What to do in Rotorua

Activities, attractions and tours

Rotorua which includes a hot spring
Rotorua showing forest scenes as well as a small group of people
Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest which includes forests, night scenes and a suspension bridge or treetop walkway
Rotorua
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland which includes a hot spring and views as well as a small group of people

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.

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Most fun & popular experiences in Rotorua

Tours & day trips

See all 136 activities
Tauranga Shore Excursion Te Puia Rotorua

Tauranga Shore Excursion Te Puia Rotorua

Activity duration is 8 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is £105 per adult
Tauranga Shore Excursion Te Puia RotoruaOpens 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 49 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is £63 per adult
Rotorua: Redwoods Altitude High Ropes AdventureOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 22 activities
Rotorua: Secret Spot Hot Tubs

Rotorua: Secret Spot Hot Tubs

Activity duration is 45 minutes
9.6 out of 10 with 94 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is £20 per adult
Rotorua: Secret Spot Hot TubsOpens in new tab

Water activities

See all 21 activities
Rafting Rotorua: Kaituna River White Water Experience

Rafting Rotorua: Kaituna River White Water Experience

Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 332 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is £43 per adult
Rafting Rotorua: Kaituna River White Water ExperienceOpens in new tab

Spa & wellness

See all 17 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

Recommended things to do in Rotorua

Number of things to do
175
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Wonderworld Rotorua - New Zealand's leading maze park: £8
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Rotorua

Popular places to visit

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
Polynesian Spa which includes a lake or waterhole

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 showing forest scenes

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
Rotorua featuring markets and night scenes

Eat Street

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

Eat Street
Rotorua which includes indigenous culture, rainforest and a river or creek

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
This show was awesome! After the initiation you are welcomed into the village and go threw different stations learning about the culture and then you get a performance show and dinner. Definitely recommend and reservations book way out, so book early! And tip: ask for Mark to be your driver... Seriously I can't remember the last time I laughed so hard

Tamaki Maori Village

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Tamaki Maori Village in Rotorua. Stroll along the lakeside or visit the spas in this relaxing area.

Tamaki Maori Village
Amazing sight, the hot springs in this traditional Maori village. Very smelly!

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 family-friendly area.

Whakarewarewa: The Living Maori Village
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
Kuirau Park showing a hot spring and mist or fog

Kuirau Park

Family-friendly and easily accessible, this Rotorua park is home to a collection of geothermic vents and a weekly flea market.

Kuirau Park

Explore areas of Rotorua

Lake Okareka showing a lake or waterhole

Lake Okareka

Despite its pretty views and charming, leafy walks, this picturesque lake manages to remain relatively crowd-free and peaceful.

Lake Okareka
Aerial: Scenic Blue and green lakes, Rotorua, New Zealand

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
Four of a kind

Owhata

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

Owhata
Aerial view of Rotorua, New Zealand

Inner City

If you're spending some time in Inner City, Rotorua Night Market and Tamaki Maori Village are top sights worth seeing.

Inner City
Kuirau Park walk in Rotorua, the thermal wonderland of New Zealand.

Glenholme

Though Glenholme may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Rotorua Central Mall and Rotorua Night Market.

Glenholme
Default Image

Lynmore

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

Lynmore

 

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 which includes a beach as well as a small group of people

Lake Tarawera

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

Horohoro

Even though it was overcast, Lake Okataina was gorgeous. The freezing water didn’t stop us from going for a swim!

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 featuring a river or creek and forests

Hamurana

Okere Falls Scenic Reserve featuring a river or creek, rapids and forests

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.

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