Local Picks - Experiences in Rotorua

You’ll only find true Rotorua Local Picks here, curated by a team who actually lives in the city. This isn’t a list generated by algorithms or influenced by advertising dollars, it’s a carefully selected collection based on first-hand experience and local knowledge. Those of us who call Rotorua home know the places where visitors can sense the culture, the nature, and the real pace of the region.

The selections consider what’s worth doing in certain seasons, neighborhood charms like those around Eat St or Kuirau Park, and the kind of activities that keep locals coming back. For example, you might find a geothermal swim that’s fantastic in spring or a particular walk through the Redwood Forest at sunset. Our aim is to connect you with genuine experiences that most travellers miss or misunderstand. Locals tend to avoid the busiest hours, so you’ll get a tip about when’s best to visit to dodge crowds too.