If you’re looking for things to do in Rotorua then you have come to the right place; Rotorua is like the Queenstown of the North Island, with its proximity to snowy mountain ranges in winter, and the Luge and Zorb to keep anyone entertained for an afternoon. But I thought I would piece together this Rotorua itinerary complete with activities that usually come off second best to racing down the side of a hill in a plastic trolley.

Places to Stay in Rotorua New Zealand

Regent of Rotorua, Boutique Hotel

The Regent of Rotorua may not look like much from the outside, but the Regent of Rotorua is one of the nicest places I have stayed on the North Island. This motel in Rotorua is within walking distance of restaurants and Lake Rotorua so makes a great place for anyone who wants to spend their nights drinking and eating.
Regent of Rotorua comes with a heated pool and poolside service of nibbles and cocktails. The rooms were decorated beautifully and fitted with a small kitchenette area to make yourself endless amounts of coffee or tea.

If the Regent is all booked out when you’re looking for somewhere to stay; then there should be plenty of Air BnB’s within a fine walking distance of town. There are plenty of other motels in the area as well, I just haven’t stayed at any others so can’t confidently recommend any.

Best Food in Rotorua

Eat Streat, Tutanekai Street

Eat Streat is a junction of different restaurants and dining options near the Rotorua lakefront boardwalk. The popular Rotorua restaurant hub boasts an array of steak houses, a craft beer pub, burgers desserts, and ‘contemporary’ cuisine. Since it’s a short walk to the lakefront it makes for the perfect date night where you can take a romantic stroll along the boardwalk before settling down for dinner.

Things to do in Rotorua – Complete your own Rotorua Itinerary!

Rotorua White Water Rafting

What’s a Rotorua itinerary without an adrenaline-pumping activity? Head out with Rotorua Rafting and have the time of your life navigating rapids and waterfalls. The Kaituna River just north of Rotorua has been one of my most intense and fun rafting experiences to date, and that’s comparing it to rafting in Slovenia and Austria! The Kaituna River has the tallest commercially rafted waterfall in the world with a height of 7 metres! The team at Rotorua Rafting is amazing; very chatty, full of local information and random facts. For more information on white water rafting down the Kaituna River then check out my blog post.

Related: Looking for more weekend getaways? Check out the Coromandel for some adventure!

Hot Springs Rotorua

Polynesian Spa

The Polynesian spa is another great geothermal hot springs to enjoy a warm soak in. Sitting in the middle of town the Polynesian spas are in a more convienient location which also means they are extremely popular. The spa offers a variety of pools of relaxation methods from massages to facials to enjoy; a great idea if you’re planning a romantic weekend away or need a relaxing break from everyday life.

Hell’s Gate

Since 1871 Hell’s Gate has been the location of education, relaxation and nature seekers coming from near and far. Hell’s Gate offers a variety of experiences from learning about the geothermal activity in Rotorua and how Maori captured the activity and used it to their advantage for food, then enjoy a walk through native bush, learn about carving and how it was used to tell stories for generations. Then end your day soaking in the nutrient-rich mud and sulphur-rich water to help cleanse and purify your skin.

Waikite Valley Thermal Pools

Soothe those aching muscles with a warm soak in a private hot tube at Waikite Thermal Hot Springs. It’s around a 30-minute drive south of Rotorua but well worth the trip. The hot pools are powered by thermal water and the private pools give a view overlooking a steaming hot creek. If you’re visiting with a group of friends or family then you can enjoy some time in the two large heated swimming pools. Waikite Valley Thermal Hot Springs is perfect to end an adventurous day or start a romantic weekend.

Secret Spot Rotorua

This newly established group of Rotorua hot pools is where you can enjoy a private hot tub of your own in the bush. I haven’t enjoyed an hour of leisure here yet but next time I’m in Rotorua I will definitely be booking myself and my husband an hour or two of absolute private bliss.

Rotorua Luge and Skyline

The Rotorua Luge and Skyline is the original tourist attraction of Rotorua, first opened in 1985 as the world’s first Luge track, the mountain now offers mountain biking, ziplining, and a sky swing, along with a large cafe, restaurant, and winery to fill your hearts desires.
The luge now offers 5 great tracks, ranging from 1.5km to 1.8km in length but with a variety of twists and turns and rapid descents, or a slower-paced tour through the redwoods forest if you want to make the most of the scenery.

If you’ve got young kids who aren’t so keen on doubling up on a luge ride with an adult, or who are simply just too young then head over towards the paddock to say hi to the Alpacas and sheep. Or take them along the interactive nature trail and check out the amazing views from above Rotorua.

Tarawera Falls

A visit to Mt Tarawera means it’s a full-day trip and a packed lunch is required! I’d advise stocking up on food and drinks in Rotorua or Kawerau, as the drive to the falls is pretty long and you don’t want to be leaving the Mountain sooner than expected because you didn’t pack lunch.
Mt Tarawera is a volcano that last erupted in 1886 killing many people in surrounding villages, and leaving a scarred landscape that includes lakes, and waterfalls.
Before entering the Tarawera Forest you must purchase a permit from the information centre in Kawerau on Plunket St, The permit is $10 per car, for more information on Mt Tarawera permits click here.

The road to Tarawera Falls is long and winds through an active logging site. Find your way to the carpark and walk for about 20-30 to reach the bottom of the waterfall. Tarawera Falls is extremely powerful with the water gushing through holes in the cliff face which reach kilometers up the mountain to Lake Tarawera. The waterfall isn’t exactly suitable for swimming but you can find a calm spot among the rocks to either dip your feet or sit in.

If you continue to follow the path for another 40-50 minutes up the mountain you will come to the river that feeds the waterfall and the DOC camping site for the mountain. I use to camp a lot here as a kid and have some great memories of swimming against the current in the river!

Related: Hiking the Lake Waikaremoana Track

Rotorua Redwoods Forest

The Rotorua Redwoods forest is a photographers dream; the thick canopy of trees and low lying native bush create an amazing atmosphere for walkers, joggers and artistic influence. The tree top walk is a great experience if you don’t mind heights too much; harnesses aren’t required so it’s great for all ages. Learn a bit about the native bush and the giant Californian redwood trees that grow amongst them. If you can’t get here until after dark then don’t worry, the treetop walk allows for night experiences where all the lanterns in the trees and along the path are lit up for a spectacular atmosphere and romantic walk through the bush.

Historic Buried Village Rotorua

The Historic Village in Rotorua is a true Maori village, Te Wairoa, that was buried by rock and ash from the eruption of Mt Tarawera in 1886. Many years later the site was excavated and huts and homes were uncovered under meters of dirt. The buried village is one of New Zealand most visited archeological sights and a great insight into New Zealands’ indigenous culture.

If you love the sound of this Rotorua itinerary but want more ideas, check out my Auckland to Whakatane Road Trip or other ideas to do around Bay of Plenty

Free Things to do in Rotorua

Rotorua is a geothermal hotspot; if you smell a stench of rotten eggs when you enter town don’t blame it on your Dad or significant other it’s simple the Sulphur that being spurted up from the ground in Rotorua. Geothermal pools and sulphur can be seen for free in plenty of places in Rotorua; head towards the Government gardens and check out the beautiful flowers in bloom, or look for the cloud of steam rising up from the ground, here you can see a pool of deadly hot mud.

The Rotorua lake and boardwalk is a great place to spend a morning and check out the town while sipping on your morning coffee, spending time in Rotorua doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. And as mentioned above the Rotorua redwoods forest is free to enter unless you want to check out the tree top walk.