Things to Do in Rotorua

1. Pay A Visit To The Wai-o-tapu Thermal Wonderland: One of the best things to do in Rotorua is to visit the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland and see the beautiful eruption of the Lady Knox Geyser.

Being one of the most popular geothermal parks in the country, this thermal wonderland boasts of mud pools, volcanic craters as well as steaming lakes, all of which you can witness during your visit here. From the lookout point, you can also soak in views of the vibrant coloured hot pools, craters and surrounding landscapes.

Location: 201 Waiotapu Loop Road, Rotorua 3073, New Zealand
Timings: 08:30 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.
Price: INR 1,700 onwards

2. Kaituna River White Water Rafting: Rescuing you from the decision of what is there to do in Rotorua, the thrilling white water rafting experience in the Kaituna River in the Okere Falls Scenic Reserve has attracted flocks of tourists. Complete with class 5 white water rapids, the river ensures that this will be an adventure of a lifetime.

Along with the rapids, there is also an adrenaline-filled 21-foot drop down the Tutea Falls, which is also known as the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world. Great for beginners as well as professional rafters, this rafting tour also comes with a training and safety briefing session, along with all the necessary equipment for the tour.

Location: 18 Okere Falls Road, Okere Falls 3074, New Zealand
Price: INR 7,000 onwards

3. Mitai Maori Village Experience: Heading to Rotorua with family? Head on to the Mitai Maori Village to indulge in one of the most unique Rotorua family activities. Experience the authentic Maori culture along with an enjoyable evening at this village, where you can see the warriors dressed in traditional attire paddling in an ancient canoe.

Or catch a glimpse of the ancient weapons of this land.

Location: 196 Fairy Springs Road, Fairy Springs, Rotorua 3015, New Zealand
Timings: 06:00 a.m. to 08:30 p.m.

4. Go On A Nocturnal Glow Worm Tour: Amongst the most unique things to do in Rotorua, the nocturnal glow worm tour is one that is sure to mesmerise you. Famous all around the world, the New Zealand glow worms light up the darkness even on the cloudiest of nights.

When visiting Rotorua, go on a short tour in the evening in search of these rare creatures. During the tour, you can also get a chance to see the other wildlife of the area, including possums and wallabies.

Location: Rotorua, New Zealand
Price: INR 4,000 onwards

5. Take A Hike To The Volcanic Mount Tarawera: If you are feeling adventurous, take a hike to Mount Tarawera, and learn about the rich geology of this land. This 4-hour hike lets you pass through winding trails into the wilderness of the North Island in New Zealand.

Your guide during the hike will also tell you a lot about this mighty volcano, which erupted in 1886.

Location: Rotorua, North Island, New Zealand
Price: INR 10,000 onwards

6. Visit The Hobbiton Movie Set: One of the best Rotorua family activities is a visit to the Hobbiton movie set. Listen to all the behind-the-scenes stories of ‘The Hobbit’ and ‘The Lord of the Rings’ movie trilogies. You can also visit Bilbo’s hobbit hole and indulge in a drink at the Green Dragon Inn.

Upon your arrival at the set, you can see quaint little flower gardens, little hobbit holes, the homes of Frodo, Sam, Bilbo, Pippin and Merry as well as the famous double arched bridge, along with other attractions from the movies.

Location: 1235 Fenton Street, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand
Price: INR 4,000 onwards

7. Visit The 3d Trick Art Gallery: Visit the only 3D trick art gallery in North Island, New Zealand on your trip to Rotorua. Home to over 50 trick artworks, the gallery lets you take different photographs that are not just convincing, but also life like. Located in the heart of Rotorua, the gallery is also situated in close proximity to other attractions in the city.

Location: 171 Fairy Springs Road, Fairy Springs, Rotorua 3015, New Zealand
Price: INR 1,200 onwards
Timings: 09:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m.

8. Enjoy A Therapeutic Mud Bath At Hell’s Gate Mud Bath And Spas: Want to experience something unique and relax at the same time? Head over to Hells Gate Mud Bath and Spas and treat yourself to a therapeutic mud bath and sulphur spa package, which is one of the top things to do in Rotorua.

Located in the most active geothermal zone of Rotorua, this park offers mud bath treatments that are sure to leave you rejuvenated and relaxed.

Location: State Highway 30, Tikitere, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand
Price: INR 4,000 onwards
Timings: 10:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.

1. White Water Rafting: Go on a white-water rafting experience in the Kaituna River, which is one of the best things to do in Rotorua. Paddle through class 5 rapids and enjoy a 21-foot drop down the Tutea Falls while you try to tame the gushing waters for a memorable holiday experience.

2. Jet Boat Ride: Take a jet boat ride on the Waikato River across the Tutukau Gorge towards a waterfall for a unique experience in Rotorua. Or soak in the naturally heated waters of the river after your ride.

3. 4WD Bush Safari: Challenge your inner comfortable self with this intense bush safari on a 4-passenger 4WD vehicle. Drive through steep climbs, sudden descents and varied terrains as you navigate your way through lunges, waterfalls and tunnels in Rotorua.

4. Helicopter Ride: For a more unique experience of things to do in Rotorua, get on a helicopter tour above Mount Tarawera and make a landing on the volcanic terrain as you see the geothermal landscapes of crater lakes from the air.

Located in the heart of the North Island in New Zealand, the city of Rotorua lies between Wellington and Auckland. Rotorua does not have an international airport. Therefore, the best way to reach Rotorua is to take a flight to Auckland followed by a domestic flight to Rotorua.

The best time to visit Rotorua is between the months of March and May, during the autumn season in the region. The weather and temperatures during this time are quite pleasant in Rotorua, making it a great season for sightseeing and indulging in adventure activities like trekking, geyser exploration, soaking in mud pools and more.

Rotorua is known all over the world for its shooting geysers, geothermal pools, bubbling mud pools as well as natural hot springs. Furthermore, it is also famous for its exhibition of the ancient traditional Maori culture.

- Handcrafted cheese
- Local wine
- Local craft beer
- Homemade jams, chutneys and preserves
- Homemade snacks
- Handmade soaps
- Knitwear
- Maori crafts
- Jade jewellery
- Local artworks
- Merino wool
- Smoked fish
- Glass jewellery and sculptures

Yes, Rotorua is definitely worth visiting. In addition to being the home of geothermal pools, natural mud pools and geyser springs, the city also boasts of verdant landscapes, museums, adventure activities and more.

A trip of 2 to 5 days is enough to explore Rotorua to the fullest. From sightseeing, shopping and indulging in the local cuisines and drinks, you can also enjoy a wide range of activities in these five days in the city.

1. Soak In A Hot Pool: Take advantage of the natural hot springs in Rotorua, and enjoy one of the most romantic things to do in Rotorua with your significant other. Rejuvenate yourselves as you take in some of the most beautiful natural sights from these hot pools.

2. Enjoy A Dinner High Up Above From The Ground: If wondering about what is there to do in Rotorua then visit the Stratosphere Restaurant and Bar by availing the Skyline Gondola ride. Enjoy a lip-smacking dinner on the side of Mount Ngongotaha while you soak in an elegant ambience, beautiful natural views and delicious wine.

3. Enjoy A Treewalk: The answer to your question of what is there to do in Rotorua is a romantic night tree walk. Take a stroll along the 553-metre walkway through the verdant Redwood trees which are linked together with a series of suspension bridges.