Wallet-friendly option: Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
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10 things to do in Rotorua in 2021
Heading to Rotorua? We’ve got you covered with our list of top activities and experiences for your next trip.
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Rotorua has something for everyone. Whether you want to soak in a mud bath, zipline across the forest or immerse yourself in Maori culture, these are our top recommendations for activities and experiences you don't want to miss when visiting Rotorua.
Top things to do in Rotorua
Visit Rotorua's thermal wonderland
One of New Zealand's most colourful and vibrant geothermal parks, Wai-O-Tapu Park should be on your list of places to visit in Rotorua. The park features mud baths, hot springs, sulfuric pools and geysers, the most famous one being the Lady Known Geyser, which erupts 10-15 metres in the air at 10:15am daily.
The ultimate experience: Eco Thermal Park Tour
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See the best views
Make your way to Skyline Rotorua and jump aboard the gondola to reach one of the best vantage points for views of Lake Rotorua and the city. Skyline Gondola is also a gateway for activities including the Rotorua Luge, ziplining and mountain biking. You'll find multiple dining options available here too.
Wallet-friendly option: Rotorua Skyline Gondola with optional Luge Ride
Viator
The ultimate experience: Skyline Rotorua Adventure Pass
Viator
Fun things to do in Rotorua
Glide over Lake Rotorua on a parasailing flight
Take in the panoramic views of Lake Rotorua and the countryside as you soar 400 feet above the water on this parasailing adventure. Choose between a solo or a tandem flight, depending on how daring you're feeling.
Wallet-friendly option: Lake Rotorua Tandem Parasailing
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The ultimate experience: Katoa Lake Rotorua Parasailing Adventure
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Experience the thrill of bungy jumping
If you're yet to tick bungy jumping off of your bucket list, now's your chance. This 42-metre bungy jump overlooks Paradise Valley and it's the ultimate thrill-seeker activity for adrenaline junkies visiting Rotorua.
Our top pick: Bungee Jumping Rotorua, New Zealand from Adrenaline
Things to do in Rotorua at night
Learn about Maori culture with a Mitai Maori Village Tour
Immerse yourself in a cultural experience with one of the world's oldest remaining cultures. This evening tour features a traditional hāngi feast with poi dancing and a haka performance. You'll learn about traditional tools and weapons, tattoo art and the history of the Maori people.
Wallet-friendly option: Mitai Maori Village Evening Tour
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The ultimate experience: Mitai Maori Village & Rainbow Springs
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Enjoy an evening kayak adventure
Put your life jacket on and paddle out onto Lake Rotoiti for a guided evening kayak tour. Learn about the myths and legends linked to the surrounding area and take in the serene views on the waterway, before kayaking to the Manupirua Hot Pools for a gourmet barbecue dinner. On the way back, you'll pass by the magical glowworm caves as the sun goes down.
Wallet-friendly option: Evening Canoe Experience in Rotorua
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The ultimate experience: Lake Rotoiti Evening Kayak Tour including Hot Springs, Glowworm Caves and BBQ Dinner
Viator
Things to do in Rotorua with kids
Make a splash with a whitewater rafting adventure
Experience thrills, spills and rapids on the Kaituna River with a whitewater journey that will have you manoeuvring past boulders, steep forges and rocky rapids at an exhilarating speed. Looking for the ultimate thrill-seeking experience for kids in Rotorua? This is it.
Wallet-friendly option: White Water Rafting – Kaituna River, Rotorua, New Zealand
Adrenaline
The ultimate experience: Rangitaiki River Rafting Adventure
Wotif
Soar through the forest on an exciting canopy tour
Make your way through the North Island's forests on a zipline canopy tour. An experience that adventurers of all ages will enjoy, you'll be led across ziplines, swingbridges, spiral staircases and forest trails. You will also learn about New Zealand's native flora and fauna along the way.
Pocket-friendly option: Ziplining Forest Adventure - The Original Canopy Tour Rotorua
Viator
The ultimate experience: Supreme Ziplining forest experience - The Ultimate Canopy Tour Rotorua
Viator
Free things to do in Rotorua
Spend time in nature at The Redwoods Forest
The Redwoods Forest, also known as Whakarewarewa Forest, is a mecca for hikers, mountain bikers and horse riders. It is filled with Californian Redwoods, native flora and exotic trees, making it the perfect place to explore at your own pace.
Wander around the local markets
If you are in Rotorua on a Thursday or Saturday, you won't want to miss out on browsing the stalls and enjoying the live music and entertainment at the Rotorua Night Markets and the Saturday Markets. Here you'll find locally made goods including artisan foods, arts and crafts.
See the latest Rotorua activity deals
Deal
Up to 75% off things to do in New Zealand
Plus kids go free on select activities including skydives, sightseeing cruises, tours and helicopter flights. Destinations include Queenstown, Auckland, Franz Josef, Taupo, Milford Sound and more.
Deal
Up to 15% off active tours
Available on select travel dates until 2022. Destinations include Peru, Italy, Greece, Portugal, Spain, New Zealand, USA and more. T&Cs apply.
Deal
Up to 2.5% off holiday bookings + Extra 10% off day tours
Available on select dates until 2021 across Australia and New Zealand when you purchase 2+ tours. T&Cs apply.
Deal
Up to 20% off things to do in Christchurch
Available on select travel dates on activities including skydiving, whale watching, skiing and more.
Deal
Up to 60% off things to do in Queenstown
Available on select travel dates. Activities include dining experiences, sightseeing cruises, helicopter flights, jet boat rides and more.
Deal
Up to 25% off things to do in Auckland
Available on select travel dates. Activities include wine tours, walking tours, jet boat rides, sightseeing cruises, helicopter flights and more.
Deal
Things to do in Dunedin from $53
Available on select travel dates on activities including spas and tours.
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