What to do in Waiotapu

Activities, attractions and tours

A group of people standing on a wooden deck overlooking a misty waterfall.
A wooden boardwalk leading to a calm, muddy lake surrounded by dense green forest.
A woman walking on a dirt path surrounded by tall grass and greenery.
A geothermal area with a red-hot ground, a greenish pool of water, and steam rising from the terrain.
A sandy beach with scattered rocks and seaweed.

Waiotapu Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Waiotapu has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Waiotapu, 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 Waiotapu 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 Waiotapu

Waiotapu is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Waiotapu, and make it a breeze to explore Waiotapu 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 Waiotapu 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 Waiotapu, 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 Waiotapu.

Waiotapu attractions

Waiotapu 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 Waiotapu 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 Waiotapu.

Looking for things to do in Waiotapu 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 Waiotapu or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Waiotapu attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

Things to do

Cultural Experience & Seasonal Māori Cuisine at Te Pā Tū

Cultural Experience & Seasonal Māori Cuisine at Te Pā Tū

£120
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Cultural Experience & Seasonal Māori Cuisine at Te Pā Tū
Volcanic Valley Self Guided Walking and Hiking at Waimangu

Volcanic Valley Self Guided Walking and Hiking at Waimangu

£32
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Volcanic Valley Self Guided Walking and Hiking at Waimangu
Rotorua: The Buried Village of Te Wairoa

Rotorua: The Buried Village of Te Wairoa

£11
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Rotorua: The Buried Village of Te Wairoa
Picture 1 for Activity Waimangu Volcanic Valley Entry & Lake Rotomahana Cruise

Waimangu: Volcanic Valley Walk and Lake Rotomahana Cruise

£77
per adult
Waimangu: Volcanic Valley Walk and Lake Rotomahana Cruise
Rotorua Eco Cultural full day tour

Rotorua Eco Cultural full day tour (Wai o Tapu, Waimangu,Te puia)

£185
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Rotorua Eco Cultural full day tour (Wai o Tapu, Waimangu,Te puia)
From Rotorua WAIMANGU VOLCANIC VALLEY Half Day Tour

From Rotorua WAIMANGU VOLCANIC VALLEY Half Day Tour

£79
per adult
From Rotorua WAIMANGU VOLCANIC VALLEY Half Day Tour
Champagne pool

Afternoon Eco-Thermal Tour Explore Nature's Wonders

£75
per adult
Afternoon Eco-Thermal Tour Explore Nature's Wonders
Full Waimangu Experience - Walk & Cruise

Full Waimangu Experience - Walk & Cruise

£77
per adult
Full Waimangu Experience - Walk & Cruise
TRIPLE DEAL Wai-O-Tapu, Redwood Forest & Blue Springs Ex Auckland

TRIPLE DEAL Wai-O-Tapu, Redwood Forest & Blue Springs Ex Auckland

£130
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
TRIPLE DEAL Wai-O-Tapu, Redwood Forest & Blue Springs Ex Auckland
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Top places to visit

1. Polynesian Spa

Located adjacent to beautiful Lake Rotorua, the steaming baths of the Polynesian Spa are the perfect place to destress. Soak in steamy, cleansing water while you gaze out across the pristine lake. Escape to your very own private pool or play on the slides in the large family area.
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A tranquil indoor pool with a view of a lake and mountains.

2. Skyline Rotorua

Skyline Rotorua cable car carries passengers up Mount Ngongotaha to a height of 487 metres (1,598 feet). Admiring the views isn’t the only thing to do at the summit. Sip a coffee in the café, fly over dense forest on the zip line or steer down the steep luge course.
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A cable car system, lush greenery, and a distant town.

3. Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest

Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest is a tranquil woodland park crisscrossed by trekking and biking trails. Set off on a hike past thermal ponds and geysers or admire eucalyptus trees and immense Californian Redwoods while horseback riding.
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A rope bridge in a forest with illuminated hanging lights.

4. Lake Rotorua

Visit Lake Rotorua and you will find no shortage of things to do. Swim in the calm, clear waters by the city’s edge or set off on foot in search of your own private bay. Kayak to mystical Mokoia Island or sit back and relax on a boat cruise.
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A lake with steam rising from the water, surrounded by a flock of seagulls on the shore and hills in the background.

5. Mitai Maori Village

The Mitai Māori Village gives you and your family the chance to experience Māori food, art and traditions. The tours are not only educational, they are also very impressive and enjoyable.
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A group of people observing a ritual in a lush, green forest with a river.

6. Lake Rotoiti

Take in views of forest-fringed waters, shimmering glow worm caves and the Southern Alps at Lake Rotoiti in the Nelson Lakes National Park. Surrounded by towering mountains, all the lakes in this park were carved out by glaciers over thousands of years and have remained largely untouched. As well as making for a spectacular landscape, this has also allowed native wildlife to thrive.
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A calm lake surrounded by lush green hills and a clear blue sky.

7. Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

Cross boardwalks above gently simmering water and see pools of hot bubbling mud at Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland. Peer into dark craters and watch as a geyser shoots water up to 20 metres (65 feet) into the sky.
Learn more
A geyser erupting with steam, surrounded by a rocky landscape and a crowd of spectators.

Recommended things to do in Waiotapu

Number of things to do
21
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Rotorua: The Buried Village of Te Wairoa: £11
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Waiotapu

Stay near popular Waiotapu attractions

A geyser erupting with steam, surrounded by a rocky landscape and a crowd of spectators.

Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

9.2/10 (541 reviews)
Just a short drive from the busy city is one of the most fascinating areas of geothermal activity in New Zealand.
See properties

 

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.

 

 

Frequently asked questions

Is Waiotapu worth visiting?
From shopping to outdoor pursuits and history, there are plenty of great things to do in Waiotapu. Make sure to enjoy the area's mix of unmissable attractions, local charm and culture.
How do I spend a day in Waiotapu?
Begin your day with a visit to Waikite Valley Thermal Pools and Lady Knox Geyser. Then, explore other parts of Waiotapu for a quick bite and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Waiotapu?
The top tourist attraction in Waiotapu is Waikite Valley Thermal Pools, so don't forget to add it to your sightseeing list.
Is three days enough to stay in Waiotapu?
Three days is plenty for a short break in Waiotapu — you'll hit the main sights and get a good feel for the place. But if you really want to experience it all, stay for at least a week or more to check out the nearby areas too.
What are some activities to do in Waiotapu with kids?
Whether you're holidaying with young explorers or playful teenagers, an itinerary filled with cool activities makes a big difference. Take a look at our ideas for what to do in Waiotapu with kids.

What to do in Waiotapu for adults?
From fantastic food and cultural hotspots to thrilling excursions and unique experiences, there are loads of fun things to do in Waiotapu for adults.
Are there free things to do in Waiotapu?
With loads of cheap things to do in Waiotapu, you can enjoy the area without taking out your wallet. Soak up the vibes at free events and festivals or stroll through the local markets.