Out and About in Rotorua
World-class visitor attractions, vibrant Maori heritage and spectacular thermal areas guarantee plenty of entertainment in Rotorua, whatever the weather. Make sure you download a copy of our What's On in Rotorua guide to get the most of this beautiful area - the booklet also includes special deals.
Located at the edge of beautiful Lake Rotorua, the distinctive smell of sulphur in New Zealand’s thermal capital soon lets you know you’ve arrived. Just minutes from Rotorua's city centre, you’ll find magnificent examples of hissing geysers, bubbling mud pools and steaming fumaroles to explore. Rotorua’s long Maori history makes it an ideal place to experience New Zealand's rich Maori heritage.
Action and Adventure in Rotorua
The best view of thermal, volcanic and scenic
Rotorua is from one of the many helicopter and chartered aircraft companies, but the next best thing is to take a
gondola ride, then rush back down on a luge (a plastic sled). It's fast and it's fun! At the
Agrodome, you can even have a go at shearing a sheep, roll down a hill inside a
zorb and experience the New Zealand sport of bungy. For another adrenalin rush, go
white water rafting on the Kaituna River, which includes a plunge over a 7m waterfall.
Affordable Family Fun
Take the kids and get lost! No, we're not meaning to be rude, but we think that you're bound to get lost in Amazeme's 1.5km worth of winding hedge-lined pathways, but you're guaranteed to have loads of fun finding your way. Outside the maze, the whole family will delight in the small animal petting experience, aviary, Monarch butterfly house and playground and enjoy the raised garden beds full of seasonal fruit, berries and vegetables.
Where Kiwis Play is the motto at the iconic Rainbow Springs where you can see the rainbow trout, spy New Zealand's favourite bird as well as get close with the wonderful tuatara, and now the wildlife park is even more geared towards providing for the whole family with new adventure rides.
Paradise is just 15mins away from Rotorua city – Paradise Valley that is. Get a different perspective and take a horse trek through pasture and native forest, enjoy breathtaking views and experience an unforgettable taste of rural New Zealand. Just read what one Jasons reviewer said:
"Best horse riding stables in New Zealand! The staff were super and very patient, the horses were well behaved and happy, and the property was gorgeous, with amazing views."
Handy hint: Make sure you have a copy of our What's On in Rotorua guide for any special discounts on activities in the area.
Rotorua's Lake District
The 14 beautiful lakes in the
Rotorua district offer excellent trout fishing (except Green Lake, which is sacred to Maori) and there's an abundance of operators waiting to show you the best spots - from the
cruisey to the
luxurious, to the more unusual
'Duck' tours in a WWII Amphibious Landing Craft.
There's also hunting, waterskiing, golf, jetboating and clay-bird shooting. While the vast Whakarewarewa Forest Park and Kaingaroa Forest add to the
area's outdoor appeal with walking and mountain biking tracks.
Where to Eat in Rotorua
There are so many
restaurants in
Rotorua to choose from, you are spoiled for choice, so here's a few that we think you'll enjoy:
Grab a bite to eat & a cheeky sip of treats made from blueberries! From blueberry tarts and pancakes to blueberry wine or ice-cream, these little globes of health pack a flavoursome punch. You can also take home some treats and tour the berry orchard and chat with the wine maker. Delicious!
If you have some time to spare, treat your tastebuds and yourself to a
long lingering lunch with a stunning vista, where you can experience world-class cuisine while looking across million-dollar views. Sunset dining also comes highly recommended.
Bring a healthy appetite to Rotorua's Lone Star and choose from 'Dixie Chicken', 'Lassoo of Hog' and the legendary 'Baked Redneck Ribs', guaranteed to have you requesting more napkins. There are also daily blackboard specials, an extensive dessert menu and a special children's menu.
For a taste of traditional Maori hangi try the multi-award winning
Tamaki Maori Village; offering more food than you can eat, a traditional welcome, dance and song performance, and a chance to learn Maori culture and customs.
Where to Stay – places with great indoor–outdoor flow
Rotorua is a mecca for fishing, and plenty of accommodation providers cater to this try Top Ten holiday park that boasts no sulphur smell and has fish-cleaning facilities.
Golden Springs Thermal Motel & Holiday Park has fern glade walks, a thermal stream and is located midway between Taupo and Rotorua.
Blue Lake Holiday Park is set amongst native bush with lakeview park motels, self-contained and ensuite units as well as kayak and Canadian canoe hire, fishing licences and a tour desk/booking service.
Talk to the animals! Situated within the town area, Aria Farm's three acres has loads of accommodation and around 50 chooks, lambs, pigs and the children's pets. There is plenty of space for kids to play safely and the hosts know what makes for a top-quality stay providing comfortable beds and a hearty breakfast.
Read the review to find out why Jasons' users would recommend Aria Farm to anyone staying in Rotorua.
For a real special indulgence, visit Wai-ora Lakesidde spa resort.
There's Always More to See in Rotorua
At
Te Wairoa. the village buried by the 1886 Tarawera eruption, the
Buried Village museum takes you from the pre-European contact period to the 1886
eruption. Since excavations began in 1931, a number of buildings have
been recovered.
Government Gardens
The best introduction to Rotorua's past is the $1.4 million, 12 minute movie stuffed with special effects at the
Rotorua Museum of Art and History. This
Rotorua
landmark dominates the Government Gardens, where locals and visitors
enjoy lawn bowls, croquet, petanque and more steaming vents. Next door,
take a luxury spa at the
Polynesian Spa.
Order your free copies of
Jasons Central and Eastern North Island RoutePlanner
