Rotorua

Written by Callum Taylor, Camille Laurent, Marika Maslanka
25/08/2025
Explore the striking geothermal landscape and azure lake in Rotorua's unique natural setting.
Kalika Ward, Pexels

Rotorua, nestled on New Zealand's North Island, is a vibrant destination known for its distinctive geothermal landscapes, offering an array of bubbling mud pools, steaming vents, and powerful geysers. Beyond its natural wonders, the city is a significant hub for Māori culture, providing immersive experiences into traditional customs, arts, and history. It also serves as an adventure playground with numerous activities set amidst its natural beauty, attracting a diverse range of visitors including families and adventure seekers.

For visitors looking to socialize, Eat Streat in the city center is a prominent area featuring a collection of restaurants and bars under a covered walkway, ideal for evening gatherings. Additionally, several backpacker hostels, such as Crash Palace Backpackers, are recognized for their lively atmosphere and organized social events, including pub crawls and communal meals, fostering connections among travelers.

Top 6 Things to do in Rotorua

Rotorua provides a rich mix of geothermal marvels, cultural encounters, active pursuits, and opportunities for relaxation.

1. Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

Exploring Wai-O-Tapu reveals a landscape alive with vibrant colours and striking geothermal features. The Champagne Pool, with its iridescent edges, is a highlight, and witnessing the Lady Knox Geyser erupt daily at 10:15 AM is a memorable spectacle. Visitors should allow ample time to walk the well-marked paths and appreciate the unique geological formations.

Cost: Adult admission is NZD $45.00, while children (15 years and under) are NZD $15.00. A family pass for two adults and two or three children is NZD $105.00.

Transport: This geothermal park is approximately 30-35 kilometres south of Rotorua city centre. While it is possible to use bus services with transfers, driving or taking a taxi is more direct. A taxi from Waiotapu to Te Puia Thermal Park, a similar distance, costs around NZD $90-110, indicating a higher cost for a direct taxi from Rotorua CBD. Many organised tours also include transport.

2. Te Puia

Visiting Te Puia offers a unique blend of geothermal activity and a deep dive into Māori culture. The Pōhutu Geyser, the Southern Hemisphere's largest active geyser, erupts majestically, often reaching heights of 30 meters. Visitors can also explore the New Zealand Māori Arts & Crafts Institute, watch traditional cultural performances, and observe kiwi birds in their conservation centre.

Cost: The Te Rā Guided Day Tour costs NZD $100.00 for adults and NZD $50.00 for children.

Transport: Te Puia is a short drive from Rotorua city centre. The CityRide bus, specifically Route 11, provides access to Te Puia Thermal Park. An adult cash fare for the bus is $2.80, or a Day Saver Travel Pass can be purchased for $7.00.

3. Skyline Rotorua Gondola & Luge

Taking the scenic gondola ride up Mount Ngongotaha provides panoramic vistas of Lake Rotorua and the surrounding landscape. At the summit, the Luge offers an exhilarating, gravity-fueled ride down one of three purpose-built tracks – scenic, intermediate, or advanced – with a chairlift returning you to the top for more runs.

Cost: A package including the Gondola and three Luge rides costs NZD $81 for adults and NZD $49 for children. A five-ride package is NZD $93 for adults and NZD $63 for children.

Transport: Skyline Rotorua is located at 178 Fairy Springs Road. CityRide bus Route 1 services the Skyline Rotorua Gondola & Luge. The adult cash fare is $2.80, or a Day Saver Travel Pass is $7.00. Free parking is available on site.

4. Redwoods Treewalk

The Redwoods Treewalk offers a serene journey among towering 75-meter-tall Redwood trees. It involves walking across 28 eco-suspended bridges and platforms, ranging from 9 to 20 meters high, providing a unique perspective of the forest. For an enchanting evening experience, the Redwoods Nightlights illuminate the forest with a captivating glow.

Cost: Daytime Treewalk admission is NZD $39 for adults and NZD $24 for children. A family pass for two adults and three children is NZD $69.

Transport: The Redwoods Treewalk is situated approximately five minutes from downtown Rotorua. CityRide bus Route 3 provides direct access to The Redwoods. An adult cash fare is $2.80, or a Day Saver Travel Pass is $7.00.

5. Polynesian Spa

Polynesian Spa provides a luxurious and therapeutic bathing experience with a variety of geothermal hot pools overlooking Lake Rotorua. Visitors can choose between public pools, such as the Pavilion Adult Pools with both acidic and alkaline mineral waters, or the family pools which include a small hydro slide. Private pools offering lake or sky views are also available for a more secluded soak.

Cost: Entry to the Pavilion Adult Pools starts from approximately NZD $33.00 to $49.95, depending on booking and deals. The Deluxe Lake Spa starts from NZD $79.95.

Transport: Located at 1000 Hinemoa Street, on the lakeside, the Polynesian Spa is centrally located and typically within walking distance from many accommodations in Rotorua's central business district.

6. Kuirau Park

Kuirau Park stands out as New Zealand's only free public geothermal park, conveniently located within Rotorua's city centre. Visitors can explore a network of pathways that lead to bubbling mud pools, steaming vents, a scenic crater lake, and natural hot springs. The park also offers a free thermal foot bath, providing a unique opportunity to soak your feet in warm, geothermally heated water.

Cost: Entry to Kuirau Park is free of charge.

Transport: The park is easily accessible, located in the northern part of Rotorua, just a five-minute walk from the city centre.

Check out our other pages on Rotorua

Getting There icon Getting There Restaurants icon Restaurants Bars and Entertainment icon Bars and Entertainment Hotels icon Hotels Budget Stays icon Budget Stays

Discover destinations in New Zealand

Central North Island
Lower North Island
Lower South Island
Northland & Upper North Island
Upper South Island