Rotorua
Get yourself in hot water
Rotorua
Get yourself in hot water
Rotorua offers an interesting mix of adventure and relaxation. Located on one of the world’s most lively geothermal fields, the city of Rotorua has a rather unique character with steam rising unexpectedly from drains and cracks in the ground, and a strong eggy sulphur smell in the air.
But don’t let that turn you off. After a day of adventure, it’s this same geothermal activity that makes Rotorua the perfect place to unwind in one of a number of hot pools and spas located around the town. So what can you do in Rotorua to earn that hot soak? Traditional outdoor activities like walking, hiking and mountain biking are all on offer along with some unique activities like schweebing and zorbing. Intrigued?
Top things to do in Rotorua
Looking for ideas to help you plan the ultimate New Zealand outdoor adventure? Here are some of the top things for active travellers to see and do in the Rotorua region.
Visit Whakarewarewa ‘The Redwoods’ Forest
Located just a few minutes south of Rotorua town, this forest with its native and exotic trees along with towering Californian Redwoods is popular with both locals and tourists. There’s a mix of walking and mountain biking tracks for those who want to stay firmly on the ground or, for a different perspective, there’s a treewalk made up of 21 suspension bridges high in the forest canopy. You can find out more about this and all other activities on offer on Redwoods.co.nz.


Get your adrenaline pumping
If adrenaline-based activities are what you’re after, Velocity Valley adventure park is where you need to go. There’s bungy jumping and a giant swing that will get you from 0-130km/h in 1 second. Or you could try out the schweeb racer, pedal powered pods suspended on a 600m track. Not unusual enough for you? How about ‘zorbing’, or rolling down a hill in a giant inflatable ball with OGO.
For another forest activity, try ziplining with Rotorua Canopy Tours or, if you don’t mind getting wet, and you will, try rafting or sledging with Kaitiaki Adventures.


Explore geothermal hotspots
No visit to Rotorua would be complete without visiting at least one of the area’s geothermal attractions with their bubbling mud pools, spouting geysers and unbelievable colours.
- Wai-O-tapu Thermal Wonderland – known for the brilliant colours of Champagne Pool
- Waimangu Volcanic Valley – formed as a result of a volcanic eruption
- Hell’s Gate Thermal Reserve – the area’s most active geothermal reserve
- Whakarewarewa Thermal Village – home of Pohutu geyser


Relax and unwind
Thermal resorts in Rotorua provide the opportunity to enjoy geothermal hot mineral waters with options for both communal and private bathing. Or you can go for the full spa experience with massages and treatments using volcanic mud.

