Our Guide to the must visit attractions in Rotorua

Top 10 Rotorua Tourist Attractions

Rotorua is a vibrant city renowned for its geothermal wonders, rich Maori culture, and stunning natural landscapes.  This article explores the top 10 must-visit tourist attractions in Rotorua, providing insights into what makes each destination unique and why they deserve a spot on your itinerary.

1. Whakarewarewa – The Living Maori Village

Whakarewarewa is more than just a tourist attraction; it’s a living cultural experience.  This geothermal village has been home to the Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao people for over 700 years.  Visitors can witness traditional Maori customs, watch geysers erupt, and explore steaming hot springs right in the heart of the village.  The vibrant community thrives on the principles of sustainability and cultural preservation, making it a unique place where ancient traditions coexist with modern life.

One of the highlights is the Pohutu Geyser, which erupts up to 20 times a day, shooting water as high as 30 meters.  Guided tours provide fascinating insights into Maori history, traditional carving, weaving, and the sustainable use of geothermal resources.  The village also offers authentic Maori hangi meals, cooked using geothermal steam, giving visitors a taste of genuine local cuisine.  Beyond the geysers, the village is adorned with intricate carvings and structures that tell stories of ancestors and significant events, serving as a living museum of Maori heritage.

In addition to the geothermal wonders, Whakarewarewa is also a hub for cultural performances. Visitors can enjoy traditional Maori songs and dances, known as kapa haka, which are performed by local groups. These performances not only entertain but also educate audiences about the rich tapestry of Maori mythology and values. Furthermore, the village is committed to environmental stewardship, showcasing how the Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao people have harmoniously lived with the land and its geothermal features for generations. This connection to nature is evident in their practices and is a vital part of their identity, making a visit to Whakarewarewa an enriching experience that goes beyond mere sightseeing.

2. Rotorua Geothermal Parks – Wai-O-Tapu and Te Puia

Wai-O-Tapu 

Wai-O-Tapu is arguably Rotorua’s most colorful geothermal park. Known for its vibrant hot springs, bubbling mud pools, and the famous Champagne Pool, the park offers a surreal landscape that feels almost otherworldly.  The vivid orange and green mineral deposits create a painter’s palette of colors, making it a photographer’s paradise.

Visitors can stroll along well-maintained boardwalks, learning about geothermal activity and the unique chemistry behind the park’s features.  The daily eruption of the Lady Knox Geyser, which shoots water up to 20 meters, is a crowd favorite and a perfect photo opportunity.  Additionally, the park is home to numerous thermal pools, each with its own distinct color and temperature, inviting guests to explore the diverse geothermal phenomena that have shaped this incredible landscape over thousands of years.

Te Puia – Geothermal Wonders and Maori Arts

Te Puia combines geothermal marvels with cultural heritage.  Apart from the impressive geysers and mud pools, Te Puia is home to the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute.  Here, visitors can watch skilled artisans carve traditional woodworks, create intricate weaving, and learn about the significance of Maori art.  The institute not only preserves these ancient crafts but also serves as a living gallery where the stories of the Maori people are shared through their art.  Workshops are often available, allowing visitors to engage hands-on with the crafts, fostering a deeper appreciation for the cultural significance behind each piece.

The park also hosts a kiwi bird sanctuary, offering a rare chance to see New Zealand’s iconic nocturnal bird up close.  Night tours provide a unique perspective on these elusive creatures and the geothermal landscape under the stars.  As you wander through the sanctuary, the sounds of the night come alive, and with a little patience, you may catch a glimpse of the kiwi foraging for insects. The sanctuary plays a crucial role in conservation efforts, ensuring that future generations can experience the wonder of these unique birds.  Moreover, Te Puia's geothermal features, such as the Pohutu Geyser, which erupts up to 30 meters high, create a dramatic backdrop for cultural performances that showcase traditional Maori songs and dances, enriching the experience for all who visit.

3. Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest

For those who want to immerse themselves in nature, the Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest is a must-visit.  This majestic forest features towering Californian coastal redwoods, some reaching heights of over 70 meters.  The forest is crisscrossed with numerous walking and mountain biking trails, catering to all fitness levels.

The Treewalk, a series of suspension bridges connecting the giant redwoods, offers an exhilarating experience and breathtaking views from above the forest floor.  The forest is also a peaceful retreat for birdwatchers and photographers, with native birds like the fantail and kererū commonly spotted.

4. Lake Rotorua and Waterfront Activities

Lake Rotorua is the city’s largest lake and a hub for water-based recreation.  The lake’s calm waters are perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing.  Several operators offer boat cruises that showcase the lake’s scenic beauty, including visits to nearby islands such as Mokoia Island, steeped in Maori legend.

The lakefront area is lined with parks, cafes, and playgrounds, making it an ideal spot for families and casual strolls.  The Rotorua Museum, located on the lake’s edge, provides a deep dive into the region’s history, culture, and geology, although it is currently undergoing restoration and expected to reopen soon.

5. Skyline Rotorua – Adventure and Panoramic Views

Perched on Mount Ngongotaha, Skyline Rotorua offers a thrilling blend of adventure and stunning vistas.  The gondola ride to the summit provides panoramic views of Rotorua city, the lake, and surrounding mountains.  At the top, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including the famous luge rides, mountain biking, and ziplining.

The complex also features a restaurant and bar, perfect for relaxing with a meal while soaking in the views.  Skyline’s night luge is particularly popular, offering a unique and exciting way to experience the tracks under the glow of LED lights.

6. Polynesian Spa – Relaxation in Geothermal Waters

Rotorua’s geothermal activity isn’t just for sightseeing; it’s also the foundation for some of the world’s best natural spas.  The Polynesian Spa is renowned for its therapeutic mineral pools, which draw visitors seeking relaxation and healing.  The spa offers a range of pools with varying temperatures and mineral compositions, each designed to rejuvenate the body and mind.

With lakeside views and a tranquil atmosphere, the Polynesian Spa is a perfect way to unwind after a day of exploring.  Treatments like massages and facials complement the bathing experience, making it a holistic wellness destination.

7. Government Gardens

Beautiful and spacious gardens near the centre of Rotorua, The Government Gardens offer a bowling club, petanque, croquet and a golf course.  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 beautifully maintained gardens are a short walk to Lake Rotorua, 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'.

8. Rail Cruising

Experience rail like never before.  With nothing ahead of you but the unobstructed curve of the rail stretching out into the distance, the scenery drifting by and the clickety-clack of the rail beneath you.  Spaced apart, groups of RailCruisers travel 10 kilometres together from Mamaku Railway Station to Tarukenga Railway Station.  At Tarukenga, your Rail Cruisers then turns back to Mamaku.

The relaxing Rail Cruising experience travels at a leisurely 20km/hr and features audio commentary to provide a fascinating insight into a unique piece of New Zealand railway history. 

9. Kuirau Park – Free Geothermal Park in the City

Kuirau Park is a unique urban geothermal park located in the heart of Rotorua.  Unlike many other geothermal sites that require an entry fee, Kuirau Park is free to visit and offers easy access to bubbling mud pools, steaming vents, and hot springs right within the city limits.

The park is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to relax, walk, and enjoy the natural geothermal activity.  It also features a foot bath where visitors can soak their feet in warm mineral water, providing a simple yet authentic geothermal experience.

10. Hells Gate

Around every turn at Hells Gate, you’ll experience something different - from cooking pools and steaming cliffs, to the largest hot waterfall in the Southern Hemisphere.  Witness the mud volcano eruptions and land coral which grows day-by-day, and you’ll see first-hand why this place is called Hell’s Gate.  It’s more than just mud or steam, it’s a place of inspiration.
 
Once bathed in by Māori warriors, the mud and waters of Tikitere have soothed battle-scarred bodies for centuries.  To this very day our nutrient-rich water relaxes the body, while our mud gently exfoliates the skin.  Take the time out to experience this healing for yourself, with a soak in the sulphur pool and full body mud coverage.  You’ll leave rejuvenated and fresh, ready for the rest of your adventure.

Conclusion

Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, these top 10 attractions provide a comprehensive glimpse into what makes Rotorua one of New Zealand’s most beloved tourist destinations.

Planning your visit around these highlights ensures a memorable journey filled with discovery, excitement, and relaxation. Don’t forget to immerse yourself in the local culture, savor traditional foods, and take time to appreciate the unique geothermal landscapes that define this remarkable region.