What to do and see in Rotorua District, North Island: The Best Tours

November 7, 2021 Oliva Fomby

Discover the best top things to do in Rotorua District, New Zealand including 4WD Bush Safari at Off Road NZ, Monster 4X4 Thrill Ride at Off Road NZ , The Farm Tour, Redwood Forest , Blue Springs & Huka Falls Day Tour from Auckland, Mornin Lakes Tour, Rotorua Small Group Tour incl Te Puia, Traditional Maori Buffet Lunch & Concert, Nocturnal adventure Glow-worm tour, Ziplining Forest Experience - The Ultimate Canopy Tour Rotorua, White Water Rafting - Kaituna River , Ziplining Forest Adventure - The Original Canopy Tour Rotorua.
Restaurants in Rotorua District

1. 4WD Bush Safari at Off Road NZ

193 Amoore Road, Mamaku 3072, New Zealand Off Road NZ
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5.0 based on 22 reviews

The ultimate 4WD adventure that puts you in control. Buckle up and take on an off-road adventure deep into native New Zealand forest. Back in the early 1900's the area Off Road NZ is set on, was used by logging pioneers who logged our native timbers until closing up in the 1970's. The tracks that the pioneers used back then are the same tracks that you will be diving on today. This is an unforgettable self-drive 4WD adventure using high-performance 4WD Suzuki Jimny's with automatic transmission and power steering. From 45 minutes to 1 hour this experience is suitable for the whole family, with children under 5 going free! No previous 4WD experience necessary, drivers require a valid driver's license.

Inclusions: 4WD Suzuki Jimny with CB Radio, Professional Guide/ Instructor, Full Safety briefing and all safety equipment, Umbrella (if required), no other wet weather gear required

Exclusions: Available for purchase on site, Available for purchase on site

Reviewed By GeorgiaMay137

My partner and I visited Off Road NZ during our stay in Rotorua, and it’s definitely one of the best activities we did! For anyone who wants something a bit different, this is definitely a must. We did the Freak of Nature package which included the 4WD Bush Safari and 4x4 Monster Thrill Ride. The 4WD Bush Safari was amazing. You drive the vehicle yourself and a guide walks around the track and communicates via radio to tell you where to go. You go through deep water, mud, up hills, steep drops and there are a few challenges which were heaps of fun! The tracks are well made but still make you feel like you’re actually off-road. “The Luge” drop was definitely a highlight. You also go through some really deep water and on a steep My partner has owned trucks before and done a lot of 4WDing and still had a great time. Obviously you have to go relatively slow around the track but there are some more technical and challenging bits to make it exciting! Our guide was Cory and he was amazing at explaining everything and made the trip lots of fun! He was a great guide and also had plenty of knowledge about the area etc The Monster Ride was great fun too! As someone who has done plenty of adrenalin activities, I thought this might be a bit mundane for me - but it was very thrilling and loads of fun! The 4x4 was crazy and the track has lots of twists and turns. Overall an amazing experience! All the staff were super friendly and it was a great facility, I can’t wait to come back one day!

2. Monster 4X4 Thrill Ride at Off Road NZ

193 Amoore Road, Mamaku 3072, New Zealand Off Road NZ
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Strapped into your seat with helmet and protective gear on, brace yourself for the power and brute force of an all-terrain monster 4X4 truck. No roof, no doors – there’s nothing between you and great outdoors. Your professional driver will tackle local terrain in the 4X4 monster jeep with custom built chassis and suspension. The V6 Holden engine will propel you through our private native bush using all of its front & rear steering abilities

Inclusions: Professional - highly trained 4x4 driver, Full Safety briefing and all safety equipment, Wet Weather Gear Provided, Custom Built 4X4 vehicle - all wheel steering

Exclusions: Available for purchase on site, Available for purchase on site

Reviewed By BPN4

Self-drive of their 4 wheel dive vehicles though off road tracks and water hazards was the best activity we did in Rotorua. Particularly awesome was the 6metre vertical drop. My partner and I were able to take turns at driving. Oud guide Dom was real friendly and helpful too.

3. The Farm Tour

171 Fairy Springs Road, Fairy Springs, Rotorua 3015, New Zealand 3D Trick Art Gallery
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5.0 based on 7 reviews

Ultimate Kiwi Farm Experience !! A Trip to Rotorua, New Zealand is not complete without a traditional farm experience. The Farm Tour is an hour long guided tour, travelling through 35 acres of farm environment on a covered trailer.  You will love interacting with all the friendly animals - make sure you have your camera ready to snap a selfie! There are so many different varieties, you will be spoiled for choice see alpacas, lamas ,goats, sheep, cattle, deer, pigs, chickens, rabbits, ostriches and more.  Your friendly guide will provide information, and food to feed the animals.  This is a must do Kiwi experience !

Inclusions: Free parking

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By emlangers

So, I think I appreciate this place more NOW with the collection of incredible photos we amassed. They really do look 3D! We went during school holidays and it was busy. A bit too much waiting for a 'scene' to be free so you could take your photo. I'd recommend getting there during off-peak times. And follow the advice for taking photos. I'm taking one dot off because I think they could make a more fun experience by managing the traffic flow. But my 8 year old adores all the photos we now have. Worth the trip, but go when it's 'quiet'.

4. Redwood Forest , Blue Springs & Huka Falls Day Tour from Auckland

H SHARMA
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Take a Tour which is Good for your soul. Visit Nature & Natural Places in New Zealand. Book with us for a Flexible , affordable Private Tour. Take your break wherever you want, No Sharing or Group Tour. Enjoy your Privacy and Family Tour Time :)

Inclusions: Driver / Guide, Private Transportation , Air-Conditioned Vehicle, Drinking Water 1 bottle per person, Snack / Chips, Soft drink

Exclusions: Tour Guide Tips ($10 per person), Lunch, Personal Expenses

Reviewed By Isis_Pinto

The beaches are amazing and our guide and driver, Sharma was impeccable, a great guy. Also, he takes the best pics! ????????

5. Mornin Lakes Tour

1167 Fenton Street, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand Real Rotorua
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5.0 based on 32 reviews

Morning Lakes Tour – 8.30am to 12.30pm daily ($85) By far the best lakes tour in Rotorua, small group, locations and value. With 18 lakes in the Rotorua area our Lake Morning tour provides a driver-guided exploration of some of the highlights of New Zealand’s Lake District: Hamurana springs, Okere falls, lake Rotoiti, the Blue and Green lakes and lake Tarawera. Explore our favourite scenic spots and natural springs on foot. Take photographs at your leisure and learn about Rotorua’s colourful culture and history from our knowledgeable and friendly guide. • Highlights • Small group, relaxed atmosphere. •  Informative, outgoing driver-guide. • Breath-taking scenery. • No queues or entrances fees. • Half day tour.

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, All Fees and Taxes

Exclusions: Lunch

Reviewed By 845larissae

This was an amazing experience, stephen was very knowledgeable and we learnt a lot, the sights he showed us were spectacular which brought home the miracle of nature. The best hot chocolate we have ever tasted and shortbread was a great ending to a magical night

6. Rotorua Small Group Tour incl Te Puia, Traditional Maori Buffet Lunch & Concert

Cheeky Kiwi Travel
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5.0 based on 6 reviews

Experience the world famous geothermal and Maori cultural wonders of Te Puia. This unforgettable tour combines natures power and beauty with Maori culture all in one day. Highlights: • Te Puia Geothermal Park & Pohutu • Maori Cultural Village and Arts School • Rotorua City Highlights • Waikato Farm Region While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it’s our small groups, guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember. This day tour gives you the time to explore Te Puia fully and participate in the activities there, unlike many other tours. Led by our passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge, and run in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety.

Inclusions: Small Group & Fully Guided Tour, Entry Tickets, Traditional Maori Hangi Buffet Lunch, Bottled water, Snacks, Optional extra - One-way option from Auckland to Rotorua

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By M6828DUlisao

We enjoyed this tour from start to finish. It was a fantastic day out. Our tour guide Mani was amazing. He had such a wealth of knowledge and was so friendly and involved in our whole experience. I would have to say he has been the best tour guide we have ever had. The highlight of the day was our visit to Cathedral Cove ( such a breathtaking place) and Hot Water Beach. A very different experience for us

7. Nocturnal adventure Glow-worm tour

1167 Fenton Street, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand Real Rotorua
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5.0 based on 190 reviews

Glow-worms are the highlight of any night-time stroll in New Zealand, and when found in abundance they can be as breathtaking as our clearest night sky. Join our experienced guides on a trip into the native bush to witness this phenomenon for yourself. Learn about the life-cycle of this fascinating insect, experience New Zealand’s wildlife by night and top off this stellar evening by relaxing under the stars. An unique experience for all your senses. Highlights • Glow-worm, waterfalls, wildlife and star gazing. • New Zealand Native Forest - all by the cover of darkness. • Small group, relaxed atmosphere.

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Air-conditioned vehicle, Light refreshments

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Reviewed By triniboyinNZ

Stephen gave us a very knowledgeable, exclusive and friendly tour of major highlights around Rotorua. We were really appreciative of the information and the hot chocolate :-) It had amazing scenery , views of the lakes and great walks.

8. Ziplining Forest Experience - The Ultimate Canopy Tour Rotorua

Rotorua Canopy Tours, 147 Fairy Springs Road, Fairy Springs, Rotorua 3015, New Zealand Rotorua Canopy Tours
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5.0 based on 1,008 reviews

See New Zealand’s one and only cliff walk, built around a volcanic rock, floating staircases and a 400m tandem Zip-line that you can race your loved ones down…just to name a few! An amazing engineering feat that allows the exploration of an ancient indigenous forest! You will be taken to another world, full of ancient giants and lifeforms you can’t see anywhere else in the world! Since we opened in 2012 we have been protecting this special place and when you come along, you will be too! A portion of your entry goes straight back to our conservation project to help us continue to rescue and look after this magic place. We take photos for you and they are FREE after your tour via an email link.You are welcome to take as many videos and photos as you like too – you’ll be wanting to share this experience with everyone!!

Inclusions: Safety gear included, Amazing Kiwi guides, Shuttles included, Complementary photos, Snacks, All Fees and Taxes, Wet weather and warm gear (if needed)

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Reviewed By Jamie_ratlidge

Such a cool tour and so much fun! The different types a zip lines keep it interesting and different every time! You get to race people down and see some amazing views at the same time! Our tour guides Luke and Tenaya were so friendly and funny! They definitely made the experience that much better! I would absolutely recommend the ultimate tour to anyone and everyone!

9. White Water Rafting - Kaituna River

18 Okere Falls Road, Okere Falls 3074, New Zealand Kaituna Cascades
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5.0 based on 578 reviews

Kaituna Cascades was the original company to explore and start rafting the Kaituna River, a long standing goal achieved and one we are very proud of. Experience the thrills and spills of the Mighty Kaituna River as we take on the world famous 7 meter Tutea Falls, the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world. Together with your expert guide, your team will enjoy a 50 minute action packed ride down 14 epic rapids in a tight and twisting warm water jungle canyon. This is a white water enthusiasts dream and is a must do for adrenaline junkies and 1st timers rafters alike! All of our guides are handpicked, highly skilled professionals that come from an extreme whitewater background in Kayaking and Rafting. We strive to give you the safest and most entertaining trip on the river! Our aim is have FUN, So come join us for this EPIC once in a lifetime experience.

Inclusions: Custom built rafts, wetsuits, helmets, lifejackets, paddles, fleece tops, wetsuit booties, and splash jackets, Local, professional & highly trained guides

Exclusions: Souvenir photos (available to purchase)

Reviewed By dionnemartin12

Great experience! Made me feel safe when I was scared!! You the man Owen! So glad I did it. It is beautiful

10. Ziplining Forest Adventure - The Original Canopy Tour Rotorua

Rotorua Canopy Tours, 147 Fairy Springs Road, Fairy Springs, Rotorua 3015, New Zealand Rotorua Canopy Tours
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5.0 based on 2,384 reviews

Nowhere else in the world can you soar through an untouched New Zealand forest, stand on ancient giants and become a part of a conservation success story all in one! Since James and Andrew opened our doors in 2012, we have been working hard to preserve one of New Zealand’s most unique and untouched indigenous forests. We created this experience to transport you into a Jurassic world, showcasing New Zealand’s unique plants and wildlife (you may even get to feed one of our birds). You help this project, your entry contributes back to our conservation efforts to save this ancient world. Thank you for your support! You will be part of a small group (<10) with two of our knowledgeable kiwi guides who will delight you, making sure you safely enjoy every moment. Ask as many questions as you'd like and capture the moments with pictures and videos (although we have free photos of your experience for you after the tour). There’s good reason we are award winners – come and see for yourself!

Inclusions: Safety equipment, Two professional guides, Hotel pickup and drop-off (if needed), Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Photos available for download, Wet weather clothing and warmer garments

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities

Reviewed By Nana3650

I had the most amazing experience yesterday with Natalie and Nui who guided the group through the beautiful forest. Nothing was left to chance , everything was explained and I felt very safe. The course is spectacular, the zip lines were fabulous. The trip from start to finish was a blast!

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