Outdoor Activities in Rotorua

Ride along dirt tracks and trails on a 30-minute or 1-hour 4WD adventure in Rotorua, and experience New Zealand off-roading. You'll explore rolling farmland and scenic native forests with an professional guide who will drive you to a viewpoint overlooking Lake Rotorua and Mokoia Island. This small-group 4WD tour is limited to five participants per buggy.

Explore one of New Zealand's finest forest trails on this 7-hour hiking tour in the Whirinaki Forest from Rotorua. Travel from your accommodation in Rotorua into the Whirinaki Forest, widely considered among the world's greatest rainforests. Follow your guide along hiking trails beneath the leafy canopy and marvel at mighty native trees such as 'kahikatea', 'matai', 'miro', 'rimu' and 'totara'. Along the way, discover rich flora and fauna for which the forest is famous, and hear birdsong from the many different species of birds flying among the branches above.

Zip through the towering rocks walls of Tutukau Gorge on a Waikato River jet-boat ride. You'll make a stop at the Orakei Korako geothermal reserve for a walk on a raised boardwalk past boiling mud pools and New Zealand's largest geyser. Then it's back on the jet boat for another thrilling high-speed ride as your driver maneuvers 360-degree spins and fishtails through the water.

Explore the New Zealand countryside on horseback on this 1-hour horse trekking tour from Rotorua. Climb onto your horse and head into the foothills of Mt Ngongotaha with a guide. Follow winding trails over working farmland and through native bush, and admire beautiful views over Lake Rotorua. Stop along the way to capture the views on camera, then descend back through the green paddocks to base. This horse trek is suitable for beginners and experienced riders alike, with horses and ponies to match all riding abilities.

Marvel at the volcanic wonders of Rotorua on a 6-hour tour that spins you out on the Waikato River with a thrilling jet-boat ride. Start with a guided walk past the Crater Lakes of Rainbow Mountain and check out the mud pools near Wai-O-Tapu. Your jet boat zips through Tutukau Gorge, dropping you off to explore the steaming cliffs and gushing geysers of Orakei Korako Geothermal Park on foot before completing your high-speed ride with fishtails and tight turns. Hotel pickup and drop-off included.

While in Rotorua, take a wild and wacky ride in an Outdoor Gravity Orb (OGO). You’ll love ‘orbing’ downhill as you slide around inside an inflatable ball. Choose from three different runs — a straight slope, a multipoint harness or a curvy water ride — and get instruction before enjoying twists and turns. Document the latest thrill with a provided hand-held go pro, and relax between rides in the on-site hot tubs.