Our pick of the best activities for seniors in Rotorua

Rotorua has a well earned reputation as the adventure capital of New Zealand's North Island.  However, it's most famous for the geothermal, wellness and Maori cultural attractions that has led to Rotorua becoming one of the most visited regions in the country. 

With the diverse range of natural attractions available to visit, Rotorua is also well suited to visitors of a more seasoned vintage and those looking for a relaxed pace.  So, we've created our Top 10 Elderly Activities to highlight the best activities to enjoy.

1. Rail Cruising

Discover a scenic part of Rotorua travelling along railway lines in a 'RailCruiser', your own powered 4-seat, self-drive vehicle.  The relaxing experience travels at a leisurely 20km per hour with audio commentary to offer a fascinating insight into a unique piece of New Zealand railway history.  More Info. 

2. Wine Tasting

Take a gentle ride to the top of the Skyline Gondola and enjoy wine tasting with a magnificent view overlooking Lake Rotorua.  During the 'wine tastings' you won’t be subjected to confusing jargon, but instead the team has a focus on what you enjoy in a wine and why.  Choose from 3 and 5 wine tastings either purchased at the top or, include the wine tasting with your gondola ticket.  The winery itself is at the base of the Gondola and opened for the 2013 winemaking vintage.  More Info. 

3.  Skyline Gondola & Lunch

The Skyline Rotorua complex is just 5 minutes’ drive from central Rotorua, with unsurpassed views of the city.  Begin your day with a tranquil Gondola ride up Mt Ngongotaha overlooking Lake Rotorua then take a stroll through the stunning nature trails with informative and interactive panels along the way.  Afterwards, head to the Market Kitchen or the Stratosfare Restaurant & Bar to enjoy lunch.  While you’re there, why not also pop into the Volcanic Hills Wine Tasting Room mentioned previously.  More Info. 

4.  Duck Tours

Rotorua Duck Tours offer a different view of Rotorua with a tour that takes in both land and water.  With a seat on board an amphibious Second World War landing craft, you'll be taken on a trip around Rotorua and onto its scenic lakes.

Two trips are available. The first tours the city centre before moving out of town and hitting the water at Lake Tikitapu.  The second tour lasts two hours and takes in central Rotorua before heading out to towards Lake Tarawera to give visitors a glimpse of the stunning volcanic landscape.  More Info. 

5.  Polynesian Spa

The Polynesian Spa is New Zealand's leading international spa with 28 hot mineral pools, known for their therapeutic properties.  Guests can benefit from the geothermic acidic and alkaline water that flow into the pools from two hot mineral springs.

For deluxe bathing overlooking Lake Rotorua choose Lake Spa, adults only bathing in the Pavillion Pools, enjoy fun for the whole family in the Family Pools or if you want complete privacy opt for either a Skyview Private Pool or Lakeview Private Pool.  More Info.

6.  Te Puia

Spectacular geothermal valley and home to the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, just five minutes from central Rotorua.  From the moment you pass through the impressive entrance monument of 12 skyscraping posts, you know you're entering a special place.  One of the highlights is the Pohutu Geyser, the largest active geyser in the southern hemisphere which erupts up to 20 times a day and shooting water up to 30 metres into the air. 

Book a guided tour to learn more about the area's history and hear stories handed down through the generations.  Tours can be combined with cultural performances, which run three times a day or, with an evening package that includes a concert and traditionally cooked hangi.  More Info.

7.  Rotorua Guided Tour

Let someone else do the planning and driving.  FlexiTours NZ offers a range of tours to Rotorua's best attractions. Visitors can choose from a package option or customise their own tour by choosing from multiple options. The Rotorua One Day Tour includes a visit to the magnificent Te Puia thermal reserve and Maori Arts and Crafts Institute as well as a tour around central Rotorua including the beautiful Government Gardens.  The tour includes lunch at Te Puia where visitors can opt to try a traditional Maori Hangi lunch. 

Extras can be added to the tour including visits to Waitomo Caves, Hobbiton, the Agrodome sheep show, a Maori cultural show and the Polynesian Spa.  More Info.

8.  Rotorua City Walk

A great way to see many of the best scenic spots of Rotorua is with a short walk around the city.  You can stroll on a 90 minute loop trail that takes in Sulphur Bay, Lake Rotorua, Ohinemutu Maori Village, Kuirau Park and the Government Gardens.  We think it’s the best short walk in Rotorua.  Read more in our Rotorua City Walk article.

9.  Government Gardens

Beautiful and spacious gardens conveniently located in the centre of Rotorua.  Within the gardens, you'll also come across various points of interest that include the 1927 Arawa Soldiers Memorial, a number of geothermal features and the Kwaqiulth Totem Pole.  The beauitfually maintained gardens are a short walk to Lake Rototura, the town centre and the wildlife refuge of Sulphur Bay. 

The land is one of legend and historical importance to the local Maori people, with a number of significant battles having taken place.  The original Maori owners gifted the 50 acres of land in the late nineteenth century for 'the benefit of the people of the world'.  More Info.

10.  The Redwoods

On the outskirts of Rotorua, is a must-visit natural attraction that all ages can enjoy.  The Redwoods Forest features a number of walking trails, mountain biking trails, the Treewalk attraction and of course the incredible Californian Coastal Redwoods. 

The visitor centre is a great place to start a visit to learn more about the forest and the surrounding area and collect a trail map, and to end a visit by picking up a souvenir.  Read more about the trails in our Redwoods Walks article.

Rotorua Experience Deals:

To see more experiences and get the best deals on activities in Rotorua check our Rotorua Experiences and save some money.