Image: Rotorua Canopy Tours — People’s Choice Best Experience in New Zealand,” two years running.

Things to Do in Rotorua – Geothermal, Culture & Adventure

Discover Rotorua: Geothermal Icons, Māori Culture & Family Adventure

Secret Spot Hot Tubs – Rotorua

Discover Rotorua: Where It Is, What It’s Known For & Why It Belongs on Your NZ Itinerary

Rotorua sits in the Central North Island on the shores of Lake Rotorua, surrounded by 18 lakes, native forest and easy-access trails. Yes, you’ll find geysers and steaming terraces—but this is also one of New Zealand’s best bases for fun, hands-on activities. Ride the gondola and luge with big lake views, zipline through ancient forest with Rotorua Canopy Tours —Tripadvisor People’s Choice “Best of the Best” #1 Experience in New Zealand (2025 & 2024).

drop the Kaituna River’s 7 m waterfall on a guided white-water trip, or head out on calm-water kayak tours (including a magical glow-worm night paddle). Families love the mix of gentle thrills and easy logistics; couples can dial up the romance with private hot tubs at Secret Spot or an evening of Maori culture at Te Pa Tu, Mitai, or Te Puia. Short scenic flights add wow-factor—from Mt Tarawera summit landings to a scenic flyover of Whakaari/White Island—and you can go next-level with a floatplane to a secluded lakeside picnic. 

Geysers at Te Puia, Rotorua

What makes Rotorua a Must-Do?

Nowhere else in NZ packs geothermal icons, living Maori culture (Te Pa Tu, Mitai, Te Puia), and easy adventure so close together. Add hot tubs at Secret Spot, lake paddling (day or glow-worm night), ziplining with Rotorua Canopy Tours, mountain biking in Whakarewarewa Forest, and short scenic flights to Mt Tarawera—it’s effortless to build a 1–2 day plan: geothermal in the morning, an activity or soak by late afternoon, culture at night.

Quick facts about Rotorua:

• Location: Central North Island (Lake Rotorua)
• Known for: Geothermal wonders, Maori culture, family-friendly adventure
• Best time to visit: Year-round (misty winter pools; long summer evenings)
• Typical stay: 1–2 days in town; add time for Orakei Korako or Tarawera
• Drive times: Auckland ~3 hrs • Taupo ~1 hr • Tauranga ~1 hr
• Good to know: Keep to marked paths in thermal areas; book popular evenings ahead

Rotorua Geothermal Attractions: Stunning Natural Wonders Await

Rotorua is a geothermal wonderland with incredible landscapes waiting to be explored. Discover the hidden gem of Orakei Korako, often called “The Hidden Valley,” where vibrant silica terraces and geothermal activity create an unforgettable experience. At Waimangu Volcanic Valley, walk through an otherworldly geothermal park featuring Frying Pan Lake and Inferno Crater, or explore its beauty on a guided day kayaking on Rotorua’s lakes surrounded by geothermal steam and wildlife.

Visit Te Puia to witness the awe-inspiring Pohutu Geyser, and learn about the geothermal energy that shapes the region. For a unique perspective, take a scenic flight with Volcanic Air to admire Rotorua’s geothermal features from above. Their airplane and helicopter tours also highlight the stunning Mount Tarawera, providing unmatched aerial views of the region’s volcanic history.

Plan your Rotorua geothermal adventure today and explore these must-see natural wonders!

Rotorua Maori Cultural Experiences: Dive into Tradition

Rotorua is rich in Maori culture, offering unique experiences that connect visitors to the traditions of the Te Arawa people. At Te Pa Tu (formerly Tamaki Maori Village), immerse yourself in an evening of cultural storytelling, traditional performances, and a delicious hangi feast cooked using geothermal heat.

Mitai Maori Village offers another incredible opportunity to witness haka performances, learn about Maori customs, and watch warriors paddle a waka (war canoe) down a sacred stream illuminated by glowworms.

For daytime experiences, Te Puia provides insights into Maori arts and crafts, with live demonstrations of traditional carving and weaving at the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute. 

Discover Rotorua’s Maori culture by visiting these incredible destinations.

Rotorua Adventure Activities: Thrills for Every Explorer

Adventure seekers will find plenty to satisfy their thrill cravings in Rotorua. Take on the rapids of the Kaituna River, which features the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall at 7 meters. For even more water-based excitement, try sledging, where you navigate the river on a bodyboard, or experience the magic of night kayaking to see glowworms light up the surrounding caves and waterways.

On land, explore native forests on an exhilarating ziplining tour, or embark on a 4WD off-road adventure through rugged terrain. For breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences, try skydiving near Taupo, just a short drive from Rotorua. Scenic flights with Volcanic Air also offer a thrilling perspective, with airplane and helicopter tours showcasing Rotorua’s geothermal features and volcanic landscapes.

Don’t miss Rotorua’s adrenaline-pumping activities—book your next adventure now!

Family-Friendly Rotorua: Fun Attractions for All Ages

Rotorua offers a wide range of family-friendly attractions that ensure fun for all ages. For a splash of adventure, hop aboard the Rotorua Duck Tours, an amphibious vehicle that takes you across lakes and land with entertaining and educational commentary. For more scenic fun, ride the Skyline Gondola to the top of Mt. Ngongotaha, where you can try the luge, a favorite among kids and adults alike.

If your family craves even more excitement, head to Velocity Valley, an adventure park featuring activities like the Agrojet, Freefall Xtreme, and the Shweeb Racer. It’s a thrilling destination for all ages.

Make Rotorua your next family adventure destination and create lasting memories.

Relaxing Rotorua: Hot Springs and Geothermal Escapes

Unwind in Rotorua’s natural hot springs and enjoy the healing benefits of its geothermal waters. Discover Kerosene Creek, a free-flowing hot stream surrounded by native bush, or relax at Secret Spot Hot Tubs, a peaceful retreat offering private hot tubs in a serene forest setting.

For a more immersive experience, consider a guided tour of Mount Tarawera, where geothermal activity and volcanic landscapes come together in a spectacular display of nature. After a day of exploring, there’s no better way to relax than soaking in Rotorua’s warm geothermal waters, surrounded by stunning natural scenery.

Ready to relax and recharge? Experience Rotorua’s geothermal escapes today!

Rotorua offers some great accommodation to suit all budgets “Click Here”

Frequently Asked Questions about Rotorua

1) Where is Rotorua and how long does it take to get there?

Answer: Rotorua sits in the Central North Island on Lake Rotorua. Typical drive times: Auckland ~3 hours, Taupō ~1 hour, Tauranga ~1 hour via main state highways.

2) How many days do I need in Rotorua?

Answer: One to two days covers a geothermal park, an activity or soak, and a cultural evening. Add an extra day for Orakei Korako, Mt Tarawera flights, or more lake time.

3) Which geothermal park should I choose?
Answer:

• Te Puia: geysers plus carving/weaving and culture.

• Waimangu: long scenic valley with Frying Pan Lake & Inferno Crater.

• Orakei Korako: “Hidden Valley” caves and terraces (easy day trip).

• Whakarewarewa: geothermal with a living Māori village.

4) Can I land on Mt Tarawera and can I visit White Island?

Answer: Yes—flights can land on Mt Tarawera (weather dependent). Whakaari/White Island is flyover-only—no landings.

5) What are the best evening cultural experiences?

Answer: Te Pa Tu, Mitai Maori Village, and Te Puia by night. All are family-friendly; pre-book popular dates.

6) Is glow-worm kayaking suitable for beginners and kids?

Answer: Yes—guided, calm-water tours run at dusk or after dark. Minimum ages and weather conditions apply. We list two kayak operators (one runs the night glow-worm tour).

7) What should I wear or bring for Rotorua activities?

Answer:

• Geothermal parks: closed-toe shoes, water, sun/rain layers.

• Rafting: swimwear, towel (gear supplied).

• Zipline (Rotorua Canopy Tours): closed-toe shoes, light layers.

• Hot tubs (Secret Spot): swimwear.

• Night tours: a warm layer, light insect repellent.

8) Do I need to book activities in advance?

Answer: Yes—cultural evenings, Secret Spot Hot Tubs, Rotorua Canopy Tours, Kaituna rafting (three operators), and glow-worm kayaking often sell out on weekends and during holidays.