Rotorua Attractions & Activities

Rotorua is the heartland of New Zealand, spiritual home to the Maori, nature's spa of the Pacific, host to some of the world's most incredible earth forces, adventure and activity mecca- Rotorua boasts an array of experiences that together encapsulate the spirit of this remarkable country.

Feel the Spirit encompasses it all - our cultural diversity, stunning natural envirionment, awe-inspiring earth forces, sense of adventure, our people, and the spirit of a progressive community. An impressive selection of cafes, restaurants, bars and clubs offer food, wine and entertainment from all over the world to tempt the palate. Don't forget to try the Hangi (dinner) a traditional Maori feast and tradtional Maori culture.

If you are looking for adrenlin-pumping action - Rotorua is the place to be. Our awesome natural setting provides thrills and adventure to take you to the edge.

Be as formal or relaxed, as you like. The more energetic can play tennis on the championship-sized court, with rackets and balls supplied.

There are many walks around the area, a specialty being Hamurana Springs where 450,000,000 litres of water come out of the ground per hour. Trout, ducks and swans can be seen in the stream.

In winter you can rest beside the open fire with a book or quiet music. Spacious landscaped gardens, with roses, rhododendrons, camellias, and many native trees are a feature of Panorama. Native birds such as tuis and blue herons are frequently heard and seen on the property.

Rotorua Attractions

Waitomo Caves and Blackwater Rafting - approx 2 hour drive.

Hobbiton Movie Set and Farm Tours - approx 1 hour drive.

White Island Tours - approx 2 hour drive or by Floatplane or Helicopter from Lakefront in Rotorua - approx 15 minute drive.

Tongario National Park - approx 2 hour drive - largest Ski resort in New Zealand during winter months and the best 1 day walk in New Zealand during summer months.

Surf Beaches - approx 1 hour drive.

Taupo - Huka Falls, Huka Jet, Prawn Park - approx 1 hour drive.

Rotorua Activities

Rotorua's awesome natural setting provides a wide range of thrills, adventure and relaxing activities with something to suit everyone.

Fishing

For the angler, the lakes and rivers in Rotorua teem with trophy-sized trout that provides sport and thrills. As trout cannot be bought or sold commercially, the only way to sample it is to catch it yourself, but that's part of the fun - in fact you are likely to find Rotorua is the easiest place in New Zealand to hook a trout. We can recommend two Professional Guides (who will provide all the gear plus Fishing Licence)and are able to reveal the best spots in the area.

Here in Rotorua, you'll delight in our bounty of lakes, rivers and crystal springs for trout fishing.

Maori Culture

Rotorua is the heartland of Maori culture in New Zealand and a fantastic place to immerse yourself in the stories of these vibrant people. Maori people comprise more than one third of Rotorua's population and their culture is one of Rotorua's biggest draw cards. They delight in sharing their legends, music and arts with visitors.

Sample indigenous flavours cooked using traditional methods or watch master carvers and weavers at work, telling the stories of the ancestors through their crafts. Explore historic villages and the surrounding region with experienced guides, or participate in traditional singing, dancing and games. - Te Puia, Tamaki Tours and Mitai.

Geothermal

Geysers, mud pools and thermal springs have been attracting visitors to Rotorua since the 1800s and the living, breathing landscape never fails to amaze. A faint sulphur scent lingers in the air, a constant reminder of the thermal activity that is visible in pockets scattered around the region. Clouds of steam drift from Kuirau Park, home to boiling mud pools and crater lakes. Hissing steam also escapes from roadside vents, further evidence of Rotorua's volcanic history. Fumaroles and silica terraces displaying amazing colours can be found at the region's various thermal parks – Te Puia, Waiotapu, Waiomangu, Hells Gate.

Adventure Activities

Considered by adventurous visitors to be one of New Zealand's top adrenalin destinations, Rotorua is home to a host of thrilling activities, many of them world firsts. Options include white water rafting and sledging, four wheel driving, sky diving from 9,000, 12,000 or 15,000 feet, bungy jumping, jet boating and Zorbing. Daredevils can enjoy a scree slide into a volcanic crater or race their friends down a mountainside on a luge cart. Rotorua is guaranteed to satisfy even the most hard-core adrenalin junkie.

Water Activities

Imagine drifting lazily around a sparkling lake in a boat or kayak, the sun warm on your face and birds chirping merrily in the native bush lining the lakeshore. It's summer in Rotorua and there's no better time to experience the natural wonders that make this region one of New Zealand's top tourist spots. Visitors flock to the lakes district, where 16 stunning lakes offer cruising, swimming, waterskiing, kayaking and fishing galore. There are myriad walking tracks, playgrounds for the kids, and secluded beaches where visitors can soak in natural hot water pools.

Camping sites are dotted around the lakes, as are barbecues for public use. It's an easy 20-minute drive from Rotorua's city centre to the lakes and there's plenty of room for everyone; in summer, when the beaches are crowded, you can find solitude here.

Family Fun

Walk among towering Redwoods or venture deeper into the Whakarewarewa Forest on a gentle mountain bike ride. Relax on a sandy beach while the kids splash around in a sparkling lake. Rotorua has 16 stunning lakes that lend themselves to water fun galore. The kids will love the chance to muck around in thermal mud while you enjoy a unique massage treatment. Milk a cow or bottle-feed a lamb and watch a sheep shearing demonstration. Take an exhilarating luge ride down or visit a working kiwi hatchery. See wild animals and birds in a native bush setting or try white water rafting or jet boating. The possibilities for family fun are endless.

Mountain Biking

Rotorua is a well-known mountain bike heaven. Just minutes from the city centre is a spectacular forest playground home to an extensive network of tracks. Towering Redwoods line the road leading to the Whakarewarewa Forest, guarding trails that weave through native and exotic trees. Riders can catch glimpses of Rotorua's beautiful lakes, geothermal activity and brooding Mt Tarawera through the trees. Enthusiasts can easily fill an hour, a day, a weekend or longer with gentle or action-packed adventure. Entry to the forest is free.

Outdoor Fun

Scenic vistas are everywhere in Rotorua, making it a fantastic place in which to experience nature at its best.