Rotorua

Rotorua, a town set on its namesake lake on New Zealand’s North Island, is renowned for its geothermal activity and Maori culture. In Te Puia’s Whakarewarewa Valley, there are bubbling mud pools and the 30m-tall Pohutu Geyser, which erupts many times daily. It’s also home to a living Maori village and the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, with traditional wood carving and weaving schools.

Places to go

Perfect Destinations In Rotorua

Te Puia

TePuia is the hub of New Zealand’s Maori culture and thermal hot springs. It covers an area of 70 hectares in the Whakarewarewa Valley, located at the edge of town in Rotorua. It houses the world-renowned Pohutu geyser, followed by hot springs, mud pots, silica formations, and much more. There are national schools of wood carving, stone and bone carving, and weaving. TePuia houses a massive 60 hectares of geothermal hot springs. The world-famous Pohutu geyser erupts almost 20 times a day.

Whakarewarewa – The Living Māori Village

The village is approximately 3 hours from Rotorua and offers you a chance to dive into the Maori history and be a part of their culture and traditions. The village was an initiative by 2 Kiwi cowboys – Doug and Mike Tamaki. In 1989, they came up with the idea of telling a story of the Maori culture and traditions.

Polynesian Spa

Polynesian Spa, nature’s gift to Rotorua, is an iconic geothermal mineral bathing luxury spa retreat, having exclusive access to acidic and alkaline natural mineral springs. This Spa has 28 mineral pools in the backyard wherein the water is channelled from the two natural springs – one acidic and the other alkaline. While nourishing the skin, this dual effect relieves tired muscles and aches and pains. Polynesian Spa specialises in various health and wellness treatments, combining age-old healing practices with modern techniques. It also features hydrotherapy and a reflexology walk; Polynesian Spa houses four bathing areas to look after and fulfil the needs and requirements of different guests – the Deluxe lake spa, Adult pools and Priest Spa, Private pools and Family spa.

Redwoods – Whakarewarewa Forest

The Redwood Treewalk in Rotorua is an elevated walkway set among the towering redwoods of the Whakarewarewa Forest, located just a short drive from Rotorua city centre. Featuring 28 suspension bridges and platforms up to 20 meters above ground, it offers a unique perspective of the forest canopy. Visitors can explore during the day or experience the magical Redwoods Nightlights, illuminated with eco-friendly lanterns.

Skyline Rotorua

Skyline Rotorua, located on Mount Ngongotaha, offers panoramic views of Rotorua and Lake Rotorua alongside a range of family-friendly activities. Visitors can ride the scenic gondola to the top, experience the thrilling luge tracks, zipline through the forest, or enjoy mountain biking trails. The attraction also features a stargazing experience, a Volcanic Hills winery, and a dining option at the Stratosfare Restaurant. It’s a popular destination for adventure, relaxation, and stunning scenery all in one place.

Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, located 27 km south of Rotorua, is a vibrant geothermal park known for its colorful hot springs, bubbling mud pools, and the famous Champagne Pool. Visitors can explore walking trails that showcase unique volcanic features, including the daily eruption of the Lady Knox Geyser. This place has one of the highest geothermal ratings in the world.

Waimangu Volcanic Valley

Waimangu Volcanic Valley is a must-visit for those who want to immerse into the ecology and botany of one of the world’s most recent geothermal activities, one of which is the only geothermal system created within written history. This attraction not only has a range of sceneries to witness, such as lakes, hot springs, geysers and craters, but also has a wide variety of activities for visitors to indulge in.

Kuirau Park

Kuirau Park at the northern end of Rotorua, New Zealand, is a geothermal site with hot springs, mud pools, crater lakes and gardens. This park is a public space with walking tracks leading to the geothermal areas and providing the visitors with exciting and mesmerising sights of the boiling lakes and foot pools.

Lake Rotorua and Mokoia Island

Regarded to be the second largest lake in the North Island of New Zealand, the lake of Rotorua is one of the prime tourist attractions for people visiting the city of Rotorua in New Zealand. It stretches for about 79.8 square kilometres and has a depth of 10 meters. The city of Rotorua is located on the lake’s southern shore, and the town of Ngongotaha is on the western coast of the same. Wrapped in the heart of Lake Rotorua and amidst the beautiful flora and fauna of the country of New Zealand is the Island of Mokoia. This island is sacred to the Maori tribe and is known as the green jewel of Te Takiwa Wajariki. Along with wildlife, this land is also known for its legend and history and remains an uninhabited island at present. Mokoia Island is a sanctuary for the wild and is home to many endangered species of wildlife and birds of New Zealand. It is laced with geothermal springs near the shores, one of which is the famous Hinemoa’s Pool, where visitors can enjoy a hot dip.