treewalk. This is definitely the busiest part of the forest, so I recommend buying your tickets in advance here – especially if you’re visiting on a weekend or during the summer.

Tickets are $40 NZD per adult, and there are cheaper tickets for kids or family passes, if you’re traveling with the whole crew! The Treewalk opens at 9 am and the last ticket time is 9:30 pm, if you happen to go at night! 

Related Read: Starting in Auckland? Check out my road trip guide from Auckland to Rotorua to find the best sights along the way!

Dinner/Night – Māori cultural experience

Another unique part of Rotorua is the large Māori population! This is one of the best places in New Zealand to learn about the native culture, and you can do so by visiting a traditional village for a cultural experience. 

There are two options outside of Rotorua. The first is this Te Pā Tū Cultural Experience. I had so much fun in this three-hour event from start to finish. It included transportation from Rotorua, then we were welcomed with a Powhiri welcome ceremony. We learned about traditional ways of life as the warriors presented daily tools, weapons, and even games! 

I really enjoyed the Haka performance and the Hāngī feast, which had some seriously good food. They cooked in an underground oven and made the most delicious slow-cooked meat and veggies. This experience was top-notch and well worth $250 NZD!

Check out the 1,000+ glowing reviews here and book your spot in advance!

Another popular cultural experience is this evening at the Mitai Maori Village. It is also a 3-hour experience and provides transportation from Rotorua, but the activities you’ll encounter are slightly different. 

One of the coolest parts was seeing the warriors paddling an ancient canoe along the river! We also saw haka and poi dances and saw glow worms on a guided bush walk. I really enjoyed how unique this experience was, it showed us the natural beauty of Rotorua and just how rich the history and culture are. You can read my full review on visiting the Mitai Village here!

Tickets are $155 NZD, which is quite a bit cheaper than the other option and includes just as much!

Book this tour with over 950 positive reviews here, before it sells out. 

Day 2

Breakfast – Le Cafe De Paris

Day two is going to start out the best way possible – breakfast at a relaxed Parisian cafe! I have an adventure-filled day ahead of you, so be sure to fill your belly before you take off. 

Le Cafe De Paris is one of the most popular breakfast spots in Rotorua. This will hit the spot if you like freshly made crepes (sweet or savory!), buttery croissants, and strong coffee. One of the other reasons I love this cafe is the atmosphere! It’s warm and welcoming, super relaxed, and makes you want to hang out here all day. 

But don’t get too comfy – we still have an entire day ahead of you! But, I can’t think of a better place to start your last day in Rotorua. Le Cafe De Paris is open Tuesday to Saturday from 7:30 am to 3 pm and opens at 8 am on Saturday. 

Morning – Whitewater Rafting or Go Ziplining 

You have two options on how you want to spend your morning, depending on your level of adventure. The first is whitewater rafting, which is the most thrilling option. I’ll go into details on this next, but it has a world-famous waterfall drop! If this sounds a bit too intense for you, you’ll love ziplining – it’s still really exciting!

Whitewater Rafting (the famous 7-meter drop!)

Whitewater rafting in Rotorua is one of the most iconic things you can do. It’s the closest town to Tutea Falls on the Kaituna River. These falls are the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world where you’ll go over a 7-meter (23-foot) waterfall! 

While numerous companies can take you over these epic falls, I recommend this top-rated tour, with over 1,300 5-star reviews! Not only do they ensure your safety, but they also make the experience super fun. The rafting trip starts with some easier rapids on the river to get used to the raft, and then soon enough you’ll reach the famous drop! If you’re after even more thrills, you can go cliff-jumping off a 3-meter (10-foot) cliff. 

The tour provides all of your safety equipment, such as a helmet and wetsuit, and also the raft! I was thankful for the expert river guides, who have been over this waterfall hundreds of times and made our whole group feel safe and excited about the drop! You can meet this tour at the designated meeting point, about 20 minutes from Rotorua, or request hotel pickup for an extra $15 NZD.

This experience lasts about 2 hours and 15 minutes, and you’ll have about 1 hour on the river. It is $115 NZD per person, and they even provide professional photos you can purchase afterward. I recommend wearing a swimsuit and bringing a change of clothes for the ride home. 

Book this top-rated tour in advance here, before spots fill up!

Go Ziplining

Another epic activity is ziplining! I love ziplining, and it’s definitely less intense than whitewater rafting, but still just as fun. Rotorua is a gorgeous place for ziplining as you can soar above the 500-year-old forest and see the mountains and lakes in the distance. In fact, some of New Zealand’s best ziplines are in Rotorua!

The best zipline tour in Rotorua is this six-zipline course that takes about 3 hours to complete (including transport and instructions). It starts at a platform that is 21 meters (72 feet) off the ground, then you start zipping from tree to tree. The longest zipline is 220 meters (722 feet) and it is so fun to soar that far! I also love crossing the various suspension bridges as you go – the views are unbeatable. 

The guides make you feel very secure, especially if you’re afraid of heights, and they are pretty funny too! This zipline tour is #1 for a reason, it even has over 4,000 5-star reviews (check them out here!). 

You’ll get round-trip transportation and photos to download after your tour. It is $179 NZD per person, and although there are multiple start times, you should book this tour as far in advance as you can. It’s got thousands of reviews for a reason, so it’s certainly popular!

Book your spot now and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before your tour starts!

Lunch – Pig & Whistle, Historic Pub

After a morning of adventure, I always work up an appetite! Nothing quite satisfies that appetite like a classic New Zealand pub, so the Pig & Whistle Historic Pub is my lunch recommendation because it hits the spot.

If you’re craving a hearty meal, they’ve got you covered with burgers, NZ pies, fish & chips, brisket, and other classic pub dishes. I always love sipping on a pint of beer after an intense activity like ziplining or whitewater rafting, it is the perfect way to unwind!

The atmosphere here is really unique too, as it’s a historic building and dates back to 1940. It was originally the Rotorua Police Station, and you can tell with the architecture and thick walls. When this building was being designed, the architect wanted to include Maori designs into it as well, so you can see it in the carvings! This is pretty cool as not many historic buildings hold this sort of style. 

You can stop by the Pig & Whistle from 11:30 am to 10:30 or later, every day of the week. 

Early Afternoon – Explore Kuirau Park

Let’s balance out that morning of expensive adventure with a relaxing free activity! Kuirau Park is the only free geothermal park in all of New Zealand, and it’s right here in Rotorua. So spend the next few hours walking around the park and seeing even more bubbling, steam, and admittedly stinky, geothermal wonders!

You’ll find some nice walking paths that take you through the park – pass by the crater lake, mud pool, hot springs, and eventually to the free thermal foot bath! The area is really beautiful with flower gardens and lush plants, and the walkways go over the water so you can get up close. The sights are unlike any other geothermal park, and the foot bath is such a fun perk. Plus, it feels amazing after a few days of exploring (just remember to bring a towel with you)!

There’s a picnic area near the playground, so if you’re traveling with kids this is a lovely spot to relax for a few hours while the kids play. If you’re in town on a Saturday, there is a weekly Farmers Market with lots of local vendors and food trucks! You can reach Kuirau Park by walking from downtown Rotorua or using the free parking options too. 

Although it’s rare, there have been eruptions in the past as new steam vents form! The last time this occurred was in 2001 and it threw football-sized rocks through the air!

Afternoon – Have a geothermal Mud Bath

As we come to the end of our 2-day Rotorua itinerary, let’s slow it down a bit! After spending all this time exploring the geothermal parks, I was ready to hop in and relax for myself. Despite all the parks around there is only one spot where you can enjoy an outdoor mud bath in all of New Zealand, and it’s here at Hell’s Gate Geothermal Park!

If you visited this park yesterday, you already know the lay of the land and can go straight to the mud bath. But if you went to a different geothermal park, you have some options to explore before you get muddy.

The mud bath is a miracle worker for your skin, and it feels so good to relax in the warm muddy waters. While you might smell a bit like sulfur and rotten eggs after, it will eventually fade away! Plus, where else will you get this experience? Not many places! 

Tickets for a 1-hour soak are $85 NZD per adult, and kids older than 2.5 years are welcome to join! I thought one hour was the perfect amount of time to soak in all the benefits of the minerals and enjoy this unique experience! The last time you can book a soak is 4:30 pm, so be sure to plan your afternoon accordingly. 

Reserve your specific mud bath time here and get flexible cancellation and payment options.

If this is your first time at Hell’s Gate, you can explore the park on a guided walk and also enjoy the mud bath with this tour! You can actually choose to take a self-guided or guided walk, but the guided tour was really informative and there’s a lot of unique stuff to learn. It also includes a bush walk and interactive exhibits, which I found helpful in learning about the geothermal landscape. This combo experience is $105 NZD and lasts about 3 hours. 

Book your Hell’s Gate tour and mud bath experience here!

Lastly, you can choose to take the geothermal walk, without the mud bath! I totally understand that being covered in mud and smelling like rotten eggs isn’t everyone’s idea of a good time. But, the geothermal walk is still really cool and Hell’s Gate has one of the most diverse landscapes. This experience is $42 NZD and lasts for 1-2 hours.

Hell’s Gate mud baths are located 16.7 kilometers (10.3 miles) from Rotorua and there is ample parking. It’s open from 10 am to 6 pm every day, and they often stay open until 8 pm on public holidays. I recommend bringing your own swimsuit and towel, but if you forgot yours they are available to rent for $5 NZD a piece or you can buy them onsite. There are lockers, changing rooms, and showers there as well!

Night – Explore Tutanekai Street and Eat Streat

A visit to Rotorua isn’t complete without checking out Tutanekai Street and Eat Streat! I’m sure you can guess why I’m taking you here based on the name, but this is where all the good restaurants in Rotorua are located. There are tons of options here, whether you’re looking for a lively restaurant, a chill pub, nightclubs, and more, all fit into a compact city block. 

Eat Streat is the food court of your dreams, with dozens of unique food stalls and vendors. You can find international cuisines, from Indian to Italian and more, plus pub food, steaks, veggie options, and my favorite – dessert! The whole area is covered, including the outdoor dining area and walkways so you can enjoy it year-round. They even have heaters for the cold months!

I’ll start with the most important meal, dessert! Lady Jane’s Ice Cream Parlour is a local favorite. The ice cream is creamy and flavorful, but it’s even better when you get it on a Danish cone. It comes topped with freshly made whipped cream and sprinkles – it’s heavenly!

Maybe you’re not like me and prefer to have dinner before dessert. If that’s true – head to Atticus Finch for tapas-style food. I love these shareable dishes so I can try even more tasty food. I’ve had the dumplings, fried fish, lamb, and pavlova and it was all amazing. The atmosphere here is a little more upscale than other places on Eat Streat, and their cocktails are the perfect cherry on top!

If you find yourself on Eat Streat another time, be sure to visit Ambrosia. The food is so tasty, but I love the retractable ceilings on a warm summer day. They also offer a fantastic early bird dinner from 5-7 pm so you can get a three-course meal for under $30 NZD. If you’re around on Friday nights or Saturday afternoons, catch some of the live music for a true local Rotorua experience. 

On Thursday nights this area transforms into the Rotorua Night Market! This is a great place to find some local goods, handmade crafts, and a souvenir to take home. You’ll find it right on Tutanekai Street, between Hinemoa and Haupapa Street. 

They also bring out food trucks and live entertainment, so it’s usually pretty busy! You can’t miss it. The market is weather dependent, but if it’s not too miserable out you can catch it from 5-9 pm. Check the official Facebook page here for updates!

Where to Stay in Rotorua

Even with just two days in Rotorua, you’ll want to find the best accommodation for you! 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!

Rydges Rotorua – $$$

For a more luxurious stay, Rydges Rotorua 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. Check availability and book your stay on Booking.com.

Thermal Oak Motel – $$

If more rooms and spacious accommodations are what you’re looking for, you’ll find them at the Thermal Oak Motel. 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. Reserve your room on Booking.com.

Rock Solid Backpackers Rotorua – $

Rock Solid Backpackers Rotorua is one of the budget-friendly hotels centrally located in the city within walking distance of many Rotorua attractions. 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.

Renting a Car, Campervan, or Motorhome in New Zealand

Let’s face it, you’re going to need wheels to get around New Zealand. Although a small country, buses between destinations are infrequent and expensive. Plus, some of the best experiences you can have in NZ are on road trips!

You have three options when it comes to getting wheels in New Zealand; a car, a campervan, or a motorhome. Here’s what you need to know about each and where to get them:

• Car – A normal car is the cheapest rental vehicle you can get in New Zealand. It’ll get you around to all of the best destinations with ease. The only downside to a car is that you will need to stay in hotels or Airbnbs during your travels (no camping.) The easiest place to rent a car in New Zealand is on Discover Cars where you can compare cars, companies, prices, features, and more very easily.

• Campervan – A Campervan is a large van that has a bed and a small kitchen in the back. It’s what most budget travelers use for traveling around New Zealand since it allows you to camp comfortably and for free (most) nights. Campervans are best for couples or solo travelers who are happy to live in a small space. You should also love the outdoors and camping…and be prepared for an adventure of a lifetime! My favorite campervan rental company is JUCY because they have a huge selection of campervans to choose from, plus multiple pick-up/drop-off locations. You can browse JUCY’s campervan selection online here. Alternatively, you can easily compare all campervans available in NZ on Motorhome Republic here.

• Motorhome – A motorhome is larger and more comfortable than a campervan. Many motorhomes will comfortably sleep 6 or more people – perfect for a family visiting New Zealand. Motorhomes are the most expensive option, but with one you won’t ever need to stay in a hotel and you’ll save money that way. My top choice for a motorhome company is Star RV because they have beautiful motorhomes at affordable prices. You can check prices and availability for Star RV motorhomes online here. Alternatively, you can use Motorhome Republic to search all motorhomes in NZ. For more detailed info, read my complete guide to renting a motorhome in New Zealand!

EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT CODE: I’ve managed to snag a discount code for 5% off for my readers if you book your campervan or motorhome through JUCY or Star RV! Simply click here to select your JUCY campervan, or click here to select your Star RV motorhome, and then use the code DTRAVEL25 at checkout to get 5% off – it’s that easy!

Thanks for reading!

Two days in Rotorua is just enough time to see the highlights! This is one of my favorite towns in all of New Zealand because it has a little bit of everything. I love that I can explore the outdoors, dress up and have an amazing meal, relax in a mud pool, and see some truly unique sights. I hope you love Rotorua as much as I do!

If you found this travel guide helpful, check out my other New Zealand blogs. I’ve been to every corner of this beautiful country and love sharing my expertise. Below, I’ve left some blogs that will help plan your trip and give some travel inspiration!

13 Things to KNOW Before Visiting Waitomo Caves, NZ (My Top Tips!)

The BEST Hobbiton Tours from Rotorua +What to Know BEFORE Before You Book!

10 Things to Know BEFORE Ziplining in Rotorua +3 BEST Tours