Things to do in Rotorua
Top Things to Do in Rotorua, New Zealand - Rotorua Attractions
Things to Do in Rotorua
Popular things to do
Mountain Bike Tours
Cultural Tours
Historic Sites
Extreme Sports
Bus Tours
Hot Springs & Geysers
Walking Tours
Film Tours
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Historical Tours
Nature and Wildlife Tours
Bodies of Water
4WD Tours
Eco Tours
Hiking Tours
Kayaking Tours
Sporting Events
Multi-day & Extended Tours
Likely to Sell Out
Top Picks
Luxury & Special Occasions
Spa Tours
Airport & Hotel Transfers
Cruises, Sailing & Water Tours
Theme Parks
Weddings & Honeymoons
Family Friendly
Special Offers
Book these experiences for a close-up look at Rotorua.
Top Attractions in Rotorua
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Open now
Nature & Wildlife Areas • Geologic Formations
Open now
Nature & Wildlife Areas
Temporarily closed
Admission tickets from A$41.89
Art Galleries • Rides & Activities
Open now
Historic Sites
Admission tickets from A$24.83
Hiking Trails
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Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
What travellers are saying
- Alfie BurndredAuckland, New Zealand2 contributionsFantastically beautiful area. The most incredible colours and war water wherever you look. We had the perfect weather and were very lucky to enjoy this impressive landscape. Fantastic colourful terrain.Written 12 January 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Pauline DPerth, Australia11 contributionsA must do when in Rotorua. Such a fabulous cultural experience learning about the Maori people and their traditions. The Geo thermal landscape, including the spectacular geysers, was incredible! We did the free 2 hour guided tour led by Kahu who was so informative, friendly, funny and very passionate about his culture and country. I cannot recommend it enough.Written 23 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- April NChristchurch, New Zealand828 contributionsGreat experience, really enjoyed doing this at night with all the lights. The weather was not great but this did not greatly impact the activity.Written 5 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Jamoz23Brisbane, Australia371 contributionsWe loved the fact that people actually live and work in this village.
Enjoyed the show put on.
Make sure you go and do the boardwalk through the geothermal site down the bottom, well worth the walking involved.Written 14 April 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - Joan TSentosa Island, Singapore51 contributionsThe first part of the trail is good! It's an easy walk. Do take the boat ride as it will definitely be a good finish for the walk.Written 15 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- foxylady49Pitlochry, UK91 contributionsI took my son and family here not expecting to enjoy it myself, however I did, it was a very interesting place to visit, we saw Kiwi birds , parrots and many other birds, fish in natural rivers, fish hatcheries, and beautiful plants. Fun water boat trip which I enjoyed several times, it is really nicely done. Bit disappointed in lack of choice in the restaurant but everywhere else was well worth a visit, considering there was 3 generations visiting.Written 11 March 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Luigi CAuckland, New Zealand24 contributionsThis is an excellent family treat, taking your photo with everything from dinosaurs to tackling Jonah Lomu, the famous All Black.
Very friendly staff.
Have a good look at the photos on the wall to get an idea as top how to capture the best photos.Written 9 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - Robyn GRaglan, New Zealand90 contributionsI was excited to discover a new (or revamped?) foot baths area, with a pleasant shaded area. It is the nicest thing to be able to sit down and relax and soak your feet. The park also has a selection of mudpool and steam areas, a nice break from the more formal tourism areas. There are also decent enough public toilets.Written 15 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- GinaDig166 contributionsThis was a veritable cat fest!! Never seen so many cats in one place!!
We have been to several cat cafes around the world and this would rate among the best.
So many beautiful cats.
Be aware of Mini who likes to chew on your fingers & look for little Luna who is a Laperm/Munchkin cross. She’s adorable.
Even my 17 yr old son loved this experience.Written 24 April 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - Fiona K16 contributionsExcellent pool complex with 6 pools at different temperatures plus personal spas and a cafe. The bush outlook is gorgeous. Great value considering you could stay all day if you wanted! You'll need a car to get out there but the 25min country drive is really nice.Written 19 April 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- ajhinch115705312 contributionsLoved watching the lion feeding! The zookeeper was friendly and knew so much and could answer so many of our questions about lion caretaking. We have been to many zoos around the world and have never been so close to real lions. The rest of the park is also beautiful and feeding the other animals was so fun. Gorgeous flora everywhere. This zoo is probably one of the best we’ve been to and is truly paradise.Written 15 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Sophie VMount Maunganui, New Zealand9 contributionsWe sheltered from the rain here during a luge trip. Delicious wines and awesome staff. Would definitely come here again.Written 11 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- SandraKerikeri, New Zealand1 contributionWhat an awesome facility this is and it must have been so hard during lockdown and traffic light restrictions to just keep going.
Very clean and tidy facilities with a large auditorium to entertain the visitors.
We were only a small crowd today but a very appreciative one. The kids had a ball and audience participation was a lot of fun.
Highlights were pretty much everything on offer and who knew we had so many different breeds of sheep in NZ
Thank you Scott, you are hilarious and we enjoyed the show very much. Get out there fellow kiwis and tour your own backyard.Written 27 April 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - Robyn GRaglan, New Zealand90 contributionsThe museum is currently closed but there is plenty to see around the gardens. It's a nice place for a pleasant stroll, and the Rachel Spring Whangapipiro is an interesting hot spring to check out (from a safe distance).Written 15 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- SharonWindustAuckland, New Zealand223 contributionsA great block of eateries and pubs, plenty to choose from in an awesome setting down by the lake. A place to peruse, eat, drink, socialise and be.Written 14 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Frequently Asked Questions about Rotorua
- The top attractions to visit in Rotorua are:
- Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
- Te Puia
- Redwoods, Whakarewarewa Forest
- Whakarewarewa - The Living Maori Village
- Waimangu Volcanic Valley
- The best outdoor activities in Rotorua according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Wingspan National Bird of Prey Centre
- Redwoods, Whakarewarewa Forest
- Waimangu Volcanic Valley
- Te Puia
- Waikite Valley Thermal Pools
- The best day trips from Rotorua according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Hobbiton, Rotorua and Waitomo Caves Day Trip in Luxury Minibus from Auckland
- Waitomo Caves & Rotorua Small Group Tour including Te Puia from Auckland
- Rotorua Day Trip from Auckland with Options -
- Rotorua Highlights Small Group Tour with Optional Extra Activities from Auckland
- Rotorua Highlights Small Group Tour Including Te Puia from Auckland
- The most popular things to do in Rotorua with children according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Rotorua Canopy Tours
- Redwoods Altitude
- Real Rotorua
- Elite Adventures Rotorua Tours
- Horse Trekking Lake Okareka