Top 10 Things to do in Rotorua, North Island

June 7, 2021 Mollie Coke

Bubbling mineral springs and pools promise maximum relaxation in Rotorua, on New Zealand's North Island. Therapeutic hot mud pools, dramatic geysers and a buried village are within easy reach of the city. What happens in the bubbling mud geysers of "Rotovegas"—the area at the top of Fenton Street—stays in Rotovegas. Once you've made the most of the mud, soar nearly 2,000 feet on the Skyline Gondola for views of Lake Rotorua, then zip back down to explore the lake by paddle steamer, fishing charter or WWII amphibious vehicle.
Restaurants in Rotorua

1. Tamaki Maori Village

1220 Hinemaru St, Rotorua 3010 New Zealand +64 7-349 2999 [email protected] http://www.tamakimaorivillage.co.nz
Excellent
72%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 5,404 reviews

Tamaki Maori Village

Tamaki Māori Village – Evening Cultural Experience. New Zealand’s Most Awarded Cultural Experience! Experience an evening of ceremonial ritual, powerful cultural performance, storytelling & hangi feasting. Share in the Powhiri, our ancient ceremony of welcome before entering our pre-European Māori Village nestled within a native Tawa Forest. The village comes alive with sights, sounds & activity of days gone by including haka, poi, tattooing, weaving, carving and arts of warrior training. You will have the opportunity to participate in these activities. Witness the earth being scraped away from the hāngi pit to reveal baskets of food cooked beneath the ground on hot stones. Enter the ancestral meeting house and enjoy a powerful cultural performance before dining the traditional hāngi buffet feast!

Reviewed By rhigr - London, United Kingdom

From the minute Hone picked me up it was phenomenal, the whole drive there our guide, Liam, was warm and funnny as well as informative, and the experience of walking around and learning about Maori culture was unforgettable! I’m also a veggie and was amply provided for - would highly recommend, well worth a visit

2. Whakarewarewa - The Living Maori Village

17 Tryon Street Whakarewarewa Village, Rotorua 3010 New Zealand +64 7-349 3463 [email protected] http://www.whakarewarewa.com/
Excellent
59%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,669 reviews

Whakarewarewa - The Living Maori Village

With natural geothermal heat radiating from the ground, Whakarewarewa Living Māori Village is a unique cultural experience, set in a fascinating geothermal landscape, offering an authentic peek into Māori village life. Hourly guided tours give visitors a chance to learn how the geothermal resources are used in daily life, twice-daily cultural performances are filled with fun interactivity, and a network of nature trails traverse geothermal lakes, bubbling mud and explosive geysers. This will be a memorable experience for all ages. Open 8.30am – 5.00pm daily.

Reviewed By linfarrington24 - Launceston, Australia

Loved seeing how Maori people have lived and evolved over hundreds of years. Wonderful to be welcomed and encouraged to share their pride in their cultural heritage. We started with a tour by a young guide who had a uniquely modern perspective on her heritage, we followed that with the cultural show which brought us to tears in the beauty of the love songs and the passion of the cultural expressions. Finally we shared a traditionally prepared meal, which we thought we would 'experience' rather than enjoy. How wrong we were! It all goes to show how much we have to learn from our indigenous brothers and sisters!

3. Te Puia

Hemo Road, Rotorua New Zealand +64 7-348 9047 [email protected] http://www.tepuia.com
Excellent
56%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 5,628 reviews

Te Puia

Te Puia spans 70 hectares within the historic Te Whakarewarewa Valley, on the edge of town. We are home to the world famous Pohutu geyser, to mud pools, hot springs, to silica formations to the Kiwi bird and the national schools of wood carving, weaving, stone and bone carving. We have shared these treasures with manuhiri (visitors) for 170 years and proudly continue that legacy today.

Reviewed By ruki-de - Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom

Enjoyed the combo with the guided tour of the craft school, Pohutu geyser, general entertainment, Maori show, the multi-course dinner and hot chocolate back at the geyser after dark. Included pick-up from and return to accommodation.

4. Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

201 Waiotapu Loop Road Rd 3, Rotorua 3073 New Zealand +64 7-366 6333 [email protected] http://www.waiotapu.co.nz
Excellent
62%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 8,651 reviews

Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

"One of the 20 Most Surreal Places in the World" Trip Advisor THOUSANDS OF YEARS IN THE MAKING, explore spectacular nature at New Zealand's most colourful natural volcanic area. Walk at your own pace - view the unique Champagne Pool, Sinter Terrace formations, Steaming Ground, Bubbling Mud, Expansive Vistas, Huge Volcanic Craters. The Lady Knox Geyser erupts daily at 10.15am. Excellent facilities at modern Visitor Centre. We are a cashless site, accepting all major credit and EFTPOS cards.

Reviewed By C0nstantlyOnTheG0 - Newcastle, Australia

It's nine years since I've been here and this time I returned with more family. Waiotapu is totally unique and offers vistas of bubbling mud pools, the Lady Knox Geyser, craters and an incredible geothermal park. In June 2009, we visited on a blue sky day and the hues of colour were picture perfect for photography; as good as what you see on the website. This time round, we were shrouded in fog and the colours in the park were not at their best. If you're in the area for a couple of days, best to visit when the sun is shining. We spent approximately 2 hours here. The walkways were easy to get around; some were boardwalks, others were dirt track and there were some sections with stairs. If you wish to see the Geyser you need to be there before 10.15am. Waiotapu is approximately 25 minutes south of Rotorua and is a unique place to visit in New Zealand, if not the world.

5. Kuirau Park

Ranolf Street and Lake Road, Rotorua New Zealand +64 7-348 4199 http://www.newzealand.com/int/feature/kuirau-park
Excellent
47%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,151 reviews

Kuirau Park

Reviewed By FoodObsessedLaura - Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom

Visited this place a few weeks ago and it was my first experience of Rotorua's thermal wonders. I was amazed at all of the bubbling mud pools and clear boiling water holes. There was informative signs all around the park, explaining the thermal occurrences and past stories/theories of how the lakes became boiling. At the end of the walk, I relaxed with my feet in the thermal foot spa. One of the best free things to do in Rotorua and definitely recommend going here.

6. Waimangu Volcanic Valley

587 Waimangu Road Off State Highway 5, Rotorua 3043 New Zealand +64 7-366 6137 [email protected] http://www.waimangu.co.nz/
Excellent
71%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,697 reviews

Waimangu Volcanic Valley

Explore spectacular activity in the world’s youngest geothermal system on a self-guided walking tour at Waimangu Volcanic Valley. We offer a range of options for all abilities and ambitions varying in length from our short 1.5km highlights walk to a 4.5km hike including an invigorating climb over Mount Haszard for astonishing panoramic views. Discover Frying Pan Lake, one of the largest hot water springs in the World and mysterious, beautiful Inferno Crater Lake which rises and falls as it heats and cools. See rare and unusual plants that have adapted to grow in the warm geothermal landscape and enjoy the abundance of native birdlife around Lake Rotomahana. Opt for an additional 45 minute cruise around the tranquil waters of Lake Rotomahana to see nature, birdlife and geothermal activity not accessible by foot. Relax and listen to the full historical commentary throughout cruise. Enjoy a much needed rest and take advantage of the shuttle bus at the end of your tour.

Reviewed By R0gerV - Leuven, Belgium

This site offers a nice hiking experience for all levels of fitness. Starting at the visitors center you can hike all the way down the valley passing places like Frying Pan Lake, Cathedral Rocks, Inferno Crater, Birds Nest Terrace, Rift Valley, Waimangu Stream and many more, leading you to the jetty at Lake Rotomahana. Here you can even make a boat trip of about 45 minutes on the lake. You are walking all the way in a stunning landscape with geothermal and volcanic elements. Depending on your hiking abilities you can start walking and if necessary take the internal bus further down to the lake or return, after a breathtaking walk all the way down, back to the visitors center. This is an experience you should not miss when you are in the neighborhood of Rotorua.

7. Redwoods, Whakarewarewa Forest

Long Mile Road The Redwoods, Rotorua 3046 New Zealand +64 7-350 0110 [email protected] http://www.redwoods.co.nz/
Excellent
71%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 5,126 reviews

Redwoods, Whakarewarewa Forest

If you love the outdoors this area is for you! Escape into the beautiful Whakarewarewa Forest, one of Rotorua’s most spectacular natural assets. Famous for its magnificent stands of towering Californian Coastal Redwoods it is just five minutes drive from the city centre. Here you can experience some of the finest walking and mountain bike trails in the world. Not to mention taking in superb panoramic views of Rotorua City, Lake and surrounding district. Entry to the forest, tracks and Gift Shop & Visitor Centre is FREE. There is lots of parking and toilet facilities available. Gates open at 5.30am and close late. Maps and information is available at the Redwoods I-Site and Visitor Centre. Don't forget to also check out the Redwoods Treewalk. This is available at the Redwoods and provides an alternative way to experience the Redwoods both during the day and at night. It is a paid attraction see their listing for more details.

Reviewed By 648judyr - North Vancouver, Canada

Some Kiwi friends had recommended this walk through the woods while we were staying in Rotorua. Very glad we put one foot in front of the other and meandered through this magnificent grove of California redwoods. The trails had different levels of difficulty and also varying lengths of time, but all were clearly marked. A wonderful and peaceful walk in the woods that will get you back in touch with nature.

8. Fancy Meow Cat Cafe

1210 Arawa Street, Rotorua 3010 New Zealand +64 7-460 6868 [email protected] http://fancymeowcatcafe.co.nz/
Excellent
82%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 484 reviews

Fancy Meow Cat Cafe

Welcome to Fancy Meow Cat Cafe! FANCY MEOW Cat Cafe is Rotorua's first Cat Cafe New Zealand's only Cat Cafe with beautiful purebred CATS and KITTENS! We are so excited to bring the very first Cat Cafe to Rotorua! Here we have many beautiful feline friends that will bring you joy. We will be very busy for the first few months of opening, particularly on weekends and holidays, so please make sure you pre-purchase your tickets here or call us in advance to ensure your place before arrival, as we have to limit the number of people per hour for the well-being of our cats. So, come in for a visit to relax, decompress, and enjoy our furry friends. The cats and kittens are always grateful for play and cuddle time with their human companions. We can't wait to host you at Fancy Meow!

Reviewed By erinb350 - Rotorua, New Zealand

Had a wondering morning spent with some beautiful cats and kittens while sipping my morning “cappurrrcino” cat toys are provided to play along with a cozy environment with massage chairs! Perfect place to relax and de-stress ☕️????

171 Fairy Springs Road Fairy Springs, Rotorua 3015 New Zealand +64 7-349 0920 [email protected] http://www.3dtrickart.co.nz
Excellent
75%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 440 reviews

3D Trick Art Gallery

5 themes featuring New Zealand Life and extra will never get you bored. Over 50 pieces of life-size and hyper realistic murals inspired from New Zealand Nature and life style. It stimulate your imagination and creativity. Among the diverse themes at 3D trick Art Gallery, challenge your creativity to the test and win prizes from our regular event. Find our event from facebook page.

Reviewed By PeterF1758 - Auckland, New Zealand

We took a group of seniors and played with the 3D images and created fun photos. My grand kids were there a week earlier, and had a great time. So we took people in their 80s and 90s who also had a great time.

10. Rainbow Springs Nature Park

192 Fairy Springs Road, Rotorua 3015 New Zealand +64 7-350 0440 [email protected] http://www.rainbowsprings.co.nz
Excellent
48%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
4%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 2,176 reviews

Rainbow Springs Nature Park

Set among the native trees and beautiful forests of Rotorua, Rainbow Springs Nature Park offers a fun-filled and action-packed day out for the whole family. Learn about New Zealand's fascinating natural history and meet the interesting creatures who call this great land of ours home! Learn, see discover with our guided tours which allow you to get closer than ever to some of our favourite park residents including trout, reptiles, and native birds. You can also meet kiwi, New Zealand's iconic native bird! Rainbow Springs is home to the worlds most successful kiwi hatchery, and during your visit you can join a behind the scenes tour of The National Kiwi Hatchery for a unique chance to experience a working kiwi hatchery! Have endless fun discovering our awesome new Playscapes and Waterplay area and make sure to jump aboard the Big Splash for a thrilling ride!

Reviewed By 705maryk - Schertz, United States

Our visit to Rainbow Springs very much exceeded our expectations! We enjoyed a beautiful day in nature but also learned so much about the culture, history, and ecology of New Zealand alongside visitors from many other countries. Our tour guide for the behind the scenes tour of the hatchery (Shane?) was gracious, informative, and most of all, obviously passionate about the welfare of kiwis! It was obvious that this organization is dedicated to saving this endangered valuable species – they did not make “suggestions” about visitors behavior around the animals, but rather made them conditions for entry! This is not the place to visit if you hope to pet and photograph animals!! Spend your time and invest your resources in this place if you are interested in helping to save the important representation of New Zealand :)

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.