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Visiting Rotorua in New Zealand offers the perfect opportunity for tourists to witness unique geothermal activities and enjoy exploring the local Maori culture to learn about the people’s way of life in the area. There are several things to do in Rotorua, New Zealand, that tourists can participate in to have extensive and unique experiences, such as exploring some of the major attractions and engaging in various outdoor activities. Tourists visiting Rotorua can participate in mountain biking, ziplining, luge rides, water rafting, and taking nature walks.
Top 10 Things To Do In Rotorua
There are various amazing activities tourists can enjoy for the perfect getaway experience. Here is a list of the top things to do in Rotorua:
1. Explore Te Puia
Photo: Punyashree Venkatram / Unsplash
Exploring Te Puia is one of the best things to see and do in Rotorua, as tourists can witness a unique blend of hot mineral pools, boiling mud pools, and erupting geysers, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts. Tourists exploring Te Puia can also be welcomed by the amazing traditional Maori welcome, like the haka dance, which offers them a glimpse of the local culture. Additionally, tourists can spot the elusive Kiwi bird in Te Puia’s natural habitat.
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Timings: 9 AM – 4 PM
Location: Te Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley, Rotorua, New Zealand
2. Visit Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
Photo: Holger Offermann / Unsplash
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland is one of the best things to see in Rotorua, offering tourists unique experiences with its major attraction and colourful geothermal features. It offers views of amazing landscapes tourists can admire, including bubbling mud pools, the Lady Knox Geyser, and the popular Champagne Pool. Moreover, tourists can explore the park at their own pace, and the visitor centre offers access to retail shops for souvenirs, a cafe, and an outdoor picnic area, making it convenient for visitors.
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Timings: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM, closed on Christmas Day
Location: 201 Waiotapu Loop Rd, Rotorua, Waiotapu 3073
3. Experience A Māori Cultural Performance And Hangi Dinner
Photo: einalem / Wikimedia Commons
Experiencing a Maori Cultural Performance and trying out the Hangi Dinner is one of the best things for tourists, to get a glimpse into the local way of life. Tourists can witness Haka and learn about its significance, a ceremonial war dance performed by the Maori people. Additionally, tourists can experience the Hangi Dinner, a feast cooked in an earth oven using heated rocks, making it ideal for visitors to have unique experiences.
Ideal Duration: 3 hours
Timings: 9 AM – 4 PM
Location: Mitai Māori Village, 196 Fairy Springs Road, Rotorua Central, New Zealand
4. Relax At The Polynesian Spa
Photo: Doan Anh / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Relaxing at the Polynesian Spa is one of the top things to do in Rotorua, where tourists can enjoy a geothermal bathing experience. The Polynesian Spa offers tourists access to multiple pools, including family pools, pavilion pools, and a deluxe lake spa. Moreover, tourists can enjoy some wellness activities offered at the Polynesian Spa, including massages, therapies, body treatments, and facials, making the ideal destination for a memorable experience.
Ideal Duration: 2 hours
Timings: 9 AM – 11 PM
Location: 1000 Hinemoa Street, Lakeside, Rotorua, New Zealand
5. Take A Gondola Ride And Luge At Skyline Rotorua
Photo: Koon Chakhatrakan / Unsplash
Taking a Gondola Ride and Luge at the Skyline Rotorua is one of the most memorable things to do, where tourists can have thrilling experiences as they view the area’s beautiful landscapes. Tourists taking the gondola ride up Mount Ngongotaha can get aerial views of Rotorua, Lake Rotorua, and the geothermal landscapes, making it ideal for a memorable experience. Additionally, tourists can take a luge ride once at the top of the mountain with track options like Tiki Tour, Legend, Gravity, Twister, and Ultra.
Ideal Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Timings: 9 AM till late
Location: Mount Ngongotaha in Rotorua, New Zealand
6. Visit The Rotorua Museum
Photo: Krzysztof Golik / Wikimedia Commons
Visiting the Rotorua Museum is one of the things to see, offering tourists a glimpse of the local people’s way of life, history, and amazing architectural designs. Tourists visiting the Rotorua Museum can get the perfect opportunity to take photographs of the museum and its beautiful surroundings. Although the museum is closed for earthquake strengthening, tourists can view some of its events, exhibitions, and educational programmes, which are carried out around various venues in Rotorua.
Ideal Duration: 2-3 hours
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM from March to November and 9 AM – 6 PM from December to February
Location: Government Gardens, Rotorua, Bay of Plenty in New Zealand
7. Explore The Redwoods Forest
Photo: W. Bulach / Wikimedia Commons
Exploring the Redwoods Forest is one of the best experiences, where tourists can participate in various activities while enjoying the scenic views. Tourists exploring the Redwoods Forest can participate in mountain biking, nature walks, tree walks, horse riding, and picnicking. Additionally, the forest offers tourists one of the best things to do in Rotorua at night, as they can take walks in the Redwoods, which have amazing night lights and lanterns designed by David Trubridge.
Ideal Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Timings: 9 AM – 10:30 PM
Location: Whakarewarewa Forest, Rotorua, New Zealand
8. Go Zorbing
Photo: travelview / Shutterstock / Image For Representation Only
Zorbing is one of the top things to do in Rotorua, New Zealand, offering tourists of all ages a fun and memorable experience as they roll down the hills in giant inflatable balls. Tourists participating in Zorbing can choose from four tracks: water and dry Zorbing. Zorbing is the perfect activity for thrill-seeking tourists who want to add fun to their itinerary as they explore other major attractions in Rotorua, New Zealand.
Ideal Duration: 1 hour
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM, closed on Christmas Day
Location: Rotorua, New Zealand
9. Visit Hell’s Gate
Photo: Pseudopanax / Wikimedia Commons
Tourists looking for what to do in Rotorua can visit a Geothermal Park like Hell’s Gate to get unique experiences with a blend of mud baths, sulphur spa, and guided walks. Tourists visiting Hell’s Gate can witness the steaming cliffs, boiling pools, and one of the largest hot waterfalls in the Southern Hemisphere. Additionally, tourists can learn about the area’s cultural and historical significance through guided walks at Hell’s Gate.
Ideal Duration: 2-3 hours
Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM
Location: Rotorua, New Zealand
10. Take A Lake Rotorua Cruise
Taking a cruise at Lake Rotorua is one of the best things to do in Rotorua, where tourists can enjoy the beautiful sceneries and get an opportunity to visit the popular Manupirua Hot Springs. Moreover, tourists can learn about the Rotorua legend of Hinemoa when they cruise to Mokoia Island. Tourists can choose from various cruise options, including dinner cruises, daytime scenic views, and cruises, which are combined with other activities for a more extensive experience.
Ideal Duration: 1-2 hours
Timings: Offered all day with varying departure times
Location: Rotorua, New Zealand
Visiting Rotorua is one of the best things to do in New Zealand, as tourists get to have authentic cultural experiences while exploring its unique natural beauty, making it the ideal destination for nature enthusiasts. Rotorua is also the perfect destination for tourists to relax, offering them peaceful and memorable experiences. Plan your trip today with TripXL and explore various options for things to do in Rotorua.
Cover Photo: Punyashree Venkatram / Unsplash
