Choose from 28 Fun Things to Do in Rotorua
ShowingFilter 21-28 of 28 listings.
Lady Knox Geyser
Named for Lady Constance Knox, a daughter of the 15th governor of New Zealand, Lady Knox Geyser is located in the North Island's Taupo Volcanic Zone. While this region is famous for a variety of fascinating geological phenomena, the Lady Knox Geyser is unique. Every day it erupts at precisely 10:15am, when a park guide induces it to do so - with soap.
Indeed, the soap is used to break the surface tension of the cold water in the geyser's upper chamber so that it will mix with the hot water in the lower chamber, which causes an 20 meter (65 feet) eruption that can last an hour. Stones have been placed around the opening in order to enhance the blast, and over the years, silica in the water has given the spout a nozzle-like appearance. You'll find it among the other natural marvels of the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland.
Unlike many of the other thermal features of the area, the Lady Knox Geyser does not have a Maori name because it was discovered in the early 20th century - by prisoners who were washing their clothes. They triggered the jet when they dropped some soap in with the hot water!
Address: 201 Waiotapu Loop Road RD 3, Rotorua 3073, New Zealand
Hours: Open daily 8:30am - 5pm (until 1pm on Christmas). The Geyser erupts at 10:15am every day
Admission: Adults: NZ$30, Children (5-15yrs): NZ$10
From $ 110
Te Puia
When you first catch a glimpse of Pohutu Geyser thundering up from the Earth and crane your neck skywards at a column of water that’s nearly 100 feet high, you begin to understand why this place has drawn visitors for literally hundreds of years. Only five minutes from central Rotorua, Te Puia is a geothermal and cultural attraction in the Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley. When compared to Whakarewarewa Thermal Village, Te Puia is closer to the geysers and also offers an impressive center of Maori arts and crafts. Tour the bubbling, geothermal landscape with a native Maori guide, and then retreat to the national weaving and carving schools to watch Maori students re-create the traditional arts of their ancestors. For a look at furry kiwi birds, there is a small, dark kiwi enclosure that houses the national bird, and for arguably the best evening in Rotorua, return at night to experience Te Po—a traditional ceremony and hangi feast of eating, dancing and lore.
Practical Info
From late September to early April, hours are from 8am to 6pm, with the last tour of the day starting at 5pm. From early April to late September, the site is open from 8am to 5pm, with the last tour starting at 4pm. Admission ranges from $49 to $155, depending upon the length of stay and various activities involved. It’s also best to bring sturdy footwear for a walk through the hot springs.
Address: Te Puia, Rotorua, New Zealand
Hours: Late Sept-early April: 8am-6pm; early April-late Sept 8am-5pm
Admission: $49-$155
From $ 35
Velocity Valley (Agroventures Adventure Park)
Visitors to Velocity Valley (formerly Agroventures Adventure Park) choose from six adrenaline-fueled activities: Shweeb Racer, Swoop, Agrojet, Freefall Xtreme, Rotorua Bungy, and Freestyle Airbag. Each ride is suitable for daredevils of almost all ages. Activities can be purchased separately or combined as part of a tour package.
The Basics
Choose a tour that combines admission and ride(s) of your choice with round-trip transportation. Then, strap yourself into a high-speed Agrojet and splash around corners at 60 mph (100 kph). Feel the pressure of a Rotorua Bungy cord around your ankles, and the stomach-drop when you fall from 140 feet (43 meters). Don a squirrel suit at Freefall Xtreme and step inside an outdoor wind tunnel, where 130-mph (210-kph) winds create the feeling of falling from a plane.
Daredevils can attach themselves to a thin ripcord that is raised 130 feet (40 meters) before releasing and swooping at 80 mph (130 kph) on the Swoop super swing. If you’d prefer a ride that’s more unique than scary, step inside the world’s only Shweeb Racer: an aerodynamic, pedal-driven pod attached to a monorail track. Bicyclists of all skill levels go airborne before landing safely on a huge Freestyle Airbag.
Things to Know Before You Go
- According to New Zealand law, bungee jumpers must be at least 10 years old and weigh more than 77 pounds (35 kilograms).
- Minimum ages on other attractions range from 3 to 6 years old.
- Passengers must be at least 3.6 feet (1.1 meters) tall to ride the Shweeb.
- The 2-passenger Agrojet’s minimum height requirement is 3 feet (.9 meters).
- Safety gear is required on the Freestyle Airbag and can be rented from the reception desk.
How to Get There
Velocity Valley is located at 1335 Paradise Valley Road, Ngongotaha, 15 minutes from downtown Rotorua. The park is about 4 miles (8 kilometers) from the city center and bus terminal, and 15 miles (25 kilometers) from Rotorua Airport.
When to Get There
Velocity Valley is open every day from 9am until 5pm, with the exception of Christmas Day. Because all activities take place in the outdoors, the best times to visit are when the weather is warm and dry.
Visitors Who Prefer a Slower Pace
You can take it slow on the Shweeb Racer, which is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Enjoy the view while pedaling three laps around the monorail course. Once you’re comfortable, pick up the pace and challenge your friends on dueling tracks that are perfect for racing and speed.
Address: 1335 Paradise Valley Rd., Ngongotaha, Rotorua, New Zealand
Admission: Varies
From $ 35
Whakarewarewa Forest
Rotorua is a place of geysers, mud pools, Maori villages, and lakes, but it’s also rung by Redwood forests that house some of the world’s best mountain biking. Here in the Whakarewarewa Forest, just minutes from the center of town, visitors will find a network of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding that weave through towering Redwoods. Though the area was planted for commercial forestry, it’s also become a favorite spot for outdoor recreation, where mountain bikers fly thousands of miles for the chance to experience the trails.
You don’t have to be a pro biker, however, to enjoy Whakarewarewa Forest; the network of trails has options that cater to all different levels of riders, and one of the best ways to experience the forest is on a guided mountain bike tour. You can also just simply stroll through the forest, enjoying the sights and smells. At just 1.5 miles, the Redwood Grove Memorial track has the largest collection of Redwoods, and can be extended to over 2 miles by following the Waitawa Walk Loop.
Insider's Tip: The trails are often nicest in the morning, and you’ll likely stay longer than expected.
Practical Info
All trails are well signposted and designated for certain use, and keep an eye out for logging trucks when biking along the service roads. The Redwoods Visitor Center is open from 8:30am-5pm daily and can provide info on trail conditions as well as maps of the forest. For hiking, all trails begin from the Visitor Center, whereas mountain biking begins off of Waipa State Mill Road.
Address: Whakarewarewa, Rotorua 3074, New Zealand
From $ 25
Blue Baths
The ornate Blue Baths on the shores of Lake Rotorua, blend history, leisure, and high society. This building, which fuses art deco and Spanish mission styles, has been restored to its original splendor from 1933, when the thermally heated baths became New Zealand's first place for "mixed bathing."
The Basics
The baths in this section of Rotorua actually date to 1885, when men-only bathhouses sat by the lakeshore, west of the current site. With the opening of the now-famous Blue Baths, however, the original ones were shuttered, and mixed bathing became the cultural norm. A small museum details the history of the baths; visitors on a tour of Rotorua or an independent visit can also enjoy high tea with a view of the Government Gardens. If you fancy a dip, purchase a ticket for a relaxing soak in the pools.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Choose a city sightseeing tour that points out the famous landmark.
- There are two hot-soak pools, which vary between 99°F and 106°F (37°C"“41°C).
- The original Juvenile Pool hovers around 86°F (30°C).
- There is no lifeguard at the Blue Baths pools; all children under 14 years of age require supervised entry to the pool area.
How to Get There
The Blue Baths are located on Queens Drive, within the Government Gardens on the shores of Lake Rotorua. Pickup from centrally located hotels is included in most city sightseeing itineraries, but the site is also an easy stroll from downtown Rotorua.
When to Get There
The Blue Baths are open daily from 10am to 6pm. It's best to call ahead and inquire about closures, because the venue is occasionally booked for private events. After a soak or a stroll through the ornate building, set out for a picnic in the surrounding Government Gardens.
Harken Back to Yesteryear
With muscles relaxed and skin all smooth after a swim or soak in the geothermally heated pools at the Blue Baths, stick around for an evening dinner show of live music and dancing. Visitors will enjoy the glamorous ambience of this historic Rotorua attraction, topped by sunset views over Lake Rotorua.
Address: Queens Drive, Government Gardens, Rotorua, North Island, New Zealand
From $ 49
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland showcases New Zealand’s geothermal topography at its most dramatic and colorful. Located along the Reporoa Caldera within the Taupo Volcanic Zone, the park’s lava-sculpted landscapes are punctuated by hissing geysers, swirling sulfur lakes, and bubbling mud pools.
The Basics
Thanks to a guiding system of boardwalks Wai-O-Tapu geothermal park is easy to explore on your own. For the best value, visit as part of a full-day tour and also see popular North Island attractions such as the Hobbiton movie set from the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies, Waimangu Volcanic Valley, or the Waikato River. For a more personalized experience, small-group and private tours run from the Rotorua and Tauranga cruise ports, and include convenient extras such as hotel pickup and drop-off.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The park’s visitor facilities include restrooms, lockers, a visitor center, a small café, and picnic areas.
- This is an active geothermal area, meaning the ground and water often reach boiling temperatures. Don’t be tempted to break the rules or wander outside of designated areas.
- Wear comfortable closed-toe shoes, bring sun protection, and drink plenty of water.
- Of the three walking trails at Wai-O-Tapu, only one is accessible for wheelchair users and strollers.
How to Get There
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland is located along Waiotapu Loop Road, 17 miles (27 kilometers) south of Rotorua, or 20 minutes by road. The closest international airport is in Rotorua.
When to Get There
You can visit year-round, but summer (December through February) is the most popular. The park can become very crowded—to avoid large tour groups, visit early in the morning or just before closing.
Geothermal Attractions of Wai-O-Tapu
Stand in awe before massive craters and the thundering Lake Ngakoro Waterfall, watch as the Lady Knox Geyser erupts, and marvel at multi-colored pools known as the
‘Artist's Palette” for their bright swirls of color—a result of the water’s sulfur content. Additional highlights include the bubbling “Champagne Pool,” a number of cold and hot springs, and elaborate sinter terrace formations.
Address: 201 Waiotapu Loop Road, Rotorua 3073, New Zealand
Hours: Apr - Oct: 8:30am - 5pm (last admission 3:45pm), Nov - Mar: 8:30am - 6pm (last admission 4:45pm)
Admission: Adults NZ$32.50, children (5-15 yrs): NZ$11
From $ 23
Whakarewarewa (The Living Maori Village)
Whakarewarewa, the Living Maori Village, provides an opportunity for visitors to experience the culture and traditions of the Tuhourangi/Ngati Wahiao people. Travelers have made their way to this living geothermal Maori village since the early 1800s, and it’s here that they can witness how the local people prepare and cook their food in thermal vents using steam and also get the chance to sample the traditional hangi meals onsite.
A highlight of any visit to Whakarewarewa is Maori Haka, a cultural performance that harmonizes traditional songs of Maori stories and legends, shared by welcoming Whakarewarewa tour guides. These iconic shows run twice daily and are set against the backdrop of the geothermal valley, with its geysers, hot pools, and bubbling mud providing a unique story-telling experience.
Address: Rotorua, New Zealand
Admission: Adults: NZ$35, Children (5-15yrs): NZ$15
From $ 25
Tamaki Maori Village
Visit Tamaki Maori Village to experience Maori culture and society as it existed in pre-European New Zealand. Through performing arts, you’ll see, hear, and feel the Tamaki brothers’ vision for an immersive tour into the traditional Maori way of life. Live the stories, travels, battles, and rituals of the Maori as New Zealand was settled.
The Basics
Located about 20 minutes from Rotorua, Tamaki Maori Village provides a powerful cultural performance and dining experience to show you who the Maori people are and to let you walk with them into the past. Packages include a 2- to 3-hour tour, in which your guide explains pre-European rituals (such as the powhiri welcoming ceremony), demonstrates the meeting house and interactive village in native forest, and serves a traditional Hangi feast (food cooked underground on hot stones). You even have the option to stay overnight.
Visits to Tamaki Maori Village are included in many day trips from Tauranga as well as multi-day excursions from Auckland. Packages often include the village plus Waitomo Caves, the Hobbiton movie set, and points of interest in Rotorua.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Tamaki Maori Village is suitable for all ages.
- The venue is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
- Don’t forget to take a camera or charge your phone! There’s a lot to see.
- Take warm clothes if you travel in winter and comfortable footwear in all seasons.
- Hangi is for everyone: special dietary options available.
How to Get There
The evening tour runs a bus that collects you in the early evening, around 5:30pm, from your Rotorua accommodation or from the Tamaki Heritage Experiences office at 1220 Hinemaru Street in the central city. The bus also returns along the same route at about 9:30pm. There’s plenty of space to park if you’re driving.
When to Get There
The village is open seven days a week, so to miss the crowds, consider attending on an off-peak day, like a Sunday or Thursday. Tours can be busy, depending on the season, but numbers are usually well-managed. In summer, most of your experience will be during daylight hours, while in winter, the sun sets in the late afternoon—your experience can be quite different!
Overnight Stay
If uninspired hotel rooms are starting to wear thin, consider spending the night at Tamaki Maori Village. Arrive for the afternoon and evening experience before settling in near a campfire to hear traditional Maori myths and oral histories. At the end of the night, enjoy a relaxing spa in the bush before settling into bed in the whare moe (sleeping house).-
Address: 1220 Hinemaru Street, Rotorua, New Zealand
Admission: Varies
From $ 92