Rotorua Activities

Geothermal Attractions

• Wai-o-tapu Thermal Wonderland: brilliant colour and the ‘Lady Knox geyser' are features of this thermal park.
• New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute: see Maori carvers, weavers and sculptors at work, and experience a cultural performance, as well as geothermal activity.
• Hell's Gate Thermal Reserve: located on the Rotorua-Whakatane Highway: well-known for its violent geothermal activity. Also enjoy a geothermal mud bath and health spa treatments.
• Polynesian Spa: choose from numerous hot mineral baths in which to soak, unwind and relax.
• Whakarewarewa Thermal Village: Admidst hot thermal springs, bubbling mud and steaming vents lies a living Maori village.

Flightseeing

• Flightseeing: gain a different perspective of Rotorua - from the air. Choose an excursion to White Island, an active volcano, or over the majestic crater of Mt Tarawera, Waimangu Thermal Valley and the beautiful lakes of Rotorua

Parks & Walking Tracks

• Whakarewarewa Forest: visit the giant Californian redwood trees . With Rotorua becoming well known as a mountain bike adventure mecca, one of the main activities in the Forest is mountain biking through a network of trails. Mountain bikes can be hired and guided trips are available. Other activities in the forest include running, walking and horse riding.
• Mt Tarawera: hike to the top of this majestic volcano (a day trip). For the more adventurous, enjoy a scree run down into the crater!

On the Water

• Fly Fishing & Scenic Cruising: visitors are spoilt for choice, with 11 main lakes, a myriad of crystal-clear streams and four different species of trout to fish for, using every conceivable legal method known to anglers. Charter a boat, skippered or self-drive
• Boat Cruise: board the Lakeland Queen, a traditionally styled paddlewheel vessel that cruises Lake Rotorua OR select craft ranging from self-drive pontoons to a luxurious 15 metre/50 foot catamaran that cruises Lake Tarawera with Clearwater Charters
• White Water Rafting: experience the most exciting river locations, including thrilling rapids on the Rangitaiki River and New Zealand's highest commercially rafted waterfall on the Kaituna River

Heritage & Culture

• Blue Baths: in this meticulously restored building visitors can bathe in crystal-clear, thermally heated waters. A museum in the old changing rooms showcases the building's colourful past with videos and displays. Dine upstairs in the elegant 1930s tearooms, with views over the beautifully manicured Government Gardens.
• Te Wairoa: experience a village that was buried by the 1886 Mt Tarawera eruption and is now on display as an archaeological site. The museum of Te Wairoa and excavated sites, combined with natural beauty and wildlife, make a walk through the Buried Village a unique experience.
• Maori Culture: discover the customs of the Maori people at one of the Maori concerts and traditional hangi meals staged daily or visit a pre-European Maori Village.