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 relaxing 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.
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.
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.
Things to do
Cultural Experience & Seasonal Māori Cuisine at Te Pā Tū
Rotorua: Polynesian Spa Pavilion Hot Pool Bathing (12+ yrs)
Rotorua Tour from Auckland with Optional Extras
Cambridge, Matamata, Waitomo: 1-Hour Ecological River Cruise
Top hotels in Whakarewarewa
Rydges Rotorua
"Convenient location. Nice clean rooms with comfortable beds. Buffet breakfast was very tasty as well."
Reviewed on 4 Jun 2026
Alpin Motel & Conference Centre
"It was nice stay but only thing shower gel did not fill up properly .. Thank you"
Reviewed on 19 Apr 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
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
Pullman Rotorua
"Quick and easy check in. Modern hotel with a very large room (king with lake view). Only parking option is valet so be prepared to pay for valet upon arrival. Within easy walking distance to more restaurants than you can visit. Disappointed that there wasn't a pool. Didn't like that price for breakfast ..."
Reviewed on 5 May 2026
Millennium Hotel Rotorua
"We had a great stay at this hotel. The staff were friendly, welcoming, and always happy to help. The warm pool and jacuzzi were fantastic and made our stay even more relaxing. The hotel is also in a great location, with easy access to everything we needed. We would definitely stay here again and ..."
Reviewed on 3 Jun 2026
Where to stay in Whakarewarewa
Inner City
If you're spending some time in Inner City, Rotorua Night Market and Tamaki Maori Village are top sights worth seeing.
Lake Okareka
Travellers like the parks in Lake Okareka, and Lake Tikitapu 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.
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.
Lynmore
When in Lynmore, you can plan a visit to Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest and Polynesian Spa, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.
