Best Things to Do in Rotorua, New Zealand

Rotorua sits on the Taupo Volcanic Zone, a rift in the earth’s crust that runs northeast from Mount Ruapehu to the Bay of Plenty, making it one of the most geothermally active urban areas on earth. The sulfurous (hydrogen sulfide) smell is the first thing visitors notice — locals call it ‘the Rotorua perfume.’ The things to do in Rotorua span the geothermal (Te Puia and Whakarewarewa thermal valley, Hell’s Gate, Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, Kuirau Park), Māori culture experiences (hangi, traditional dance and song, meeting houses), and adventure activities (mountain biking in the Redwood Forest, white water rafting on the Kaituna River, zorbing, luging). It is one of the best places in New Zealand for a family or multi-activity visit.

Best time to visit

Rotorua is a year-round destination. December through February is summer with warm temperatures (20-26°C) and peak New Zealand domestic tourism. March through May is the best shoulder season: autumn foliage in the Redwood Forest, mild temperatures, and fewer crowds. June through August brings cold nights but the geothermal pools are especially appealing. September through November has spring wildflowers and recovering trail conditions after winter. The geothermal sites are at their most dramatic in cold, early morning light when steam is most visible. For mountain biking, summer and autumn are best; trail conditions deteriorate in winter rain.

Getting around

Rotorua Regional Airport (ROT) has regular Air New Zealand flights from Auckland (1 hour) and Wellington. By road from Auckland, it’s 3 hours south via the SH1 and SH27. The city itself is navigable by car; the geothermal sites are scattered within 30km of the city center. Rental cars are the most practical transport. The central area around Fenton Street and the lakefront is walkable. For visitors without cars, Tourism Rotorua operates booking services for shuttle transfers to major attractions.

What to eat and drink

Rotorua’s food scene has improved significantly. The Eat Streat on Tutanekai Street is the city’s dining corridor with a range of cuisines. The hangi (traditional Māori earth oven meal of meat and root vegetables, slow-cooked in geothermal ground heat) is the food experience unique to Rotorua; Te Puia and the cultural villages offer it as part of evening packages. The Pig and Whistle in the old police station is a Rotorua institution for a pub lunch. The Rotorua Night Market (Thursday nights, June-February) has good local food stalls.

Top things to do

Te Puia and Whakarewarewa – Te Puia is the premier geothermal and Māori cultural site, including the Pohutu Geyser (New Zealand’s largest active geyser, erupting multiple times daily) and the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute (the national school for Māori wood carving and weaving). Evening shows combine hangi feast with cultural performance. Whakarewarewa (the Living Village) is a marae (Māori village) where people live in the geothermal valley and share their culture.

Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland – 30km south of Rotorua, the most visually dramatic geothermal site in New Zealand: the Champagne Pool (a large hot spring of vivid orange-yellow silica crust), the Artist’s Palette, and the Lady Knox Geyser (induced to erupt daily at 10:15am with soap). Allow 2 hours.

Hell’s Gate – The most active geothermal reserve on the North Island, featuring New Zealand’s largest hot waterfall (Kakahi Falls), a mud volcano, and boiling mud pools. The sulfur mud spa here is the most famous wellness experience in Rotorua. Smaller and more primal-feeling than Te Puia.

Redwood Forest mountain biking – The Whakarewarewa Forest (the Redwood Forest) has one of New Zealand’s best mountain bike trail networks: 180km of trails across all grades, through California coastal redwoods (planted in 1901 as a timber trial, now protected) and native bush. Trail conditions are excellent, rental bikes are available at the forest entrance, and the trails are free.