What to do in Rotorua

Activities, attractions and tours

A geothermal area with a green pool, an orange rim, and steam rising from the water.
A group of people standing on a wooden deck overlooking a misty waterfall.
A rope bridge in a forest with illuminated hanging lights.
A wooden boardwalk through a foggy marshland with trees in the background.
A geyser erupting with steam, surrounded by a rocky landscape and a crowd of spectators.

Things to do

Geothermal Mineral Baths Experience: Pavilion Pools for 12+

Rotorua: Polynesian Spa Pavilion Hot Pool Bathing (12+ yrs)

฿1,049
per adult
78% of travellers recommend
Rotorua: Polynesian Spa Pavilion Hot Pool Bathing (12+ yrs)
Te Ra Guided Experience

Te Ra Guided Experience

฿2,005
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Te Ra Guided Experience
Wool Sheep Farm Experience with Handmade Wool Hat in New Zealand

Wool Sheep Farm Experience with Handmade Wool Hat in New Zealand

฿955
per adult
Wool Sheep Farm Experience with Handmade Wool Hat in New Zealand
Cambridge, Matamata, Waitomo: 1-Hour Ecological River Cruise

Cambridge, Matamata, Waitomo: 1-Hour Ecological River Cruise

฿2,807
per adult
Cambridge, Matamata, Waitomo: 1-Hour Ecological River Cruise
Rotorua: The Buried Village of Te Wairoa

Rotorua: The Buried Village of Te Wairoa

฿477
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Rotorua: The Buried Village of Te Wairoa
Polynesian Spa Rotorua: Family Hot Pools and Freshwater Pool

Polynesian Spa Rotorua: Family Hot Pools and Freshwater Pool

฿629
per adult
Polynesian Spa Rotorua: Family Hot Pools and Freshwater Pool
Ultimate self-drive rail car journey

Ultimate self-drive rail car journey

฿1,508
per adult
Ultimate self-drive rail car journey
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Top places to visit

1. 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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A tranquil indoor pool with a view of a lake and mountains.

2. 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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A cable car system, lush greenery, and a distant town.

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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A rope bridge in a forest with illuminated hanging lights.

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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A group of people observing a ritual in a lush, green forest with a river.

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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A series of tall poles with decorative elements against a clear blue sky.

What to do in Rotorua

Stay near popular Rotorua attractions

A tranquil indoor pool with a view of a lake and mountains.

Polynesian Spa

8.8/10 (879 reviews)
Soak in Rotorua's legendary geothermal waters where acidic Priest Spring soothes muscles while alkaline Rachel Spring nourishes skin. Reserve a private lakeside pool at sunset for the ultimate therapeutic experience.
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Where to stay in Rotorua

Find the best Rotorua areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Rotorua
Learn more about Rotorua
A coastal town with a lake, surrounded by hills and dense greenery.

Inner City

If you're spending some time in Inner City, Tamaki Maori Village and Rotorua Central Mall are top sights worth seeing.

A road lined with trees and a mountain in the background.

Fenton Street

You'll love the luxurious spas in Fenton Street, and you might want to stick around to check out Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre, a top place to visit.

A church with a tall steeple and a clock tower, set against a backdrop of mountains and a clear sky.

Ohinemutu

Spas and lake views are notable features of Ohinemutu. You might consider stopping by Lake Rotorua while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

A geothermal area with a hot spring, steam rising from the ground, and a forested hillside in the background.
Photo by Umi Mostafa
Open Photo by Umi Mostafa

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 Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve while you're exploring the area.

A canoe with people dressed in traditional attire, surrounded by a forested area with ferns and a group of onlookers.

Kawaha Point

River views, spas and restaurants highlight some of the notable features of Kawaha Point. Make a stop by Lake Rotorua while you're exploring.

Day trip destinations from Rotorua

A lush green valley with rolling hills, a winding road, and distant mountains under a partly cloudy sky.

Horohoro

A lake with a wooden dock extending into the water, surrounded by mountains and a cloudy sky.

Lake Okataina

A river with clear water surrounded by dense forest and ferns.

Hamurana

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 kilometres away from downtown, while Glenholme is 2 kilometres 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.