5 Things To Do In Rotorua New Zealand

Rotorua has been a tourist destination in New Zealand for over 100 years. Today, it is still one of the most popular destinations in New Zealand. Surrounded by volcanic peaks, redwoods forests and more than 50 lakes, this region of New Zealand is fit for families, adrenalin junkies, culture connoisseurs, and nature enthusiasts.

Located 142 miles (a two hour 40 minute drive) from Auckland and about an hour flight from Wellington, Rotorua is easily accessible by road and air. The Rotorua International Airport (ROT) is only six miles away from the city center.

Whether you are visiting for a day or a week, here are Travelmath’s 5 things to do in Rotorua:

1. Biking

Rotorua is a premier bike-riding destination. Biking provides an opportunity for you to enjoy the stunning beauty of Rotorua and the surrounding areas.

One place to bike is at the Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest. It has the oldest mountain bike network with trails that cater to beginner and expert riders.

The popular tracks include:

Inner Core Network – for beginner through to intermediate riders, especially great for families, ride leads to the Pohaturoa lower lookout, panoramic views of Rotorua City and the thermal reserve

Outer Core Network – for intermediate to advance riders, terrain is undulating, opportunity to see big pongas (silver fern) and Maori carvings

Tokorangi to Wash Network – for intermediate to expert riders, experience longer climbs and descents and great views from the Tokorangi ridge

Tawa to Moerangi Network – for intermediate through to expert riders

National Downhill – for the experts

Out the Back – a scenic ride with a 360-degree view of the Kakapiko lookout at the top

Bike Kids Loop - caters to children under 10, this 90-minute trail starts at Waipa and is open all year for free

More information: Biking in Rotorua’s Redwoods

2. Horse Trekking

Horse trekking will take you to places where your vehicle can’t. The Horse Trekking Lake Okareka has treks for beginner to experienced riders. Ride through green pastures and the sheep and cattle country of New Zealand to view Lake Rotorua, Lake Okareka, Lake Tarawera and Mount Tarawera.

Information: Horse trekking

3. Visit Geothermal Wonders of New Zealand

Five of the top geothermal wonders in Rotorua are Wai-O-Tapu, Hell’s Gate (Tikitere), Craters of the Moon, Whakarewarewa and Waimangu.

Our favorite is the Wai-O-Tapu (Sacred Waters) Thermal Wonderland. It is about a 20-minute drive south of Rotorua towards Taupo. Here you’ll see geysers, sulfur pools, mud pools, waterfalls and views of the Kaingaroa forest.

The most stunning sights at the Wai-O-Tapu are Champagne Pool and Artist’s Palette. A visit to Wai-O-Tapu starts at the Lady Knox Geyser. Every day at 10:15 am, Lady Knox Geyser erupts with help from a ranger.

If you are visiting Hell’s Gate don’t forget to bathe in the geothermal muds and sulfur waters. Hell’s Gate Wai Ora Spa Resort is open to in-house and walk-in guests from 9 am to 9 pm daily.

Information: Wai-O-Tapu

4. Experience Maori culture

A trip to Rotorua is not complete without discovering the Maori culture. One such tour to take is at the Tamaki Maori Village. Tamaki Maori Village provides transportation to and from all Rotorua accommodation.

Your Maori experience includes a traditional welcoming ceremony, hangi (traditional Maori meal), cultural performance and activities, history and stories of pre-European Maoris.

Other villages to experience Maori culture in Rotorua are at the historic Whakarewarewa Village (the oldest in Rotorua), Te Po at Te Puia and the Mitai Maori Village. When you visit Te Puia you get a combination of the natural thermal wonders and the traditional Maori culture, arts and crafts.

Information: Tamaki Maori Village

5. Take a Scenic Flight

Take a 15-minute Crater Lakes scenic flight with Volcanic Air and view Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake), Lake Rotokakahi (Green Lake), Lake Okarewa, Lake Tarawera and Lake Okataina.

Information: Volcanic Air

Helpful Travelmath travel tools to use before leaving for Rotorua New Zealand:

1. Currency converter
2. Hotels in Rotorua
3. Time difference between your hometown and Rotorua
4. Read How to Buy Travel Insurance

Have you been to New Zealand? What is your favorite destination in New Zealand?