Rotorua Summer Fun

Champagne Pool, Wai-O-Tapu, copyright Chris McLennan

Trout fishing at dawn, courtesy Destination Rotorua

Carved entrance to Te Puia, a Maori cultural icon, courtesy Destination Rotorua

Craters of the Moon, courtesy Heidi Coppock Beard

Rotorua Summer Activities & Attractions

  • Geothermal Fields – Boiling mud, bubbling lakes, exploding geysers, steaming vents – there’s no place quite like Rotorua.  Check out the brilliant colours of Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, visit the steam-shrouded Waimangu Volcanic Valley, and watch the geyser action at Whakarewarewa and Hell’s Gate, then revive yourself at a thermal spa.
  • Maori Culture – Rotorua is considered the heartland of indigenous culture, so take the opportunity to experience the warm spirit of Te Maori.  You can discover the grace and beauty of kappa haka (song and dance) performance, experience an authentic Maori hangi (feast), watch Maori carvers and weavers at work and learn about local stories and legends.
  • Rotorua Adventure & Recreation – There is plenty of action to tempt thrill seekers here, from the Kiwi adventures of zorbing and schweebing to quad biking safaris, skydiving and scenic flights. You can go rafting, sledging, kayaking and jet boating in the region’s rivers, jump aboard an amphibian vehicle, have a go at dirt biking, or saddle up and explore by horse. For family fun, take part in a kiwi encounter, visit a wildlife park, find out about the region’s awesome forces at Rotorua Museum and the Buried Village or ride the gondola up Mount Ngongotaha and enjoy the panoramic vista.

Lake Taupo Summer Activities & Attractions

  • Taupo Adventure & Recreation – Taupo’s stunning lake offers fishing, swimming and watersports, or take your pick from a range of adventures including scenic and helicopter flights, bungy jumping, paintball, whitewater jetboating and rafting, river cruising, sky diving and quad biking.  Discover the dramatic thermal areas at Orakei Korako and Wairakei Terraces, visit a geothermal prawn park, learn about the region’s stories at the museum, or just relax into a soothing thermal pool.
  • Huka Falls – A short drive north of Taupo, you’ll find viewing platforms overlooking these magnificent falls, or take a jetboat tour or river cruise for a close-up view of the thundering waters.
All Central North Island activities & attractions >>
More Summer Fun in the Sun ideas >>
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Find Central North Island Accommodation
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