Rotorua Things to Do
Rotorua is a popular tourist destination, with a huge range of attractions. From bubbly mud pools and spouting geysers to Gondolas and zorbing, there is something to entertain everyone! Rotorua accommodation options abound, from luxury hotels to homely bed and breakfasts.
1. Wonder at the Redwoods in the Whakarewarewa Forest
Whakarewarewa Forest is a beautiful natural attraction with towering Californian Coastal Redwoods located just five minutes drive from the city centre. Hike or bike the trails through the forest and experience stunning panoramic views. Have a family picnic, walk your dog or go horse riding.
2. Ride the Gondola at Skyline Rotorua
Skyline Rotorua is one of the top attractions in Rotorua. It offers great entertainment for both the young and the old. Ride the gondola and take in the stunning views. Race down the luge track, or enjoy a light refreshment or a delicious meal in the restaurant overlooking the town.
3. Experience Te Puia
Experience Te Puia - a geothermal valley with the largest active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere, the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institue and the Kiwi Conservation Centre.
Be wowed by the intense geothermal activity, learn about the beautiful Maori culture, and see 6 Kiwi in the kiwi enclosure.
The Pohutu Geyser is one of 65 geysers located in the Te Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley, and the most famous. The geyser erupts up to 30 metres high, and is the largest active geyser in New Zealand and the southern hemisphere.
4. Take the Family to the Agrodome
The Agrodome provides great educational fun for the whole family. Watch a live, entertaining and educational sheep show featuring a live sheep shearing, 19 breeds of champion rams, cow milking, lamb feeding, dog demonstrations as well as a full New Zealand dog trial.
Other activities include an organic farm tour for a hands-on experience with a variety of farm animals including Cattle, Deer, Alpaca, Bison, Ostrich, Sheep and more.
5. Paradise Valley Springs Wildlife Park
Paradise Valley Springs Wildlife Park offers a range of fun family entertainment. Hand feed animals such as Deer, Pigs, Thar and Wallabies. See Rainbow and Brown Trout in crystal-clear pools and in the Ngongotaha Stream. Get up close to friendly farm animals such as Alpacas, Goats and Sheep. And view native New Zealand birds on the wetlands.
6. Ride the Zorb Downhill
Climb into a large inflated ball and tumble and fall down a hill! Great fun for the kids.
7. Explore the Buried Village
The Buried Village of Te Wairoa is a popular attraction featuring an award-winning museum, a recreated pioneer cottage, a Maori whare and excavated sites. The excavated village provides unique insight into the chaos and mayhem that transpired when Mount Tarawera erupted.
Great entertainment for all ages.
8. Experience an Authenic Maori Village
The Tamaki Maori Village is an authentic Maori village offering Maori art forms, ancient rituals and traditions, thrilling song and dance and a delicious 3-course meal.
9. Explore Native Forest from Above
Soar over a canopy of prehistoric native forestry with an epice network of ziplines, swing bridges, cliff-walks and tree top platforms.
