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.
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.
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.
Things to do
Rotorua: Polynesian Spa Pavilion Hot Pool Bathing (12+ yrs)
Cambridge, Matamata, Waitomo: 1-Hour Ecological River Cruise
Polynesian Spa Rotorua: Family Hot Pools and Freshwater Pool
Top hotels in Whakarewarewa
Rydges Rotorua
Next door to the Whakarewarewa geothermal walkway/ Moari village, which is very convenient. However, the sulphorous smell can be strong and cause some irritation. Breakfast was good. Room service options were a bit quirky. Great base to explore Rotorua and surrounding areas and activities if you ...
Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026
Imperial Hotel Rotorua
Very nice stay, great bed,clean room. Small kitchenet. All you need with great staff.
Reviewed on 3 Mar 2026
Alpin Motel & Conference Centre
It was a very nice stay with friendly and helpful Staff!
Reviewed on 4 Feb 2026
Greenview Motel
Room was clean & tidy. Plenty of parking spaces. Take your own toilet paper as that provided is very thin. Take a tea towel as none provided. A 3 person room but crockery & cutlery for just 3 - which was us anyway.
Reviewed on 26 Feb 2026
Millennium Hotel Rotorua
Norrie in the Club lounge is an absolute treasure. He was extraordinarily hospitable and kind and thoughtful. Every staff member we encountered was great but Norrie really should be commended.
Reviewed on 4 Mar 2026
Sudima Lake Rotorua
Felt that for the price the room was very dated, and an extremely soft bed didn't allow a good sleep. Breakfast was nice.
Reviewed on 22 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
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.
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 Rotorua Night Market.
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, Rotorua Night Market and Tamaki Maori Village are top sights worth seeing.
