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.
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: 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 relaxing area.
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
Cultural Experience & Seasonal Māori Cuisine at Te Pā Tū
Rotorua: Polynesian Spa Pavilion Hot Pool Bathing (12+ yrs)
Cambridge, Matamata, Waitomo: 1-Hour Ecological River Cruise
Top hotels in Whakarewarewa
Rydges Rotorua
"Helpful housekeeping staff. Checkin staff abit mechanical and could be more welcoming"
Reviewed on 16 Jun 2026
Alpin Motel & Conference Centre
"Clean room, new amenities, private spa pool was great, very friendly staff. Lovely stay overall."
Reviewed on 19 Jun 2026
Imperial Hotel Rotorua
"The hotel was okay .The kitchen area was cleaned but cups were not cleaned properly. Moreover, when we entered in the room we saw bed sheets was not fresh. On the bed sheet alot of hairs it looks like they haven’t changed the top bedsheet that was very disappointing.Overall,not recommended if your ..."
Reviewed on 31 May 2026
Greenview Motel
"Room was clean & suited our one night stay. Wee bit noisy both with traffic & other residents.. otherwise thumbs up"
Reviewed on 31 May 2026
Pullman Rotorua
"Very clean and beautiful rooms. Friendly staff. Breakfast delicious. Valet parking great."
Reviewed on 18 Jun 2026
Millennium Hotel Rotorua
"Good presentation overall including attractive gardens etc Comfortable rooms with immaculate bathrooms. The service in the restaurant on the evening of my stay left a lot to be desired. I had to leave my table to approach two staff members who were having a conversation."
Reviewed on 14 Jun 2026
Where to stay in Whakarewarewa
Inner City
If you're spending some time in Inner City, Rotorua Central Mall and Eat Street are top sights worth seeing.
Lake Okareka
Travellers like the parks in Lake Okareka, and Lake Okareka is a top attraction you might want to visit.
Owhata
If you're spending some time in Owhata, Lake Rotorua and Haiku Pathway are top sights worth seeing.
Lynmore
When in Lynmore, you can plan a visit to Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest and Polynesian Spa, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.
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 Government Gardens.
