Travel Planning Made Simple. Create Your Own Itinerary.
A girl in Redwoods
Written by Kajani Shivam on September 15, 2020 Share on

Things To Do In Rotorua For A Perfect Vacation!

Rotorua is a small city which is located on the North Island of New Zealand. And yes, your vacation to New Zealand is incomplete without visiting this beautiful city. Rotorua is rich in tradition and also houses many famous tourist spots. Just like the famous tourist spots, you will also find many interesting things to do in Rotorua for a perfect vacation. Yes, this city is filled with many things to do like adventure activities, traditional activities, and what not? Rotorua is a perfect destination which will satisfy all your travel dreams. Interested to find out the top things to do in Rotorua? Well, all you need to do is to just keep reading…

Also Read: Top 10 Things People Google For Before Planning A New Zealand Trip

A click in Rotorua
Image Credits: Unsplash

Also Read: These Top Destination In New Zealand Are A Must Inclusion In Your Next Trip

Things To Do In Rotorua

  • Learn Rotorua’s history at Rotorua Museum
  • Take a trip to Hobbiton
  • Indulge in Kaituna River White Water Rafting
  • Get refreshed at Polynesian Spa
  • Get stunned by visiting the Wai O Tapu Geothermal Park
  • Visit Whakarewarewa and learn the culture
  • Take your kids to Agrodome
  • Take a zipline experience in Rotorua
  • Have a look at the southern hemisphere’s largest geyser 
  • Take a stroll at Mount Ngongotaha Scenic Reserve

1. Learn Rotorua’s history at Rotorua Museum

If learning about the past has always fascinated you, make sure you pay a visit to Rotorua Museum which is one of the best things to do. The museum appears in a Tudor-Style Old Bath House building which contains a series of exhibitions which will take you back to those old days of Rotorua.

Location?

 Government Gardens, Oruawhata Drive, Rotorua

2. Take a trip to Hobbiton

A click on Hobbiton movie set
Image Credits: Unsplash

A trip to Hobbiton is truly one of the best things to do here, right? Do you like The Lord of the Rings? If yes, a trip to the beautiful Hobbiton movie set is a must-visit for you people. The movie set is located near Rotorua and you can reach this place by taking a drive. In addition, you can take a guided tour and visit places such as The Green Dragon Inn, The Mill, Hobbit Holes, Shire’s Rest and The Double-Arched Bridge.

Location?

501 Buckland Road, Matamata 3472

Also Read: Hobbiton Is All The Reason You Need To (Re)Visit New Zealand. Read Why!

3. Indulge in Kaituna River White Water Rafting

Get ready to splash into the water! Enjoy Kaituna River White Water Rafting in Rotorua. This 45-minutes water ride will literally make you realize the beauty of nature and will give you an amazing adventure experience. Also, you will be provided with the required safety gears and will be accompanied by a professional guide. So, if you are an adrenaline junkie, make sure you try this without fail.

Location?

18 Okere Falls Road, Okere Falls 3074, Rotorua

4. Get refreshed at the Polynesian Spa

After a tiring day, you can head to the Polynesian Spa which is a geothermal bathing and spa retreat nestled on the shore of Lake Rotorua which are famous for its healing waters. The water does wonders on your body. Your body pains will vanish and the alkaline water will help nourish your skin. Interestingly, you will find 28 pools here. Choose one according to your interest and get refreshed.

Location?

1000 Hinemoa Street, Rotorua 3010

5. Get stunned by visiting the Wai O Tapu Geothermal Park

Wai O Tapu Geothermal Park
Image Credits: Unsplash

The fifth one to enter the list of things to do in Rotorua is to have a visit and get stunned by the beauty of Wai O Tapu Geothermal Park. Your vacation to Rotorua can never be a complete one without visiting this stunning place. This place has thermal geysers, volcanic craters and hot springs. Also, make sure you take some amazing clicks of this incredibly beautiful place.

Location?

201 Waiotapu Loop Road, Rotorua 3073

6. Visit Whakarewarewa and learn the culture

Whakarewarewa is a Maori Village and you will be welcomed by the Tuhourangi/Ngati Wahiao tribes. If you are interested to learn about the Maori culture, you can head to this village which will give you more clarity and details on the culture and the heritage of the Maori people. You can take an hourly guided tour which includes the Haka and other traditional performances of Maori songs. Interested to know more about the Maori people? Well, in that case, you can also choose to stay overnight here to learn more about their culture and lifestyle.

Location?

17 Tryon Street, Rotorua

7. Take your kids to Agrodome

Travelling to Rotorua with your kids? Then take them to the Agrodome which is a 350-acre working farm. This farm conducts many fun activities to do with families and also includes a famous farm show which features 19 sheep breeds and sheepdog trials. You can also take a chance and feed the lambs and cow.

Location?

141 Western Road, Ngongotaha, Rotorua 3010

Also Read: Why New Zealand Is Ideal For Family Road Trips

8. Take a zipline experience in Rotorua

A guy ziplining
Image Credits: Unsplash

Here is another adventure activity for the adventure freaks. Yes, ziplining! Experience the breathtaking scenic views of nature by gliding. The brilliant views from the summit of Mount Ngongoha and Lake Okantania will literally make you say, wow! Such beauty! So, make sure you take the ziplining activity in Rotorua to enjoy adventure and picturesque views.

Location?

178 Fairy Springs Road, Rotorua 3015

9. Have a look at the southern hemisphere’s largest geyser 

How can you miss visiting the southern hemisphere’s largest geyser? Well, you can’t miss, huh? So, head to Pohutu Geyser which is the largest geyser in the southern hemisphere. Interestingly, it sprays water up to 30 meters in the air eruptions.

Location?

Hemo Road, Tihiotonga, Rotorua 3040

10. Take a stroll at Mount Ngongotaha Scenic Reserve

The final one to enter the list of top things to do in Rotorua is to take a stroll at Mount Ngongotaha Scenic Reserve. This place offers two walking trails right on the edge of Rotorua. Those two walking trails are Nature Walk Trail and the Jubilee Trail. You can choose Nature Walk if you are looking for a short peaceful walk. Also, if you are looking for a tough path, make sure you choose Jubilee Trail.

Location?

Western Heights, Rotorua 3015

Also Read: Everything You Need To Know About Taking A Road Trip In New Zealand

Well, there are many interesting things to do in Rotorua, huh? Now that you have this list, you can explore the best of Rotorua and have a lovely vacation in this beautiful city. Interested to plan a vacation? Check on the Pickyourtrail website and browse on the New Zealand packages. Also, you can ping us in Whatsapp for more options. In addition, follow this page for more amazing travel contents. Happy travelling!

Related Itineraries

Note: The images that are being published here are the author's choice, and the organisation takes no responsibility for their usability.