Things 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

Rotorua: Jade Carving Experience at a Local Studio

Rotorua: Jade Carving Experience at a Local Studio

€23
per adult
Rotorua: Jade Carving Experience at a Local Studio
1-Day Rotorua Tour from Auckland with Options

Rotorua Tour from Auckland with Optional Extras

€234
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Rotorua Tour from Auckland with Optional Extras
Rotorua Monster 4X4 Thrill Ride

Monster 4X4 Thrill Ride at Off Road NZ

€34
per adult
Monster 4X4 Thrill Ride at Off Road NZ
Te Ra Guided Experience

Te Ra Guided Experience

€54
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Te Ra Guided Experience
Hobbiton Day Tour from Rotorua with lunch at Hobbiton

Hobbiton Day Tour from Rotorua with lunch at Hobbiton

€156
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Hobbiton Day Tour from Rotorua with lunch at Hobbiton
Hell's Gate Geothermal Walk

Hell's Gate Geothermal Walk

€23
per adult
Hell's Gate Geothermal Walk
Ultimate self-drive rail car journey

Ultimate self-drive rail car journey

€40
per adult
Ultimate self-drive rail car journey
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Most popular experiences in Rotorua

Tours & day trips

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Rotorua Tour from Auckland with Optional Extras

Rotorua Tour from Auckland with Optional Extras

Activity duration is 13 hours
9.0 out of 10 with 16 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €233 per adult
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Adventure & outdoor

See all 26 activities
Rotorua: Redwoods Altitude High Ropes Adventure

Rotorua: Redwoods Altitude High Ropes Adventure

Activity duration is 2 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 53 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €74 per adult
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Spa & wellness

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Hell's Gate Mud Bath & Spas

Hell's Gate Mud Bath & Spas

Activity duration is 1 hour
9.4 out of 10 with 128 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €46 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 17 activities
Private Forest Spa in Rotorua: Secret Spot Hot Tubs

Private Forest Spa in Rotorua: Secret Spot Hot Tubs

Activity duration is 45 minutes
9.6 out of 10 with 102 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €23 per adult
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Cruises & boat tours

See all 14 activities
Rotorua: Te Pa Tu Māori Cultural Experience with Dinner

Rotorua: Te Pa Tu Māori Cultural Experience with Dinner

Activity duration is 3 hours and 30 minutes
9.8 out of 10 with 305 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €142 per adult
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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 Te Puia New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute 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.

A wooden pier extending into calm waters with mountains in the background.

Mourea

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.

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