Rotorua is an extraordinary place in New Zealand. The city itself has a lot to offer, but its surroundings will leave you speechless. The area is home to the highest geothermal activity in the country. The fascinating geysers, thermal streams, bubbling mud pools, and small craters are proof of that.
Yes, you’ll know you’ve arrived in Rotorua the moment you catch a whiff of that rotten egg smell—this city is not called the Sulphur City for nothing. In this guide, when we talk about Rotorua, we’re not just referring to the city itself but also the incredible attractions around it. That said, let the adventure begin!
The city of Rotorua is located in the Bay of Plenty region, specifically on the southern shore of Lake Rotorua, from which it takes its name. This area is famous for its geothermal activity, fueled by magma chambers below the surface that heat water from above.
When heated, it creates the various geothermal phenomena that thousands of tourists enjoy today. Rotorua is also steeped in Māori legends and myths, making it a great place to connect with the national culture.
Rotorua attracts thousands of domestic and international tourists. In fact, it’s one of the most visited places in New Zealand, so it’s worth planning around the busiest times.
The summer months (December to February) are ideal for enjoying the outdoor activities Rotorua has to offer. However, keep in mind that this is also the peak tourist season, which can make the experience a bit less relaxed.
For that reason, I recommend visiting Rotorua in spring (September to November) or autumn (April to May). The weather may be slightly cooler, but thanks to the geothermal activity—Rotorua’s main attraction—it won’t be a problem.
It’s essential to travel to New Zealand with comprehensive insurance. We were among the first to offer the popular IATI discount, and you can now get it with Heymondo Travel Insurance as well.
You can find more information about both companies through the links provided above, or you can access the discount directly using the buttons below (in both cases, you’ll see the reduced final price on their website):
Internet is mandatory for getting around and using metservice, the country’s weather service. Keeping up to date with the weather is necessary if you don’t want to have any problems. It can also be very useful when translating if you don’t understand English very well.
To do this, we will tell you how to get a New Zealand SIM card with the internet and take advantage of its affordable prices. And now we also have information about the New Zealand eSIM with unlimited data.
Getting to Rotorua is very easy if you’re traveling by car. From Auckland, the journey will take about 2.5 hours. From Wellington, it’s a little more than double that, a total of 6 hours.
Going by bus isn’t complicated at all. Taking the InterCity Bus from Auckland CBD will take you about 5 hours. If you’re departing from Wellington CBD, the InterCity Bus takes 8 to 9 hours to reach Rotorua Bus Station.
The nearest airport is Taupo Airport. You can arrive here on direct flights from the South Island. Once at the airport, you’ll need to take a bus to Taupo City. From Taupo, you can also take the InterCity Bus to Rotorua.
Named after the California redwood trees; this vibrant forest is home to a unique array of flora. Here you’ll find Radiata pines, the iconic silver ferns (a national symbol), and intriguing palm-leaf ferns. The forest is also inhabited by many native and introduced birds—a perfect place to discover New Zealand’s natural beauty.
Officially called Whakarewarewa Forest, it’s just a 10-minute drive from Rotorua. Don’t miss the chance to walk among the giant trunks, explore the different trails, and dive deep into the forest while soaking in its serenity. There are also mountain biking trails if you want to bring your bike.
Finally, there’s an incredible activity you can do here: walk among the treetops! Like a chimpanzee, you’ll move between trees on hanging bridges and platforms over 20 meters high, for a 45-minute journey. Quite the Rotorua adventure!
My recommendation? Do it at night—the starlight filtering through the trees is truly magical.
You can buy tickets online or visit the I-Site Visitor Center in Rotorua to purchase a day pass. The forest itself is free to enter 😉
This is the second largest lake on New Zealand’s North Island and sits just 100 meters from Rotorua’s city center. The lake was formed in the crater of an ancient volcano in the Taupō Volcanic Zone.
There are lots of things to do around and on the lake, from peaceful strolls to jet skiing for an adrenaline rush.
Lake Rotorua also features a small island at its center: Te Mokoia Island. You can reach this little piece of paradise by kayak or boat. It’s the perfect place for secret moments under the moonlight…
Since we’re talking romance, this island is the setting of one of New Zealand’s most famous Māori love stories—the legend of Hinemoa and Tūtānekai. If you have a moment, read it. You’ll be captivated.
Kuirau Park is a dynamic geothermal area—so active that the landscape changes a little every year. Sounds intriguing, right?
Located within walking distance from Rotorua’s center, this park will impress you from the start. It’s also New Zealand’s only free geothermal park, which makes it even more worth a visit.
As you explore, you’ll find bubbling mud pools, steaming crater lakes, hot streams, and a completely free thermal foot bath. Right across from the foot bath, there’s a public BBQ area and a perfect picnic spot.
The name says it all—Kerosene Creek. This spot is about a 35-minute drive from Rotorua. Since part of the road is gravel, it’s recommended to go prepared.
Entry is free, and you can visit at any time. Let me say this now so I don’t forget: don’t put your head underwater—I’ll explain why at the end.
This stream is naturally heated by underground geothermal activity and mixes with the cooler forest waters, creating the perfect temperature for bathing.
There are two small man-made pools beneath a two-meter waterfall that make an ideal spot for a soak. Imagine it: deep in the forest, surrounded by nature, with warm waters to relax in after a cold day…
The only downside is that it’s usually crowded. When I went, I just found a quieter spot along the stream and enjoyed my own little hot bath without the crowd 🙂
Just over 20 minutes from Rotorua lies a unique mountain: Rainbow Mountain, or Maunga Kākaramea in Māori. This area offers two of the best hiking tracks near Rotorua: the Crater Lake Walk and the Summit Track.The Crater Lake Walk is probably the shortest and easiest hike in the area—just 1 kilometer to a stunning lake. The views from the base lookout are already impressive, and the lake itself is striking, with bright blue water contrasting against the deep red and white cliffs that surround it.
If you’re up for more adventure, the Summit Track is for you. This 2.5-kilometre one-way trail takes about two hours, but the view from the top is truly rewarding.
You’ll see a sweeping panorama of the Rotorua region, including its lake, and even distant ranges like Tarawera, Urewera, Paeroa, and parts of Tongariro National Park. If you go—don’t forget your camera. You’ll thank me later 😛
This is New Zealand’s deepest natural spring and is just a 15-minute drive from Rotorua. The spring feeds Lake Rotorua, and its crystal-clear waters will tempt you to take a sip.
You can explore Hamurana Springs on an easy 45-minute loop walk, passing through untouched redwood trees and native ferns. You can also take to the water and cruise Rotorua’s beautiful stream on a paddleboard, which you can rent from any local tourist shop.
Although it used to be free, entrance now costs NZ$18 per adult. The pass includes access to Hamurana Springs and an audio guide filled with interesting facts about the area.
Located south of Rotorua, Government Gardens is a park steeped in history. A place of significance to the Māori due to the many battles fought there, it was gifted to the British Crown in the late 19th century “for the benefit of mankind.” The opportunity was seized, and the area was transformed into stunning gardens with an impressive Tudor-style spa built in 1908.
The site is definitely worth a visit. While the spa itself is no longer in operation, you can still visit the magnificent building, which now houses a museum and exhibitions explaining the rich history of the gardens.
Lake Tikitapu, or Blue Lake, is the perfect escape from Rotorua’s sulfuric scent. It’s very accessible, and a full loop around the lake takes just under 1.5 hours. You can go jogging, cycling, walking your pets (on a leash), or even swimming. This lake is ideal for birdwatching, relaxing on quiet beaches, or soaking in the scenic views.
Lake Rotokakahi, or Green Lake, lies just behind Blue Lake. In fact, they share the same parking area. There’s also a 4+ hour hiking circuit that loops around both lakes and offers a moderately challenging walk through Rotorua’s natural beauty.
One important note: swimming in Green Lake is not permitted, as it is a sacred site in Māori culture.
The best way to immerse yourself in Māori culture is to experience it firsthand. This tour takes you to Mitai Māori Village near Rotorua. Here, you can try traditional dishes cooked underground (yes, just like it sounds).
You’ll also learn about Māori customs and see warriors dressed in ancient war attire as they paddle down the Wai-o-Whiro River in a traditional canoe.
You’ll even witness the world-famous haka or war dance—an unforgettable performance! The evening ends with a walk through the forest to discover glow worms and the sacred Fairy Spring.
Explore Hell’s Gate Geothermal Reserve… The name alone is intriguing, but the experience is even better. This guided tour takes you through mud baths and sulfur spas where you can relax and enjoy the healing waters.
You’ll receive a map highlighting the main sites, and the guide will share the history not just of Hell’s Gate, but of Rotorua as a whole.
This is the only zipline in New Zealand that takes you through native forest. The route crosses untouched forest canopies and breathtaking valleys.
The tour lasts three hours and includes all safety gear. You just need to get to the starting point near Rotorua. Don’t forget your camera, you’ll want to capture the view from above!
Three hours of non-stop adventure through subtropical jungle and deep canyons. It’s the kind of setting that matches the thrill of the experience—an unforgettable rafting journey.
Expect cliff jumps, powerful rapids, and yes, to get completely soaked. The tour includes all equipment and a professional guide to ensure safety.
A half-day guided tour through bubbling streams and volcanic craters. This is considered the most complete geothermal park in Rotorua. You’ll witness the daily eruption of the famous Lady Knox geyser while your guide explains the fascinating science behind it.
But that’s not all. The tour also includes a visit to the youngest geothermal system in the world: the Waimangu Volcanic Valley. This is a must-do for geology and volcano lovers.
This tour is truly magical, it takes place at night, by kayak. A 3-hour guided experience that begins with a stunning sunset paddle across Lake Rotorua. You’ll then reach the caves, where a glowing surprise awaits… the walls come alive with glow worms, mimicking a starry night sky.
Speaking from experience: the first time you see them, you’ll completely forget you’re inside a cave.
Okay, I’m recommending this one simply because it’s a unique experience. A tour in an amphibious vehicle reminiscent of WWII. It’s a land-and-water adventure that takes you to Rotorua’s top landmarks without leaving your seat.
You’ll visit the Government Gardens, the Blue Baths, Mokoia Island, Sulphur Point, and more—all in one ride!
Just as it sounds—bundle up and get ready to fly. This tour takes you above Rotorua’s geothermal landscape: valleys, craters, lakes, mountains, forests, and volcanoes. You’ll see it all from the sky, where the contrast between volcanic terrain and lush nature is breathtaking.
The helicopter will even land on volcanic ground, where your guide will explain the unique geology of the area.
Starting with budget accommodations, Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park is one of the best choices if you’re traveling on a budget. This property is just an 8-minute drive from the center of Rotorua. It offers dormitories, campsites, and basic cabins.
The Holiday Park also features heated swimming pools and an outdoor pool. It has a shared kitchen and a small playground where children can have fun.
Two other great budget options are:
Best Western Braeside Rotorua is your pick if you’re looking to enjoy a luxury experience without overspending. This hotel offers air-conditioned rooms and studios with private hot tubs overlooking a peaceful stream.
It’s an ideal place to relax, located just an 8-minute drive from Lake Rotorua. Did I mention it also has mini golf and a games room?
If a private hot tub isn’t enough for you, here are two more options:
Arguably the best hotel in the area is the Black Swan Lakeside Boutique Hotel, right on the shores of Lake Rotorua. The name may be long, but so is the list of amenities. Enjoy private rooms with balconies and lake views, spa baths, fireplaces, and even espresso machines.
The hotel also features a sauna, a heated swimming pool, and a restaurant with a private jetty overlooking the lake.
My two other top recommendations are:
The best way to get around New Zealand—Rotorua included—is by car or campervan. In fact, I highly recommend renting a campervan and exploring the country that way.
New Zealand is completely adapted to motorhome travel. You’ll find plenty of campsites, public toilets, showers, and everything else you might need. Travelling this way is not only easy and comfortable, it’s also the most economical. Despite the initial rental cost, you’ll save significantly on accommodation and dining out.
Rotorua is a must-see destination during your trip across New Zealand’s North Island. With its variety of activities, natural attractions, and stunning landscapes, it’s a place you simply can’t skip. If you’re a fan of geology, Rotorua is especially essential.
Here are a few recommendations and common-sense tips to help you make the most of your time in Rotorua:
Click on the image and it will take you to a new Google Maps window with all the points of interest to travel around Rotorua.
