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Rotorua, New ZealandRotorua Activity Highlights

Rotorua | Regional Information | Activity Highlights | Scenic Highlights | History

Explore the geothermal areas in Rotorua, engage in some of the many local activities, or visit the local attractions. Theres something for everyone in Rotorua.

Rotorua Activity Highlights Overview

Rotorua's volcanic craters, lakes and forests make it a region rich in activities. From walks, to fishing, to four-wheel driving to relaxing in the therapeutic thermal pools, theres something for everyone in Rotorua.

» Rotorua Activities Directory

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Rotorua Lakes

There are 11 major lakes surrounding Rotorua City. The lakes were all formed by cataclysmic volcanic activity in times past. Many of the lakes are steeped in Māori legend and history.

With so many lakes, its little wonder there is so much to do in Rotorua! Go boating, fishing, swimming, kayaking, canoeing, water skiing, jet boating and much more on the Rotorua lakes.

» Rotorua Lakes Information

Extraordinary Geothermal Sights

Rotorua is a geothermal city bubbling, steaming and hissing with the heat of the inner earth.

There are many options for viewing the amazing volcanic activity in the Rotorua region.

Image Source: Tourism New Zealand. Boiling mud, Rotorua, New Zealand
Boiling Mud, Rotorua
Photographer: Tourism Rotorua
(marketing@tourism.rdc.govt.nz)

Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland - Brilliant colours are the beautiful feature of this thermal wonderland.

Waimangu Volcanic Valley - Visit this amazing volcanic valley which was formed during the 1886 Mount Tarawera eruption.

The Pohutu Geyser - Located at Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley, this geyser can shoot water 100 feet or 30 metres skyward.

Hell's Gate - A truly spooky Thermal Reserve.

If you want you can gain a different perspective of Rotorua from the air. Choose a flightseeing excursion to White Island, an active volcano, or over the awesome crater of Mount Tarawera. Or just relax and unwind soaking in one of the many thermal pools.

» Geothermal Activity Information

Local Rotorua Activities

Rotorua offers much more than only the amazing thermal pools. Forests, lakes and volcanic cones make Rotorua a natural place for hikes, water activities, four-wheel driving and much more.

Some of the local activities include:

Photographer: Unknown. Rafting, Kaituna River, Rotorua, New Zealand
Rafting, Kaituna River, Rotorua
Photographer: Unknown
Photographer: Unknown. Cycle Touring, Rotorua, New Zealand
Cycle Touring, Rotorua
Photographer: Unknown
  • Visit the giant Californian redwood trees in Whakarewarewa Forest—walk, ride a horse or mountain bike along the trails.
  • Hike to the top of the majestic Mount Tarawera (a day trip).
  • The more adventurous can enjoy a scree run down into the crater!
  • Choose from a variety of lake and river excursions—cruise, kayak, raft or white water sledge
  • The Rotorua region has eleven main lakes, a myriad of crystal clear streams and four different species of trout.
  • Fly fish the rivers or lakes—hire a guide if you want a sure thing
  • Cruise on the Lakeland Queen, a traditionally styled paddlewheel vessel
  • Get aboard the 50 foot catamaran that cruises Lake Tarawera
  • Jet boat through a breathtaking wonderland
  • Get a taste for white water rafting—the thrilling rapids of the Rangitaiki River and New Zealand's highest commercially rafted waterfall on the Kaituna River.
  • Join a 4WD (four-wheel drive) tour to the dormant volcano of Mount Tarawera. Guided walks in and around craters, spectacular views of surrounding lakes and mountains
  • The famous Māori love story of Hinemoa and Tutanekai is brought to life with the day trip on Lake Rotorua out to Mokoia Island

Unique Shows and Tours in Rotorua

Rotorua is a place to expect the unexpected. There's always something more to do.

  • Experience an action packed live farm stage show featuring trained rams, sheep shearing, sheep dogs, milking cows and baby lambs
  • View springs and streams with wild trout, see the native kiwi bird and observe the tuatara, a unique prehistoric lizard
  • Enjoy a scenic gondola ride to the top of Mount Ngongotaha. Luge down the side of the mountain on a purpose built track
  • Climb inside a giant inflated ball and roll 150 metres down the side of a mountain. Zorbing is unique to Rotorua

Fascinating History and Culture

Image Source: New Zealand Tourism Online. Hongi - Māori Greeting, New Zealand
Hongi - Māori Greeting
Photographer: James Heremaia
(www.jamesfoto.com)

As well as an amazing landscape, Rotorua has a rich cultural history.

  • Discover the customs of the Māori people at a meticulously staged song and dance performance
  • Watch a film show at the Rotorua Museum of Art & History which brings alive the 1886 Mount Tarawera eruption
  • Bathe in a crystal clear hot spa at the Blue Baths. A museum in the old changing rooms showcases the building's colourful past. Dine upstairs in the elegant 1930s tearooms, with views over the beautifully manicured Government Gardens
  • Visit the excavated sites at Te Wairoa, the village that was buried by the 1886 Mount Tarawera eruption

Useful Rotorua Links

To help plan your Rotorua holiday choose from the main categories below:

Send a Rotorua related E-Postcard to your friends.

Rotorua Region Information

Rotorua Tourism Operators

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New Zealand Coach Tours

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The largest range of escorted & small group tours

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New Zealand Road Trips

Let's go on an adventure

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NZ Self-Drive Tours

Explore NZ on a custom self-drive package holiday

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Cross Cook Strait and enjoy Kiwi hospitality.

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Get Travel Insurance

Travel insurance for independent travellers.