Rotorua
Rotorua sits on an active geothermal field, with geysers, mud pools and sulphur steam rising through the town itself. It is also the centre of Māori cultural tourism, with marae visits and hāngī meals run by local iwi. Mountain biking in the Redwoods forest is world class.
How long to stay
Year-round; December to March is warmest.
Typical daily budget
No budget published for this place yet
Best time to go
No seasonal guidance published for Rotorua yet
Is Rotorua right for your trip?
Based on what this guide covers, not a score. This is what Rotorua is known for.
Great for
- Nature
- Family
- Solo
Less of a focus
- History & culture
- Food
- Nightlife
- Couples
- Budget friendly
Build your Rotorua trip
Top things to do
Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest
Free entry · VerifiedRotorua
A Californian redwood forest with walking trails, a treetop walkway and one of the country's best mountain bike networks.
Te Puia
Entrance NZ$90 · VerifiedRotorua
A geothermal valley with the Pōhutu geyser, a Māori arts and crafts institute and carving and weaving schools.
Wai-O-Tapu
Entrance NZ$45 · VerifiedRotorua
A geothermal park of collapse craters, the Champagne Pool and bright mineral terraces south of Rotorua.
Run a restaurant, café or tour in Rotorua? List your business.
Popular activities
Geothermal park walk
Circuit of the craters, pools and silica terraces at Wai-O-Tapu.
Māori cultural evening and hāngī
Marae welcome, performance and a meal cooked in an earth oven.
Redwoods mountain biking
Ride the graded trail network through the forest.