Rotorua
Redwood Forest – Rotorua (Image Credit: Miles Holden)
Page updated: 10 the September 2025
Free Things to Do in Rotorua - Activities & Attractions
Geothermal highlights, lakeside strolls, family-friendly walks & markets
Free doesn’t have to mean second-best in Rotorua.
Free doesn’t have to mean second-best in Rotorua. With 18 lakes, city-centre geothermal corners, and miles of forest, you can stack a day with wow and spend nothing. Start at the lakefront boardwalk for sunrise, then wander Ōhinemutu — a living Māori village where steam drifts off the shore.
Head to Kuirau Park for bubbling mud pools and the free thermal foot baths. Choose a forest walk under the Redwoods, or circle Blue Lake/Tikitapu for easy lookouts and a picnic swim in summer. Families love the flat Lake Ōkāreka walkway and bird hide; adventure fans can watch rafts drop Tutea Falls from the Ōkere Falls track.
Bring a light jacket, water, and curiosity. Keep to marked paths in thermal areas. The rest is on the house.
1. Kuirau Park Geothermal Reserve (free foot baths)
Steam drifts across boardwalks only minutes from the CBD, and mud pools bubble like a slow drumbeat. Follow the paths around the crater lake and watch the colours shift with every gust of wind. Find a patch of grass for a simple picnic and let the sulphur remind you this place is alive.
Before you go, sink into the free thermal foot baths and feel the day ease out of your legs. Early mornings bring a soft mist and fewer people, perfect for photos. Stay on the marked paths and take your time—there’s no rush here, and no ticket needed.
2. Government Gardens & Museum Grounds
This is Rotorua in its Sunday-best: formal lawns, flower beds and palm-lined paths rolling down to the lake. Wander past sculptures and memorials, then frame the Tudor-style museum building for a classic shot. On calm evenings the cricket oval glows gold and the bay turns glassy; it’s an easy place to linger.
The walk is flat and pram-friendly, with cafés close by when you want a coffee. Find a bench, watch the swans drift past, and enjoy a grand slice of Rotorua that costs nothing at all.
3. Rotorua Lakefront Boardwalk & Playground
The timber boardwalk curves over the water like a quiet stage, with Mokoia Island and gentle hills as the backdrop. Black swans trace ripples across the bay while boats nose in and out of the marina. Kids make a beeline for the lakeside playground; adults claim a seat with a wide-open view.
Come at sunrise or golden hour and the light turns the whole scene cinematic. Stay after dusk to see the shoreline lights shimmer on the lake. It’s flat, accessible, close to ice-cream—and completely free.
4. Ōhinemutu Māori Village (self-guided)
Steam threads through lanes beside the lake while life carries on around it. Wander slowly, admiring carved meeting houses and the little church set against drifting vapour. Keep to the marked paths and move respectfully — you’re a guest in a living community.
Birds chatter, water simmers at the edges, and the whole place feels timeless. Early light is beautiful for photos without the crowds. Drop a small koha if signs invite it and take a moment to sit and listen. You’ll leave with a genuine sense of Rotorua’s heart.
5. Blue Lake (Tikitapu) Loop & Lookouts
A perfectly sized lake ringed by ferny forest, just far enough from town to feel like an escape. The loop track serves up new angles every few minutes, with peek-a-boo views to neighbouring Green Lake. In summer, finish with a swim and a sandy-toes picnic.
Lookouts hand you postcard shots — blue water, rolling hills, big sky. The path is well marked and suits most ages. Arrive early on sunny weekends for an easy park. It’s the kind of free day you’ll rave about later.
6. Redwoods / Whakarewarewa Forest — Free Walking Tracks
Step from town into cool green shade and air that smells like possibility. The free walking tracks begin by the visitor centre; pick a short family loop or a longer forest wander. Sunlight filters down in columns, birds flit across the path, and conversation naturally slows.
It’s an easy reset between activities and costs nothing but time. Trail maps, loos, and picnic spots make it simple to plan. Bring a bottle of water and your curiosity. You’ll emerge calmer, with photos full of tall trunks and wide grins.
7. Lake Ōkāreka Walkway & Bird Hide
Boardwalks skim the wetland edge while the lake lies calm beside you. Shags dry their wings, swans ferry cygnets, and pūkeko chatter in the reeds. Pause at the bird hide and let the hush soak in — kids love spotting and tallying what they see.
The track is flat, pram-friendly, and close to town, so it slots neatly into any day. Late afternoon turns the water to pewter and gold. Bring binoculars if you have them; curiosity works fine if you don’t. Free, simple, restorative.
8. Ōkere Falls Track (Kaituna River)
You’ll hear the river before you see it, pounding through bushy gorges with serious energy. Short, easy tracks lead to natural viewing platforms over waterfalls and rapids. On warm days you can watch rafts drop Tutea Falls and feel the mist on your face.
Come back at dusk and you might spot tiny glow-worms along damp banks. Wear decent shoes — rocks can be slick after rain. It’s exciting to watch yet gentle to walk, so families win both ways. Zero ticket price; maximum wow.
9. Sulphur Bay / Sulphur Point Lakeside Loop
A little bit lunar, a little bit lakeside — and absolutely memorable. Follow the signed paths to see steaming shallows, mineral streaks, and strange textures up close. Shorebirds work the margins while the breeze carries that classic Rotorua tang.
It’s an easy add-on to a lakefront stroll when you want something different. Keep to the tracks; the crust is fragile underfoot. Bring a camera for colour and pattern hunting. Weird and wonderful, right in town.
10. Tikitapu Nature Walk (family-friendly)
Close to Blue Lake, this short loop is perfect when you want gentle and good. Info panels make it a fun mini-lesson in the bush for kids (and grown-ups). Tūī and fantails often flit low across the path as you walk.
The gradients are kind and the pauses come naturally. Pair it with a swim or beach picnic at Tikitapu. It’s a great leg-stretcher on a driving day. Small effort, big feel-good.
11. Rainbow Mountain Scenic Reserve
Drive a little south and step into a world of colour: turquoise pools, rust streaks, and steam drifting from the hillsides. The climb to the ridge is steady and satisfying, with views that open wider at each turn. Start early for cooler air and birdsong, then linger at the top with a snack.
It feels remote without the long commitment — a half-day that delivers. Good shoes, water, and curiosity are all you need. You’ll come back glowing (and not just from the uphill).
12. Rotorua Night Market (free to browse)
Strings of lights, live music, and that warm market buzz in the heart of the city. Wander the stalls, listen to buskers, and soak up the mid-week energy. It costs nothing to browse; bring a few coins only if something calls your name.
Families love how easy it is, and couples linger for dessert. Check social updates for hours and weather calls. Arrive early if you want the best parking. Free vibes, big smiles. https://www.facebook.com/rotoruanightmarket/
13. Free Access to Whakarewarewa/Redwoods MTB Area (bring your own bike)
If you’ve got wheels, you’ve got a free playground. Roll from the Waipa hub onto mellow green trails that build confidence fast. Watch the flow on nearby lines, try the pump track, or piece together a short loop for the kids.
The shade keeps it pleasant even on hot days. Trail maps at the hub make choosing simple. Rentals and shuttles are close if you decide to upgrade. World-class riding, zero entry fee.
14. Kerosene Creek (natural hot stream) — with care
A warm stream slips through native bush and drops over a small waterfall — the definition of wild and free. Slide in, listen to birds, and watch steam drift through the canopy. Conditions change, so stick to signed areas and leave no trace. Avoid dunking your head in geothermal water and keep visits short after heavy rain.
Weekdays feel peaceful; sunrise and late afternoon are magic. Wear old togs — minerals can mark fabrics. Treat it gently and it’s unforgettable.
15. The Arts Village (free galleries)
Pop off the main drag into a creative pocket that always has something on. Small galleries rotate local work, often with free entry and friendly faces behind the desk. Ten minutes can turn into an hour if a show grabs you. Check noticeboards for workshops and markets if you want to return later.
Follow a favourite artist or pick up a small print to remember the day. It’s a bright, rainy-day backup and a sunny-day bonus. You’ll walk out inspired and ready for the next free find. https://www.artsvillage.org.nz/
Upgrade your day in Rotorua:
You’ve walked the lakefront, wandered through a living village and found steam drifting across the water—nice work. If you’re ready to dial things up, Rotorua makes it easy to add a little wow without losing the relaxed vibe. Think private hot tubs at sunset, a zipline through ancient forest, or a scenic flight for a fresh perspective.
Start soft with Secret Spot Hot Tubs—cedar tubs tucked beside native bush, craft drinks to the tub, and golden light through the ferns. Or lean into adventure with Rotorua Canopy Tours, gliding between platforms while guides share the conservation story. Water lovers can step up from viewpoints to the real thing with rafting with Kaitiaki Adventures (Tutea Falls, 7 m), or swap adrenaline for awe on a glow-worm night kayak where tiny constellations light the caves.
If the sky is calling, go airborne: choose a short scenic with a summit landing on Mt Tarawera, or keep it aerial with a Whakaari/White Island flyover—two very different kinds of goosebumps. Back on the hills, a Skyline gondola ride and a few luge laps add easy family joy. And when night falls, wrap the day with culture at Te Pā Tū, Mitai, or Te Puia by night—kai, kapa haka, and stories that stay with you.
Pick your highlights to crown your free day—or stack a couple for a Rotorua you’ll talk about for years. https://mustdonewzealand.co.nz/things-to-do-in-rotorua-geothermal-attractions-tours-activities/
Scenic Flights
Te Puia By Night
Kayak & Glowworms
Skyline Luge
Canopy Zipline Tours
Secret Spot Hot Tubs
Kaitiaki Whitewater Rafting
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Redwoods/Whakarewarewa Forest free?
Yes—the walking tracks are free and start by the visitor centre. The elevated Redwoods Treewalk is a paid experience, so if you’re keeping it free, stick to the signed tracks through the forest.
Are geothermal areas safe to visit for free?
They’re safe when you follow the rules. Stay on marked paths and boardwalks, keep kids close, and never step on crust or fenced areas. At places like Kerosene Creek, treat the spot with care, avoid putting your head under in geothermal water, and leave no trace.
Can I do the best free spots in one day?
Absolutely. Start with sunrise at the lakefront, wander Ōhinemutu, explore Kuirau Park’s foot baths, then walk a Redwoods loop. After lunch, circle Blue Lake or stroll the Lake Ōkāreka boardwalk. Finish with sunset at the lakefront or the Night Market (Thu).
Where can I park for these free walks and sights?
Most spots listed have free parking nearby—Kuirau Park, Blue Lake, Lake Ōkāreka, Redwoods (visitor centre/Waipa hub) and Ōkere Falls have clearly marked carparks. Weekends get busy, so arrive earlier for an easy park.
Are dogs allowed?
Rules vary. Dogs must be on leads in most public areas and are not allowed in some reserves or geothermal zones. Check signage at each carpark and follow local rules to protect wildlife and fragile ground.
What should I bring for a free day out?
Comfortable shoes, a light jacket, water, and sunscreen. For lake loops, add swimwear and a towel in summer. Binoculars make Lake Ōkāreka even better. A small rubbish bag helps keep places pristine.
What’s the best time of day?
Early mornings are calm and photogenic at the lakefront, Ōhinemutu, and Kuirau Park. Forest walks are cool all day. For photos, aim for golden hour at the lakefront boardwalk, Sulphur Bay, or Blue Lake lookouts.
Is the Rotorua Night Market free?
Yes—free to browse with live music and a friendly vibe. Bring a few dollars if you want kai or a treat. Check current hours before you go, as weather can affect opening.
