Rotorua is such a special part of New Zealand’s north island. It is rich in history and geothermal activity. It was one of our favorites stops on our North Island Campervan Road Trip, and I’m excited to share our favorite things to do in Rotorua New Zealand!
Best things to do in Rotorua New Zealand
Table of Contents
- 1. Visit Wai-o-tapu Thermal Wonderland
- 2. See thermal pools for free at Kuiarau Park
- 3. Soak in Kerosene Creek
- 4. View crater lakes at Rainbow Mountain
- 5. Walk through the Redwoods at Whakarewarewa Forest
- 6. Visit Lake Tarawera
- 7. Ride the Skyline Luge
- 8. Visit a living Maori village
1. Visit Wai-o-tapu Thermal Wonderland
The central North Island is the epicenter of New Zealand’s volcanic activity. It is considered one of the most active geothermal areas in the world.
Wai-o-tapu is a landscape of colorful geothermal pools, impressive geysers, sinkholes, and bubbling mud pools.
Tripadvisor has referred to Wai-o-tapu as “One of the 20 most surreal places in the world”.
The geothermal park is home to one of the most extensive geothermal systems in all of New Zealand, with activity extending almost 7 square miles (18 sq km).
Visitors will take a self-guided tour along three different walks in the park to view the volcanic sculpted landscape and natural wonders. Plan for about 75-90 minutes to complete all three walks.
I wasn’t sure if we would make it through all three walks with young kids, but the unique colorful landscape kept them engaged.
They also loved following along on the map and learning about the geological history.
The trail is surrounded by native bush and rainbow-colored pools, it truly is a feast for your eyes!
There are also free mud pools to visit outside of the park, less than a mile (1 km) up the road from the Waiotapu Hotel.
A few of our favorite stops were the Champagne Pool, Artist’s Palatte, Waiotapu geyser, the terrace boardwalk, and the Devil’s Cave.
The Lady Knox Geyser also erupts daily at 10:15 and shoots up to 100 feet in the air.
We didn’t make it in time to see it erupt, but guests can view the geyser from an outdoor amphitheater. There is staff on hand to answer questions and share interesting facts.
2. See thermal pools for free at Kuiarau Park
While we loved visiting Wai-o-tapu, it is not easy on the wallet. If you would like to see natural geothermal pools for free, stop by Kuirau Park.
The park is centrally located in town and is New Zealand’s only public geothermal park.
Visitors can walk along the boardwalk above steaming thermal pools. Other points of interest include a crater lake, boiling mud pools, botanic gardens, and a natural thermal foot bath to soak your feet in.
Other facilities in the park include BBQ grills, picnic areas, and a playground perfect for a day out with the family.
A farmer’s market is also held every Saturday from 6 am to 1 pm.
3. Soak in Kerosene Creek
Kerosene Creek is a bit of a local’s secret. The creek is situated at the end of a bumpy gravel road but is worth the effort to get there.
Kerosene Creek is located about 30 minutes outside of the city of Rotorua. To get there, follow State Hwy 5 south towards Taupo for about 18 miles (29 km) then turn right onto Old Waioptapu Road.
Follow the gravel road for about 1.4 miles (2.2 km) until you reach a small parking area with a short primitive trail leading down to the heated river.
Do not leave any valuables in your car and be sure to lock the doors as this is a popular spot for theft.
The entire creek is geothermally heated and shrouded in dense vegetation.
It is such a serene and tranquil place to relax and unwind. It was one of our favorite things to do Rotorua.
The water follows along an old lava flow with temperatures varying between 85-95 F (30-35 C) year-round. The creek is fairly shallow in most places, and there are even a few small waterfalls to splash in.
Just as with all thermal pools, it is not safe to put your head under the water due to the risk of amoebic meningitis.
The weekends do tend to get more crowded, but just make your way down the river until you find an empty spot to swim and have a picnic.
Just be sure to leave no trace and pack out any trash you may have brought.
It is not uncommon to see nudists bathing here. We didn’t see any, but just be aware if you have children with you.
Also note, there are no changing areas so plan to put swimsuits on before you come.
4. View crater lakes at Rainbow Mountain
Rainbow mountain is located only a few miles from Kerosene Creek. Take the short Crater Lake Walk to view two stunning turquoise crater lakes.
The trail is only about .6 miles (1 km) round trip and is an easy hike for kids.
The lakes are situated at the base of towering cliffs with steaming geothermal vegetation.
Visitors can also continue another 2.2 miles (3.5 km) to reach Kerosene creek or take the Summit Track to the top of Rainbow Mountain for panoramic views.
5. Walk through the Redwoods at Whakarewarewa Forest
The Whakarewarewa Forest is one of New Zealand’s oldest exotic forests.
In the early 1900s, 170 different tree species were planted here. Only a few species survived and thrived, including the majestic California Redwood.
The tallest Redwood in the Whakarewarewa Forest reaches a staggering height of 236 feet (72 m).
Start your visit off at the visitor center where you can pick up trail maps and information.
They also offer Junior Explorer workshops for educational fun along the trails. Kids will also like taking a peek at the bug cabinet in the visitor center!
The Redwood Memorial Grove Track is the most popular trail for families.
The easy 1.2 mile (2 km) track traverses through towering California Redwoods. The trail also features a boardwalk across a thermal pond.
From here, visitors can continue onto the Waitawa Walk that leads into a cluster of Douglas fir trees. The trail is also lined with the iconic New Zealand Silver Fern.
Another popular attraction is the Redwoods Treewalk and Redwoods Nightlights.
The Redwoods Treewalk consists of a series of 28 suspension bridges high above the forest floor.
Visit the Redwoods Nightlights and you’ll be spoiled with a magical glowing forest. Pricing for each attraction is $30/adults, $20/kids, and $65/family of 5
6. Visit Lake Tarawera
Lake Tarawera is one of the largest lakes in New Zealand and holds a devastating history.
The lake sits in the shadow of Mount Tarawera and the shores were once home to several small Maori villages.
In 1886 three of Tarawera’s volcanic peaks simultaneously erupted, killing an estimated 150 people and devastating the region.
Today the Lake is a popular recreation area steeped in history. Head to the Tarawera Landing jetty, located on the western shores of the lake at the end of Tarawera Road.
Here you’ll find a photogenic dock perfect for jumping off and swimming in the lake on a hot summer day.
Grab lunch from the Landing Cafe then take a short walk to view the ancient Tuhourangi rock paintings. The Maori red ochre rock art features Maori canoes.
The paintings were excavated in 1962 after being covered in volcanic ash and submerged underwater after the 1886 eruption.
There are a few different walking tracks near the lake. The short .9 mile (1.4 km) round trip Falls Track leads to the Tarawera Waterfall.
Here you’ll find water flowing through fissures in an ancient lava flow. A $10 permit is required to access the falls.
Take a boat tour to Hot Water Beach at Te Rata bay and relax in the steaming geothermal water.
The beach can only be accessed by boat or a 15km walking track. Campsites and glamping accommodations are also available.
While you’re in the area, stop by the sandy shores and crystal blue waters of nearby Blue Lake (Tikitapu). The perfect spot for swimming or a picnic.
7. Ride the Skyline Luge
Riding the Skyline Luge was one of our family’s favorite things to do in Roturua. We loved riding the track in Queenstown and were so excited to try this one as well!
The luge cart is a cross between a go-kart and a toboggan. The carts are gravity-powered with braking and steering capabilities and are so much fun to race down the mountain.
Visitors will take a gondola ride up the mountain, then take a separate chairlift to the top of the luge race track.
The scenic 1.25 mile (2 km) paved track winds down the mountain through the Redwood forest and offers spectacular views along the way.
If you’re craving more speed, there is an intermediate and advanced track for more experienced riders.
Riders must be at least 10 years old and meet the height requirement to ride on the Advanced Luge Track.
Children must be 6 years or older and meet the height requirement to ride the Scenic Luge Track unaccompanied.
Children under the age of six can ride tandem. There is not a minimum age to ride tandem, but the child must be able to walk unassisted.
The Night Luge is also offered on Saturday nights where the track is lined with colored glowing lights.
There are a variety of pricing options and packages, check the site for more details.
There are a few dining options as well as a Jelly Belly store at the top of the mountain. Other activities available include a mountain bike park (rentals available on site), as well as zip lines, a sky swing, and stargazing tours.
8. Visit a living Maori village
One thing that we loved about living in New Zealand was the opportunity to be immersed in a new culture. The Maori have such a beautiful culture, listening to my kids sing haka songs at school always gave me goosebumps.
If you are visiting New Zealand, I would highly recommend experiencing a taste of the native culture.
Rotorua is home to New Zealand’s only living Maori village, Whakarewarewa.
For the past 200 years, guests have been able to experience the Maori way of life in this unique and authentic setting.
The village is nestled in a geothermal valley surrounded by bubbling mud pools, steam vents, boiling streams, and the Pohutu geyser.
Visitors can see how the village residents have utilized the natural geothermal resources to cook, bathe, and heat their homes.
The entrance fee includes a one-hour guided tour of the village with a 30-minute cultural show.
Guests can also explore around the village on their own and take nature walks to discover the surrounding geothermal activity.
Cooking demonstrations are held throughout the day with the option to purchase a traditional “hangi” meal cooked in the bubbling water and steam.
There are a variety of ticket options available, with a 10% discount if you purchase tickets online.
A few more fun things to do in Rotorua:
- Race along a down hill track in a ZORB inflatable ball, just like they did on The Bachelor in 2013 with Juan Pablo!
- Get your adrenaline fix at Velocity Valley. Activities include a jet boat ride, bungy jumping, indoor skydiving, super swing, racing pods, and more.
- The Rotorua Night Market is held each Thursday on Tutanekai Street. The lively market is filled with local vendors selling specialty foods and handcrafted goods.
- Stop by Agrodome for a true New Zealand farm experience. Take a guided tour of this working farm where you can snuggle baby animals in the nursery, hand feed a variety of animals, sample farm fresh juice and honey, and more.
- Explore Rotorua by land and water in a WWII amphibious landing craft with a Duck Tour.
- Just outside of Wai-o-tapu Thermal Wonderland you’ll find a bridge where the geothermal Wai-o-tapu river empties into the cooler river. This makes for a fun little swimming hole!
- The Waterfall Spout Bath is another hot spring with a pleasant little waterfall. It can be found along the road towards the Lady Knox Geyser. From Waiotapu Loop Road, turn onto The Avenue and you’ll find the entrance about 500m on your right.
- Spend the day relaxing at Hells Gate Geothermal Spa.
- Visit Rainbow Springs Nature Park where you can see kiwi birds and other animals as well as ride the Big Splash water ride.
We hope this list of things to do in Rotorua will help as you plan your trip to this incredible spot in New Zealand!
Other posts you may like:
- 9 Incredible Places to Visit in Northland New Zealand
- 6 Fun Things to Do with Kids in Wellington New Zealand
- South Island New Zealand Bucket List
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