Rotorua Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Rotorua
Rotorua showing forest scenes as well as a small group of people
Rotorua
Rotorua
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland which includes a hot spring and views as well as a small group of people

Rotorua Travel Guide Video

Visitors flock to this geothermal site to enjoy its hot springs, mud pools, watersports and fascinating Maori culture.

Rotorua, which sits squarely on the Volcanic Plateau and the Pacific Rim of Fire, is built over one of the world’s geothermal hotspots. Large numbers of visitors come to Rotorua every year for its numerous geothermal attractions, as well as its Maori cultural heritage and wide choice of adventure sports.The city sits on the shore of Rotorua Lake in the Bay of Plenty area on New Zealand’s North Island. The area is well known for trout fishing and boating opportunities. Rent fishing equipment or enquire about local tour operators in town.Many of the famous hot springs, colorful crater lakes and bubbling pools are located in parks and reserves such as Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland. Soak in a geothermal mud bath, marvel at geysers erupting almost 100 feet (30 meters) into the air, and take a scenic flight to nearby White Island, the country’s only active marine volcano.Make time for a visit to The Buried Village. It was covered with ash when adjacent Mount Tarawera erupted in 1886. Today, the site has a museum, nature trail and teahouse. Nearby Rainbow Springs Nature Park has beautifully sculptured ponds filed with fish. See Kiwi birds and other creatures native to New Zealand.Discover the culture of the Te Arawa people, who settled in the area more than 600 years ago. At Tamaki Maori Village, see how villagers used the hot springs to bathe and do laundry. Try a hangi feast, which is cooked by steaming the food in the ground, and watch performances of Maori songs and war dance.Adventure seekers will find plenty of things to do in Rotorua. Try skydiving, mountain biking, whitewater rafting or zorbing. Activites are organised by various operators around the city. In winter, head for the North Island’s ski slopes, easily accessed via Rotorua’s international airport.

Where to stay in Rotorua

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Owhata

If you're spending some time in Owhata, Lake Rotorua and Haiku Pathway are top sights worth seeing.

Owhata
Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve showing a river or creek and a bridge

Whakarewarewa

The panoramic lake views and luxurious spas are just a few highlights of Whakarewarewa. Make a stop by Whakarewarewa: The Living Maori Village or Te Puia New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute while you're exploring the area.

Whakarewarewa
Lake Okareka showing a lake or waterhole

Lake Okareka

Travellers like the parks in Lake Okareka, and Lake Okareka is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Lake Okareka
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Lynmore

When in Lynmore, you can plan a visit to Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest and Polynesian Spa, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Lynmore
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Victoria

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Victoria and surrounding area, you can visit Rotorua Central Mall and Rotorua Night Market.

Victoria
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Ngongotaha

Ngongotaha is noteworthy for its lake views, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Agrodome and Lake Rotorua.

Ngongotaha
JetPark Hotel Rotorua
JetPark Hotel Rotorua
4 out of 5
237 Fenton Street, Corner Victoria Street, Rotorua
The price is £76 per night from 14 Jul to 15 Jul
£76
14 Jul - 15 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Rotorua. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
"Great location. Very clean. Very friendly staff."

Reviewed on 4 Jul 2025

JetPark Hotel Rotorua
Arawa Park Hotel
Arawa Park Hotel
4 out of 5
272 Fenton St, Rotorua
The price is £55 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
£55
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star luxury hotel in Rotorua. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Was only there for one night but it perfectly met our needs."

Reviewed on 3 Jul 2025

Arawa Park Hotel
Rydges Rotorua
Rydges Rotorua
4.5 out of 5
10 Tryon Street, Whakarewarewa, Rotorua, Bay of Plenty
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £63 per night from 31 Jul to 1 Aug
£63
31 Jul - 1 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Rotorua. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,006 reviews)
"Good size room. Maybe a curfew for the pool in the morning. After 9am?"

Reviewed on 6 Jul 2025

Rydges Rotorua
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Quest Rotorua Central
Quest Rotorua Central
4 out of 5
1192 Hinemoa Street, Rotorua
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified aparthotel in Rotorua. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, daily housekeeping and dry cleaning or laundry services. Our guests praise the helpful ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,038 reviews)
"Excellent service and room was very clean"

Reviewed on 26 Jun 2025

Quest Rotorua Central
Alpin Motel & Conference Centre
Alpin Motel & Conference Centre
4 out of 5
16 Sala Street, Rotorua, Bay of Plenty
Stay at this 4-star golf aparthotel in Rotorua. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and private hot tubs. Popular attractions Skyline Rotorua and Whakarewarewa: The ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (602 reviews)
"Front desk staff were super friendly and helpful – really appreciated the quick responses and warm welcome. Room was modern, clean and well set up. Loved the private spa pool – such a treat. Heated pool, sauna and BBQ area were a bonus too. Would happily stay again. Cheers team!"

Reviewed on 6 Jun 2025

Alpin Motel & Conference Centre
Kings On Peace
Kings On Peace
4 out of 5
4A Peace Street, Fenton Park, Rotorua
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Rotorua. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (227 reviews)
"Great family stay - clean and well equipped apartment, easy and friendly check in, good facilities"

Reviewed on 3 Jul 2025

Kings On Peace
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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