What to do in Rotorua

Activities, attractions and tours

Rotorua
Rotorua
Rotorua
Rotorua
Rotorua

Rotorua Attractions

Sightseeing in Rotorua

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Rotorua has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Rotorua, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Rotorua with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in Rotorua

Rotorua is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Rotorua, and make it a breeze to explore Rotorua and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Rotorua to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to Rotorua, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Rotorua.

Rotorua attractions

Rotorua has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Rotorua to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Rotorua.

Looking for things to do in Rotorua can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Rotorua or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Rotorua attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

You can also book top Rotorua hotels and great Rotorua holidays right here on Expedia.co.uk.

Things to do

Hell's Gate Mud Bath & Spas

Hell's Gate Mud Bath & Spas

£40
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Hell's Gate Mud Bath & Spas
Marama: Geyser Light Trail

Marama: Geyser Light Trail

£22
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Marama: Geyser Light Trail
Cultural Experience & Seasonal Māori Cuisine at Te Pā Tū

Cultural Experience & Seasonal Māori Cuisine at Te Pā Tū

£123
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Cultural Experience & Seasonal Māori Cuisine at Te Pā Tū
Hobbiton Day Tour from Rotorua with lunch at Hobbiton

Hobbiton Day Tour from Rotorua with lunch at Hobbiton

£135
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Hobbiton Day Tour from Rotorua with lunch at Hobbiton
Te Ra Guided Experience

Te Ra Guided Experience

£46
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Te Ra Guided Experience
The Hell's Gate Experience

The Hell's Gate Experience

£51
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
The Hell's Gate Experience
1-Day Rotorua Tour from Auckland with Options

Rotorua Tour from Auckland with Optional Extras

£198
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Rotorua Tour from Auckland with Optional Extras
See all activities in Rotorua
  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    One Key members save % or more on select activities, hotels, cars and holiday rentals.
    Learn about One Key

Most fun & popular experiences in Rotorua

Tours & day trips

See all 110 activities
Rotorua Tour from Auckland with Optional Extras

Rotorua Tour from Auckland with Optional Extras

Activity duration is 13 hours
9.0 out of 10 with 16 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is £195 per adult
Rotorua Tour from Auckland with Optional ExtrasOpens in new tab

Adventure & outdoor

See all 25 activities
Rotorua: Redwoods Altitude High Ropes Adventure

Rotorua: Redwoods Altitude High Ropes Adventure

Activity duration is 2 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 52 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is £63 per adult
Rotorua: Redwoods Altitude High Ropes AdventureOpens in new tab

Water activities

See all 21 activities
Cambridge, Matamata, Waitomo: 1-Hour Ecological River Cruise

Cambridge, Matamata, Waitomo: 1-Hour Ecological River Cruise

Activity duration is 1 hour
10.0 out of 10 with 10 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is £64 per adult
Cambridge, Matamata, Waitomo: 1-Hour Ecological River CruiseOpens in new tab

Spa & wellness

See all 20 activities
Hell's Gate Mud Bath & Spas

Hell's Gate Mud Bath & Spas

Activity duration is 1 hour
9.4 out of 10 with 102 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is £39 per adult
Hell's Gate Mud Bath & SpasOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 17 activities
Rotorua: Secret Spot Hot Tubs

Rotorua: Secret Spot Hot Tubs

Activity duration is 45 minutes
9.6 out of 10 with 99 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is £20 per adult
Rotorua: Secret Spot Hot TubsOpens in new tab

What to do in Rotorua

Popular places to visit

Polynesian Spa

Polynesian Spa

Set among the serene Government Gardens on the shores of Lake Rotorua, these hot pools are an idyllic place to relax and unwind.

Polynesian Spa
Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest

Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest

Walk, cycle or ride a horse through this picturesque forest filled with a magnificent array of trees from around the world.

Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest
Skyline Rotorua

Skyline Rotorua

Take in the splendid scenery during a gondola ride and jump in a luge cart to navigate your way down the exciting mountain track.

Skyline Rotorua
Eat Street

Eat Street

During your trip to Rotorua, you can enjoy retail therapy at Eat Street.

Eat Street
Te Puia New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute

Te Puia New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute

Discover more about the Maori people and the traditional arts and crafts that are integral to their culture.

Te Puia New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute
Rainbow Springs Kiwi Wildlife Park

Rainbow Springs Kiwi Wildlife Park

Learn about New Zealand’s most famous bird as you explore this comprehensive wildlife park, complete with a lake full of trout and walk through aviaries.

Rainbow Springs Kiwi Wildlife Park
Mitai Maori Village

Mitai Maori Village

For a great insight into Māori customs and way of life, sign up for this magical, entertaining and educational cultural experience.

Mitai Maori Village
Whakarewarewa: The Living Maori Village

Whakarewarewa: The Living Maori Village

You can find out about the history of Rotorua with a trip to Whakarewarewa: The Living Maori Village. Stroll along the lakeside or visit the spas in this relaxing area.

Whakarewarewa: The Living Maori Village
Government Gardens

Government Gardens

Admire pretty roses and exquisite sculptures, relax at luxurious spas and discover the region’s remarkable history.

Government Gardens

Where to stay in Rotorua

Find the best Rotorua areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Rotorua
Learn more about Rotorua
Aerial view of Rotorua, New Zealand

Inner City

If you're spending some time in Inner City, Rotorua Central Mall and Eat Street are top sights worth seeing.

Driving along Fenton Street on a beautiful sunny day

Fenton Street

You'll love the luxurious spas in Fenton Street, and you might want to stick around to check out Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre, a top place to visit.

Ohinemutu

Spas and lake views are notable features of Ohinemutu. You might consider stopping by Lake Rotorua while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Photo by Umi Mostafa
Open Photo by Umi Mostafa

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.

Kawaha Point

River views, spas and restaurants highlight some of the notable features of Kawaha Point. Make a stop by Lake Rotorua while you're exploring.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Rotorua

Lake Tarawera

Lake Tarawera

Waikato Region aerial view on a cloudy summer day. Countryside of New Zealand

Horohoro

Lake Okataina

Lake Okataina

Landscape photo of a jetty on Lake Rotoiti, New Zealand. This jetty is within the Nelson Lakes National Park and is one of the most Instagrammed locations in New Zealand

Mourea

Hamurana

Hamurana

Okere Falls

Okere Falls

Frequently asked questions

Is Rotorua worth visiting?
Whether you want to discover the local charm and cultural hotspots or try unique foods and explore in nature, there are many things to do in Rotorua.
How do I spend a day in Rotorua?
Once you've visited top attractions like Sulphur Point and Wingspan National Bird of Prey Centre, spend some time discovering Rotorua's shopping and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Rotorua?
The top tourist attraction in Rotorua is Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre, so don't forget to include it on your sightseeing itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Rotorua?
You can easily enjoy top attractions like Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre, Sulphur Point and Wingspan National Bird of Prey Centre with a three-day stay in Rotorua. On average, many travellers book two days here. There's plenty to do and see nearby too, so stick around longer and venture to Mourea.
Is Rotorua a walkable city?
It all depends on what you'd like to do and see in Rotorua. Several attractions, such as Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre and Sulphur Point, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander through some of Rotorua's neighbourhoods, Fenton Street is 0.97 kms (0.60 miles) away from downtown, while Glenholme is 2 kms (1 mile) away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Rotorua with kids?
Planning what to do in Rotorua with kids is easier than ever. Whether you have teenagers or little ones, there's a range of family-friendly sights and activities to keep them busy here.

What to do in Rotorua for adults?
There are plenty of things to do in Rotorua, with entertainment for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to Volcanic Hills Winery.
Are there free things to do in Rotorua?
One of the best ways to find free things to do in Rotorua is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider advice on exciting neighbourhoods, parks and other top attractions you can enjoy without getting your cash out. Sulphur Point is one spot that doesn't charge an entrance fee.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia