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Rotorua
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Outdoor activities in Rotorua

Top Outdoor Activities in Rotorua, New Zealand

Outdoor Activities in Rotorua

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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.
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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.
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LIKELY TO SELL OUT*

1. Ziplining Forest Adventure - The Original Canopy Tour Rotorua

2,785
By Rotorua Canopy Tours
3 hours
Lose yourself ziplining through Rotorua’s lush native forest that has stood for centuries. Voted TripAdvisor’s #1 Nature…
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
99% of travellers recommend this experience
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
AU$148.56
per adult
LIKELY TO SELL OUT*

2. Waitomo Caves & Rotorua Small Group Tour including Te Puia from Auckland

35
By Cheeky Kiwi Travel
Shore Excursions
6+ hours
Visit two of New Zealand's highlights—the Waitomo Caves and the city of Rotorua—on an easy day trip from Auckland. Don't…
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
100% of travellers recommend this experience
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
AU$326.09
per adult

4. Mt Tarawera Helicopter Tour with Volcano Landing

11
By Volcanic Air
Adventure Tours
40 minutes
Follow the eruption trail of Mt. Tarawera on a helicopter tour that includes a landing on the volcano. Best viewed from …
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
100% of travellers recommend this experience
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
AU$483.38
per adult

5. 2-Day Hobbiton, Rotorua, Waitomo Caves Tour from Auckland with Accommodation

11
By FlexiToursNZ
Bus Tours
2 days
We pick up all customers using several vehicles. Join this 2-day tour for the chance to visit the Hobbiton Move Set, Rotorua…
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
100% of travellers recommend this experience
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
AU$924.79
per adult
LIKELY TO SELL OUT*

6. Ziplining Forest Experience - The Ultimate Canopy Tour Rotorua

1,386
By Rotorua Canopy Tours
Walking Tours
3–4 hours
Experience New Zealand’s one and only cliff walk, built around a volcanic rock 50-metres above the valley floor. Soar down…
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
99% of travellers recommend this experience
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
AU$185.94
per adult

7. Rotorua Duck Boat Guided City and Lakes Tour

237
By Rotorua Duck Tours
Duck Boat Tours
90–105 minutes
Discover Rotorua on a unique 90-105 minute sightseeing adventure on-board a WWII amphibious vehicle able to travel on land…
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
97% of travellers recommend this experience
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
AU$79.42
per adult

8. Zorb Inflatable Ball Ride from Mount Ngongotaha in New Zealand

155
By ZORB Rotorua
1 hour
Take a wild and wacky ride with ZORB - roll down the longest tracks in the world. Owned and operated by inventors of this…
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
96% of travellers recommend this experience
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
AU$37.37
per adult
LIKELY TO SELL OUT*

10. Kaituna White-Water Rafting Adventure

390
By Kaitiaki Adventures
2 hours
Raft through 14 rapids including cascades ranging from 3 to 22 feet (1 to 7 meters), including the world’s highest commercially…
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
98% of travellers recommend this experience
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
AU$111.19
per adult

11. 4x4 Self Drive Yamaha Experience

78
By Adventure Playground
Adventure Tours
1 hour
Your 4x4 self drive buggy experience will take you along 100 year old forestry tracks and up to the very highest lookout…
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
98% of travellers recommend this experience
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
AU$144.83
per adult

12. Nocturnal adventure Glow-worm tour

191
By Real Rotorua
Adventure Tours
3 hours
Glow-worms are the highlight of any night-time stroll in New Zealand, and when found in abundance they can be as breathtaking…
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
99% of travellers recommend this experience
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
AU$73.81
per adult

15. Rotorua Rafting - Kaituna River White Water Rafting

932
By Rotorua Rafting
3 hours
Paddle thrilling white-water rapids on the Kaituna River during this rafting excursion from Rotorua. Cliff diving the canyons…
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
99% of travellers recommend this experience
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
AU$91.04
per adult

17. Mt Tarawera Volcanic Guided Hike Experience

132
By Kaitiaki Adventures
Walking Tours
4–5 hours
Experience the majesty of Mt. Tarawera, infamous for its volcanic eruption in 1886. This guided 4-hour trek encompasses …
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
96% of travellers recommend this experience
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
AU$172.86
per adult

19. Kaituna River White Water Rafting from Rotorua

256
By River Rats Raft & Kayak
3 hours
This white water rafting trip along the Kaituna River is the perfect pick for adventure lovers and nature fans. Enjoy a …
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
99% of travellers recommend this experience
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
AU$120.53
per adult
LIKELY TO SELL OUT*

20. Rotorua Highlights Small Group Tour including Wai-O-Tapu from Auckland

19
By Cheeky Kiwi Travel
Shore Excursions
6+ hours
On this small group, fully-guided day trip we will not only guide you to and from Wai-O-Tapu but fully guide you through…
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
100% of travellers recommend this experience
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
AU$286.85
per adult

21. Volcanic Valley Self Guided Walking and Hiking at Waimangu

102
By Waimangu Volcanic Valley
Adventure Tours
60–240 minutes
Independent travelers interested in exploring Rotorua at your own pace—this is the one for you! Go on a self-guided adventure…
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
97% of travellers recommend this experience
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
AU$28.03
per adult

22. Tarawera and Rotorua Lakes Eco Tour by Boat with Guide

110
By Rotorua Duck Tours
Duck Boat Tours
2 hours
The Tarawera and Lakes Tour is the best way to appreciate the scenery of the Rotorua lakes district and learn more about…
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
99% of travellers recommend this experience
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
AU$98.11
per adult

27. Rangitaiki River White Water Rafting from Rotorua

41
By River Rats Raft & Kayak
6 hours
Experience the thrill of white water rafting on the Rangitaiki River. Rapids are mostly grade 3 with one grade 4 rapid. …
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
100% of travellers recommend this experience
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
AU$157.91
per adult

30. Mt. Tarawera Volcano Scenic Floatplane Tour from Rotorua

15
By Volcanic Air
Adventure Tours
30 minutes
Fly high over breathtaking volcanic landscapes on an unforgettable 30-minute seaplane flight from Rotorua. See New Zealand…
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
100% of travellers recommend this experience
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
AU$279.38
per adult
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*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

  • Christopher
    1 contribution
    Review of: Ziplining Forest Adventure - The Original Canopy Tour Rotorua
    You only live once
    Awesome experience & fantastic guides (Nat & Jessie) .
    I've been wanting to do this for a few years, so decided today was the day to do it.
    Totally recommend doing this, & looking back on my GoPro footage, I'm glad I got upside down 🤘
    Written 25 May 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • CRISTIANA
    3 contributions
    Review of: Waitomo Caves & Rotorua Small Group Tour including Te Puia from Auckland
    Excelente experiência
    had a wonderful day. Waitomo caves are interesting, the glow worms cave structure was explained by the local guide and it's really beautiful. Te Puia was also suprising. Because of COVID restrictions, we coudn't enjoy the buffet, neither the Maori performance, but the guide gave us other tracks around Rotorua. Cheeky Kiwi is reliable and safe. Michael was our guide and was very attentive, good driver, kind, respectful, informative, and a good photographer! I really appreciated and recommend the company.
    Written 25 June 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • Nancy S
    Evergreen, Colorado, United States26 contributions
    Review of: Full-Day Small-Group Rotorua Shore Excursion From Tauranga
    Tauranga into Rotorua with much info and fun along the way
    Gary Stickler, our guide, was most informative and helpful...answering a myriad of questions. The drive was delightful as we passed from Tauranga to Rotorua, w/ great stops along the way.
    Written 18 April 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • Sam
    Rotorua, New Zealand1 contribution
    Review of: Mt Tarawera Helicopter Tour with Volcano Landing
    Amazing!
    Really exceeded my expectations! So cool to see Rotorua from above and really surreal being able to land and walk around on Mt Tarawera. Sam was really knowledgeable and has some fun facts about Rotorua and its surrounding areas.
    Written 31 March 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • Maria Isabel A
    7 contributions
    Review of: 2-Day Hobbiton, Rotorua, Waitomo Caves Tour from Auckland with Accommodation
    Great tour, great service
    Was perfect, Philippe solving all my problems, and as their name says, FLEXIBLE and eager to help you with all your needs, with a smile. Really a very good experiencia.
    Written 17 May 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • Olivia
    1 contribution
    Review of: Ziplining Forest Experience - The Ultimate Canopy Tour Rotorua
    The most Ultimate Canopy Tour!
    Such a wonderful experience - Runs so smoothly and is really well managed. Jesse and Natalie were absolutely fabulous - Funny, friendly, knowledgeable & experienced. Everything you want in a guide. The course itself was great and very manageable for all fitness levels. To top it all off, they have a fabulous conservation story and part of the ticket price goes into helping NZ native wildlife in this beautiful forest. Highly recommend giving this experience a go - You won't be disappointed!
    Written 25 May 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • Sally M
    Christchurch, New Zealand6 contributions
    Review of: Rotorua Duck Boat Guided City and Lakes Tour
    Must go do
    Great informative tour and must do when visiting Rotorua
    Matt was friendly funny and fun and an experienced driver which was obviously important
    Written 14 May 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • New Zealand Adventures
    Auckland, New Zealand73 contributions
    Review of: Zorb Inflatable Ball Ride from Mount Ngongotaha in New Zealand
    MOST EPIC ACTIVITY in ROTORUA!!!
    4 of us recently came to the ZORB Rotorua and had THE MOST EPIC TIME!!!!! so much laughs and screams the whole way down them hills, so so much fun!! The kids absolutely loved the thrill and us adults were secretly the ones screaming the loudest.

    Nice café, reception area. The toilets/changing room area was clean, nice shaded viewing area to watch all the zorb action too!

    We all enjoyed the 2 spas down the bottom and also the spa up top has the most epic views of Lake Rotorua-that in itself was worth the visit

    Highly recommend coming and trying it out for yourself 🤘🤘🤘
    Written 23 January 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • Karla
    1 contribution
    Review of: Guided Horse Trekking from Rotorua
    5 stars!
    It was an awesome experience! The view was really stunning. Well done Grace (our awesome tour guide). :)
    Written 23 April 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • korie
    Hamilton, New Zealand6 contributions
    Review of: Kaituna White-Water Rafting Adventure
    Boys trip
    Great day out with mates
    We had an awesome guide in the raft who made this adventure so much fun, would highly recommend it to anyone
    Written 7 May 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • DianeD
    Tauranga, New Zealand7 contributions
    Review of: 4x4 Self Drive Yamaha Experience
    Highly recommended
    Beautiful land, great views and the guides were friendly and knowledgeable! Would highly recommend this tour.
    Written 27 March 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • Abdullah_Alhaidari
    Medinah - Saudi Arabia13 contributions
    Review of: Nocturnal adventure Glow-worm tour
    Spectacular
    ALERT: this is one of the, if not the, best tour you will ever have in New Zealand. Stephen, the tour guide, is passionate and continues to do this tour despite COVID's effects on tourism. The cost/price is more reasonable than other tours around NZ.

    You may think that the highlight was seeing hundreds of glowworms from a few centimeters away near waterfalls but this wasnt the case. Dont get me wrong, that was spectacular but the trip itself was extraordinary.

    Stephen picked us up from the tourists help centre on time. He drove us in a very comfortable high tech specialised van. He handed us different types of tourches and we walked about 2Km in the dark; including our 3 and a half year old child. You aim your tourch up to see the trees forming a bridge hiding the whole sky from you. We saw tens of wallabies (tiny kangaroo like creatures) hopping meters away from us, Wetta like insect shells (forgot their names) and different types of trees and plants. Ive been in New Zealand for 21 years and this was the first time I saw the real Silver Ferns; they arent as evident in day light. You end the journey with hot chocolate to replenish your energy.

    I cannot recommend this tour enough. Thank you Stephen for the hollywood like photos you took of our family in the dark :)
    Written 2 March 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • David L
    2 contributions
    Review of: Wai-O-Tapu & Waimangu Full Day Tour
    World’s biggest hot spring
    Brilliant day out both at Wai-O-Tapu and Waimangu valley. Keith the driver was excellent, very informative and knew how to time our visits to get the most from the day.
    Waimangu Valley really spectacular, happily come back again.
    Written 28 December 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • val m
    United States161 contributions
    Review of: Hell's Gate Geothermal Walk
    Educational
    Do the walk with a guide because you will get so much more out of the experience. 3 hours will allow for the walk and soaking in the hot springs. Remember to take a bag for the wet suit! The employees were good and conscientious. The sulfur smell is subtle and hardly noticeable! I found it better than Iceland’s geo thermal areas!
    Written 4 March 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • alvacrow
    Dublin, Ireland7 contributions
    Review of: Rotorua Rafting - Kaituna River White Water Rafting
    White water rafting + zip line
    Such good craic! Was unbelievable experience and the staff are super friendly and up for a laugh. Would recommend even if it’s lashing rain. Such good fun 10/10
    Written 19 May 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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