Rotorua New Zealand is a wonderful place near the Hobbiton movie set in North Island. If you want to experience the diversity of nature along with the age-old cultural traditions of New Zealand Rotorua is a place that you must visit. Rotorua is located near the Bay of Plenty region, and it is well known for its beautiful forests, the Maori culture, its mud pools, and the geothermal activities of the pools. This city is more than 150 years old and proudly carries the traditional lifestyle and also has been a center of attraction for being a Maori tourist place.
Here is How You Can Travel to Rotorua New Zealand
Rotorua can be explored by car from Auckland or other nearby cities, which is what I did during my visit. If you are visiting from another country, you can land at Auckland International Airport and you can take daily domestic flights to Rotorua Airport. There are regular flights to Rotorua from Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch.
If you’re in Auckland, renting a car to drive to Rotorua is a great option since it takes only about 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Auckland Airport, which is a cheaper and easily accessible option.
For those reaching Rotorua from other cities, driving or flying is your best bet. Driving from Hamilton takes just over an hour, while driving from Wellington takes about 5 hours.
Why is Rotorua Special?
Rotorua is a special city known for its mud pools, thermal springs, as well as the age-old Maori culture. Rotorua is the home of Te Arawa and Maoris which is evident in the arts, and exhibitions. The pink and white terraces in Rotorua are called the eighth wonders of the world. Rotorua is also one of the best places to live and enjoy lush forests, sparkling lakes, and others.
The Maori Culture of Rotorua:
One of the best places in New Zealand to experience the traditions, ceremonies, and beliefs of the Māori people is Rotorua. You can gain a genuine perspective on Māori culture through traditional ceremonies, folklore, art, and entertainment by participating in cultural tours and performances. Visitors can enjoy steam-prepared traditional meals, learn to perform the haka, and use poi. Guided walking tours around historic villages provide a firsthand look at the lives of people who have lived there for over 200 years. Half-day customized trips also offer in-depth lessons about Māori folklore, history, and lifestyle.
An essential part of the Rotorua experience is visiting Te Puia, where you can witness captivating Māori cultural shows. These performances feature traditional songs, dances, and storytelling, offering a rich insight into Māori heritage. Watching a live haka performance at Te Puia is truly unforgettable and adds a profound layer to your cultural journey in Rotorua. No matter which tour you choose, your experience will be greatly enriched by these unique cultural insights.
Places to Visit in Rotorua
Te Puia:
Te Puia is a geothermal park and the Maori Arts and Crafts Museum is also located there. Te Puia showcases the old traditional weaving school, wood crafting school, and Ahua gallery. You can experience the age-old crafting traditions, and watch sculpture classes, and bone carving and you can also buy souvenirs from Te Puia.
Whakarewarewa:
This is the living Maori village in Rotorua, and it carries the footprints of traditional ways of living and gives you a peek into the lifestyle of the people living there. The living Maori village offers guided village tours, Whaka geothermal trails, and also Whaka e-bike tours.
Redwoods Treewalk:
The redwood tree walk is a magical experience to remember as it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The suspended bridges in the middle of a jungle create a perfect experience of adventure and fun. The stunning beauty of the forest is magical and immersive. As you walk amidst the 120-year-old redwoods, you get the charming vibe of the jungles. You can get both daytime passes as well as nighttime passes. December to March is the peak time to visit the forest during Summer.
Buried Village of Te Wairoa:
It’s one of the most visited archeological sites as you can assume. The village of Te Wairoa was buried due to the eruption of Mt. Tarawera followed by an explosion of Lake Rotomahana in June of 1886. 153 villagers lost their lives due to the incident. You can still visit the site and the beauty of the restructured village, important archeological evidence of the incident along with the beautiful waterfalls, and natural scenery.
Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland:
Waiotapu is a geothermally active lake located at the south of Okataina Volcanic Centre. From the town of Rotorua, it’s just 27 kilometers. You can enjoy a nice bath, mudding, and spa over there. The facilities are available through tickets which give you access to the pool for 45 to 90 minutes.
There is champagne pool, bubbling mud, a steaming area, and expensive vistas. The area is surrounded by nature and the setting is quite compelling and experience is surely one of its kind. You should take out half a day’s time to visit the volcanic center along with enjoying waiotapu thermal land.
Paradise Valley Springs:
Paradise Valley Springs is one of the most serene and beautiful spots in Rotorua. Paradise Valley Spring is a wildlife park, located in Ngongotahā Valley. The highlight of the Paradise valley is the 20-ft high Boardwalk overlooking the clear ponds where you will see hundreds of rainbow trout, brown trout.
Along with that you can see African lion, alpine parrots, alpaca, emus, donkeys, native birds and long-finned eels in the enclosure. The park is set amongst one of the most widespread and beautiful area. Around 3:30 you can feed the animals and interact with them if your wish.
Hell’s Gate Geothermal Park & Mud Spa:
The hell’s gate geothermal park is one of the oldest mud spa and hot pool in the area. If you enjoy mudding, it is one of the highest quality muds and your skin will feel revitalized after you try it. You can soak in sulphur spas, enjoy geothermal walk. There are separate natural treatments for exfoliating, healing of your skin which has been used by the Maoris for centuries.
Activities to Enjoy in Rotorua:
Rotorua has an amazing variety of sights and experiences to immerse yourself, as a result of which you will never run out of things to do. We provide a variety of experiences to suit your needs, including eco-tours, adventure, peaceful spa days, and exploring our lakes, woods, and geothermal sites.
In Rotorua, all of this and much more are prepared and waiting for you. Indulgent spa treatments, freshwater cedar hot tubs, health retreats, and thermal pools heated by Mother Earth are just a few ways to pamper yourself while visiting Rotorua.
Hot Pool/ Geothermal Spas:
Since the mid-19th century, people have flocked to Rotorua’s thermal waters to soak in the hot springs along the shore of Lake Rotorua. These geothermal waters are praised for their therapeutic qualities and are believed to help with conditions like rheumatism and arthritis.
There are many ways to enjoy Rotorua’s hot pools. You can choose from various lodging options that offer private spa pools in their rooms, hot pools along the lake, or free footbaths in the city center. In more rural areas, you’ll find natural hot water beaches, freshwater hot tubs, and mineral pools.
If you’re looking for a unique experience, consider trying the Polynesian Geothermal Spa. Admission tickets are available on Klook, providing a convenient way to enjoy this relaxing and therapeutic attraction.
Enjoy Luxury Stay:
You can fly to Mt Tarawera for an opulent experience and take in the breathtaking panoramic sights. Navigate to isolated coves where you can take a dip in the therapeutic thermal waters that are only accessible to residents. Enjoy a revitalising spa treatment and give your body and mind a break at one of our opulent lodges or boutique hotels. Alternatively, stay at the only five-star hotel in Rotorua, located right in the heart of the city.
Spa and Fitness:
The Pink and White Terraces, a geothermal phenomenon that produced hot and mineral-rich swimming pools, made Rotorua a well-liked tourist attraction from the 1840s to the 1880s. Some of Rotorua’s other hot springs were also considered medicinal, even after Mt Tarawera erupted in 1886. With its foundation in Māori culture and traditional healing methods, Rotorua now boasts a range of top-notch spa and wellness experiences, such as the Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa.
Multiple times, Condé Nast Traveller magazine has named Polynesian Spa, the first geothermal bathing experience in New Zealand, one of the World’s Top 10 Spas. There are no regular, convalescing open-air mud showers somewhere else in New Zealand save at Damnation’s Entryway. With so many spa and health options accessible, Rotorua is the ideal holiday destination for individuals who need to feel revived, empowered, and re-established.
River White Water Rafting:
There are rivers where you can try out white water river rafting: Kaituna, Rangitaiki River, and Wairoa River. River rafting is quite adventurous and a perfect activity to enjoy with a group of friends. Kaituna is the most popular river for rafting near Rotorua. It features a 7-meter waterfall called Okere Falls that rafters can opt to go over.
The Wairoa River is closest to the city and has grade to grade 3 rapids which is perfect for beginners. The Rangitaiki River is a less popular but quite enjoyable location for rafting. But it flows through native forests and offers scenic rafting with a slightly lower degree of intensity than the Kaituna.
Cycling and Mountain Biking:
Crankworx Rotorua is situated in Rotorua, a notable mountain trekking objective that has been named one of the top spots on the planet by the Global Mountain Trekking Affiliation (IMBA). 200 kilometers of trailblazing bicycle courses in Whakarewarewa Woodland are accessible for cyclists of all expertise levels, from amateurs to furious downhill contenders.
For fledglings and e-bicycle devotees, the 33 km round Whakarewarewa Backwoods Circle is a well-known choice. Street bikers can appreciate wonderful courses past lakes, woods, verifiable tourist spots, and geothermal areas on Te Ara Ahi ‘Warm by Bicycle’. All of the tightest bowing segments of Hamurana are covered by an assigned cycling track that encompasses Lake Rotorua.
Extra choices in the area incorporate the Whirinaki Woodland Trails, Moerangi Trail, Western Okataina Walkway, Horizon MTB Park, Rainbow Mountain, and Lumber Trail. Fantastic bicycle stores have large amounts of Rotorua, simplifying it to lease, purchase, fix, and get direct path direction. With such countless choices accessible, everybody might have a great time and extraordinary mountain trekking experience in the city.
The Whaka 100 is the biggest mountain trekking occasion in the Southern Side of the equator, held each October. It highlights occasions for all ages, from 5km children to 100 km and 160km Whaka Miler. Crankworx Rotorua, a yearly celebration and world contest, draws in top riders from around the world to compete in different downhill and stunt occasions. The extended occasion is a mind-blowing experience for contenders and onlookers.
Walking and Hiking:
Nature lovers who love to get around by walking, track down extraordinarily and thoroughly enjoy many paths through gorgeous backwoods and around quiet lakes. Bring in to see the cordial staff at both of our I-SITE areas for data on trails, as well as camping areas, cabins and other extraordinary attractions, or address a Division of Protection (DOC) specialist, situated at our Fenton Road I-SITE.
Tarawera Trail is a fan favourite. This 15-kilometre progressed hiking track has all that from extensions and normal springs to local shrub and flawless perspectives on two lakes. Your efforts will be compensated at the end with a naturally occurring hot spring beach, so when packing your backpack, don’t forget your bathers. If walking back seems too difficult, reserve a water taxi in advance to return to the starting point.
Golf:
If you’re a golf player going to Rotorua, make sure to bring your clubs and exploit the scope of courses here that suit all levels. One of New Zealand’s driving greens is Arikikapakapa Rotorua Golf Club. These 18 openings, standard 70 course furnishes assortment and challenge with many openings played over and around both torpid and dynamic warm regions.
Fishing:
Ngongotaha Trout Incubator offers kids aged 6-14 the potential chance to learn fly fishing and catch rainbow trout. The area offers different lakes and streams for all-year fishing, for certain seasons fluctuating from October to June. A fishing permit is expected for all New Zealand occupants and guests. Coastline fly and twist fishing yields high catch rates, while boat fishing is a good time for the entire family.
Rotorua lakes need reasonable generating streams, so beneficial stocking keeps up with high trout populaces. Lake Rotorua has one of the greatest catch rates in the area, while Lake Ōkāreka offers top-notch fish. Lakes Rotoma, Rotoehu, Rotomahana, Tikitapu, and Lake Rerewhakaaitu draw in shore-based fishermen. Lake Ohakuri, southwest of Rotorua, has a high populace of rainbow and earthy colored trout.
Experiences of a Lifetime:
You will get back brimming with astounding encounters to tell about your climb or heli-tour to the highest point of Mount Tarawera, ziplining through an old woodland, arriving on one of our lakes by a floatplane visit to segregated underground aquifers, finding our Māori customs and culture, and considerably more.
Scenic Flights and Heli-Biking:
Get a superior comprehension of Rotorua’s geothermal marvels by taking to the skies or have unparalleled admittance to probably the best singletrack rides nearby. Basically, flightseeing or elevated touring is a fantastic method for taking in all that Rotorua brings to the table. Establish a major connection by riding a floatplane to a confidential warm underground aquifer or to a beguiling lakeside champagne cookout region with your soulmate.
Take a helicopter visit over the hole lakes nearby, then climb through a mind-blowing geothermal hold and set foot on a functioning spring of gushing lava. Prior to cycling New Zealand’s Extraordinary Rides, heli-trekking trips give an astonishing involvement with segregated areas by providing riders with an elevated viewpoint of the scene and old woodland.
It is likewise conceivable to drop mountain bikers off at a DoC stop for the evening. Administrators can examine options for custom undertakings. Trail blazing bicycle stores recruit out bicycles continuously or day, including e-off-road bicycles. When trips, bicycles can be gathered, cleaned, and dismantled in the Bicycle Zone at Rotorua Air terminal. The air terminal is an extraordinary option for mountain bikers since it offers both short- and long-haul bicycle capacity choices.
Adventure:
Adventure searchers will appreciate Rotorua! ZORB, the Sled at Horizon Rotorua, and Dizziness, New Zealand’s initial 43 metres (141-foot) drop, are only a couple of the extraordinary world-first attractions and exercises that our imaginative local area in Rotorua has made. Renowned Kaituna Waterway in Rotorua is likewise the area of the undeniably popular Tutea Falls, the world’s most elevated monetarily raftable cascade at 7 metres (23 feet) high. Rotorua is an objective that requests to both moderate swashbucklers and the most impassioned activity searchers.
Family Fun:
Rotorua offers a variety of attractions, bistros, eateries, and free activities for families to enjoy. Visitors can feed animals and explore different attractions like Rotorua Heritage Farm, aMAZEme, and Skyline Rotorua. For those who love adventure, there are giant inflatable ZORBs and luge races at Skyline Rotorua. Geothermal parks, hot pools, and Whakarewarewa Forest (also known as “The Redwoods”) provide fantastic experiences for kids.
Rainy day activities include Motion Entertainment, which offers ten-pin bowling, mini-golf, a trampoline park, laser tag, escape rooms, Chipmunks Playland, and arcade games. The 3D Trick Art Gallery and a WWII amphibious duck tour are also available. To find the perfect accommodations, Rotorua I-SITE Visitor Information Centers provide free expert advice and offer a range of family-friendly places to stay. Rotorua is a great place to create lasting memories with your family, offering various activities to keep everyone entertained.
Additionally, a trip to Hobbiton is a must when visiting Rotorua. Located just a short drive away, the Hobbiton Movie Set is an enchanting experience for fans of “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” films. Wander through the lush pastures of the Shire, visit the iconic Hobbit holes, and enjoy a drink at the Green Dragon Inn. It’s an easy and delightful excursion that adds a magical touch to your Rotorua adventure.
Tours and Transport:
Rotorua offers a variety of transportation modes, making it suitable for visitors of all sizes. These include bikes, e-bikes, horseback rides, Segways, kayaks, jet boats, SUP, sailboats, helicopters, paddle-boats, Māori waka boats, ziplines, engineered overpasses, all-wheel drive, WWII land and water-capable warships, and walking. Rotorua is also an ideal location for events like weddings, reunions, and meetings, where visitors can experience as much of the city as possible. Many administrators also offer custom visits for group-building activities or unique experiences.
Enjoy Eco-Tours:
Rotorua is a city known for its shocking view and normal untamed life, with eco-visit administrators devoted to safeguarding local verdure. The Public Kiwi Incubator Aotearoa raised more than 1,850 earthy-colored kiwis beginning around 2008, while the Wingspan Public Flying Predator Community offers interesting and safeguarded birds like the local hawk, Karearea.
Eco-visits likewise offer voyages through gleam worm caves, cycling, whitewater boating, ziplining, and strolling. Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne Protection Park offers directed climbs through the staggering landscape and interesting birdlife. Independent visits can be taken at Rotorua I-SITE Guest Data Focuses. Sulphur Sound Natural Life Shelter is a famous spot for noticing plants and birds adjusted to the hot, hot, and sulfurous climate.
How Many Days Are Enough In Rotorua?
Rotorua’s main attractions are its geothermal springs, mud pools, and the Māori village. To truly experience the unique culture, it’s recommended to spend at least 2-3 days here. During a short trip, you can visit the Whakarewarewa Thermal Village, relax in the Polynesian Spa, and explore Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland.
For a fully immersive experience, consider extending your stay to 5 days. We’ve created a detailed 5-day Rotorua itinerary for families and couples, covering all the must-see places. You can download the PDF of this itinerary [here]
Conclusion
A Rotorua trip promises an unforgettable experience immersed in the natural wonders and rich cultural heritage of New Zealand. From geothermal parks with bubbling mud pools and hot springs to the living Maori village of Whakarewarewa, Rotorua offers a captivating glimpse into the region’s volcanic landscapes and indigenous traditions.
Adventure seekers can indulge in adrenaline-pumping activities like zorbing, luging, and whitewater rafting, while nature enthusiasts can explore the ancient redwood forests on hiking trails or scenic flights. Families will delight in the interactive experiences at attractions like Rainbow Springs and the Agrodome.
No Rotorua trip is complete without embracing the healing powers of the thermal spas and luxurious wellness retreats. With its diverse array of activities, accommodations, and culinary delights, Rotorua emerges as a truly unique destination that leaves visitors with cherished memories and a deeper appreciation for New Zealand’s captivating natural and cultural wonders.