Things to Do in Rotorua: Free, Paid and Everything Else
Rotorua was my least favourite place in New Zealand for a long time. I know, I know. But after deciding to give it another go this year, I am happy to report it is one of the most unique places I have ever been to. It reminded me that how you explore a place matters just as much as where you go, so this is my honest attempt to share what we experienced, where you can save money, and what is genuinely not to be missed.
Something that blew my mind on this visit was that Rotorua has been a tourist destination since the 1800s. You are reading that right. People have been travelling here for centuries because of its extraordinary geothermal landscape and there is genuinely nothing else like it in New Zealand. We spent every single day soaking in geothermal hot pools and still could not get enough of it.
Rotorua is also New Zealand’s second biggest adrenaline hub after Queenstown. We made sure we tested that claim thoroughly.
If you are short on time, here is what you need to know at a glance. Otherwise keep reading as we go deep on all the fun things to do in Rotorua, free and paid.
Rotorua At A Glance
- How long to spend: 2 to 3 days minimum
- How to get there: 3 hours by car from Auckland, direct flights also available
- Best time to visit: every season offers something different, [read our full New Zealand seasonal guide HERE to find the best time for your trip
- Where to stay: from boutique lakeside lodges to freedom camping, [read our full Rotorua accommodation guide HERE
Table of Contents
Adventure Activities: Rotorua Will Surprise You
We had done a few activities in Rotorua before, luge, Zorb, Kaituna river rafting but this time I decided to go all in and Rotorua completely rewarded that decision. What I did not expect was just how adrenaline packed every single activity would be. I genuinely underestimated this place.
Velocity Valley: Do the Combo Pass
“What the…” that is all I could say.
I was standing 43 metres up on a platform watching Sagar get cut loose with nothing, no harness, no cord and drop straight down to a net four seconds later. That is Vertigo at Velocity Valley and I could not speak even after he landed. It is completely insane and Sagar had the time of his life. I will never fully understand why someone pays to be traumatised but there we were.
While I could not bring myself to do the free fall, I did Freefall Xtreme and that was an experience unlike anything I have done before. I have not done a skydive yet so being suspended in a 220kph wind chamber was genuinely surreal. I was shouting the whole time but the wind was so loud I could not even hear my own scream. Mouth completely dry. Absolute chaos. Loved every second of it.
Shweeb and Agrojet are also great fun, nothing as extreme as Vertigo or Freefall Xtreme but still worth doing as part of a group. Which brings me to the most important tip, do not buy a single ride. Buy the combo pass. I promise you after one activity you will want more and the combo works out significantly better value.
Prices start from around $65 NZD for one ride pass. The four ride combo is the best value at around $195 NZD. Check Bookme for last minute deals. Book Here:
ZORB: The Only Place in New Zealand
If you are not quite ready for the Velocity Valley level of chaos but still want to do something adventurous, this is your answer. ZORB is exactly what it sounds like — you climb inside a giant inflatable ball and roll down a hill. And I guarantee you cannot stop giggling. It is just ridiculous fun.
What I genuinely loved about this place is how much thought has gone into the experience. New Zealand weather can be brutal, especially in winter and shoulder season, so they have outdoor heaters in the waiting area. Hot tubs before and after your ride. A sauna at the top of the longest track. They have genuinely thought of everything.
One ride is not enough. But if you are on a budget and can only do one, do the Sidewinder. It starts slow, takes you through curve after curve, and then picks up speed toward the end so you get the full thrill experience in one run.
Single rides start from around $49 to $69 NZD per person depending on the track. Multi ride combos start from $95 NZD for two rides up to $155 NZD for four rides. Book Here
Skyline Gondola and Luge
You have probably seen that Mario Kart reel going around. Every time someone hops on a planning call with us, that is the first thing they bring up. And yes, it is real and yes, it is exactly as fun as it looks.
Luge, as we Kiwis call it, is available in both Rotorua and Queenstown. You pick your track, beginner, intermediate, or advanced and drive yourself down to the bottom. Most people do the gondola up and squeeze in two or three runs because one is never enough.
If you are doing both Rotorua and Queenstown on your trip, save the luge for Queenstown. The views there hit different. But if Rotorua is your only stop, do it here and do not think twice.
June and July are the quietest months so you skip the queues entirely.
Gondola plus two luge rides starts from around $72 NZD. The most popular combo bundles the gondola with five luge rides.
https://rotorua.skyline.co.nz/
White Water Rafting: Kaituna River
This one is purely for thrill seekers. I have done it twice and it is adrenaline pumping from start to finish even in the winter months. They suit you up properly so you do not feel the cold and brief you thoroughly before you get in the water. The key thing is listen to every single word they say. The highlight is rafting over Tutea Falls on the Kaituna River, the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world. You will be buzzing for hours after.
Book here:
Geothermal Experiences: What Rotorua Is Famous For
There are so many geothermal parks in Rotorua and we have been to quite a few. Each one has its own character but if you can only visit one, make it Wai-O-Tapu. No debate from me on this one.
Wai-O-Tapu: Our Top Pick
Wai-O-Tapu is about 25 minutes from Rotorua CBD but it has everything to make the drive worthwhile.
The Lady Knox Geyser presentation starts every single day at 10:15am sharp and it is the perfect way to kick off your visit. They really put on a proper show around it, Maori songs, stories about how it was all discovered, and then the moment the geyser erupts and shoots up to 20 metres. It is genuinely wow.
After that, head into the park itself and just wander. The Champagne Pool, the green lake, the blue lake, the mud pools, the volcanic craters, Wai-O-Tapu has more character in one park than most geothermal destinations manage across several. There are multiple tracks too so you can do a quick 30 minute loop or spend a couple of hours going deep.
Go early, attend the Lady Knox presentation, then do the walk. It gets busy toward the afternoon and you want to beat the tour buses.
Entry is around $47 NZD for adults, $17 NZD for children aged 5 to 15, and free for under 5s. Family pass is $115 NZD for two adults and up to three children.
If you are booking in advance, use our code SAGARANDAMI on Klook for 10% off (new users only). Book Here:
Waimangu Volcanic Valley
If Wai-O-Tapu is not on the cards, Waimangu is a great alternative. It is about 20 minutes south of Rotorua and it genuinely feels like you have landed on a different planet. Some of the landscapes here are breathtaking, a stunning crater lake, Frying Pan Lake which is the world’s largest hot spring, and sweeping 360 degree views of Rotorua with geothermal steam rising from everywhere you look. The walk takes you through native forest and the whole thing feels prehistoric in the best way.
If you only have 2 to 3 days in Rotorua you do not need to tick off every single geothermal park. But if you have done Wai-O-Tapu and want more, Waimangu is the one to add.
A self- guided walk starts from $75 NZD. Walk and cruise combo from $180 NZD. Check Bookme for last minute deals. Book Here:
Sulphur Point and Government Gardens: Free Geothermal Walk
This one is for the early risers. Get there just before sunrise and you will have steaming mud pools, the lake, and the whole area practically to yourself. There are over 60 species of birds here and the stillness by the jetty in the early morning is one of those Rotorua moments that stays with you.
Sulphur Point is a free boardwalk along the lake edge with geothermal steam rising out of the ground right next to you. It is extraordinary and it costs nothing. Most tourists do not know about it which makes it even better.
Government Gardens is right nearby and just as worth visiting. The old bathhouse building is stunning, the gardens are beautifully kept, and there is still free geothermal activity throughout. A great spot to wander around without spending anything.
There is also a freedom camping site here for those travelling in a van
or motorhome. Check out our full Rotorua accommodation guide for all the details on that
Hell’s Gate
Hell’s Gate is about 15 minutes from Rotorua city centre and it is more than just a geothermal walk. It is one of the few places where you can combine geothermal, Maori culture, and a spa all in one visit.
The geothermal walk itself is great if you have not been to any of the other parks yet. Short but impressive. What makes Hell’s Gate different though is everything else around it.
The Maori carving experience was one of my favourite parts of the whole visit. You choose your design, they teach you the basics, and then you try your hand at this centuries old craft. I will be honest, it is much harder than it looks. But the artist there is incredible and incredibly patient. You leave with your own piece of carved work which makes it even more special.
Then there is the mud spa. You get 20 minutes in the mud bath which honestly feels strange at first, sitting in muddy water and then rubbing mud all over your face and body is not exactly what you picture when someone says spa day. But the geothermal mud is rich in minerals and has been used by Maori for healing for over 800 years. I seriously felt my skin was smoother afterwards (or probably it was just in my head) but the whole experience was genuinely cool. After the mud bath there is a cold plunge and then unlimited time in the hot sulphur spa, which overlooks the geothermal park. The setting really adds to the whole thing.
Geothermal walk only $45 NZD. Mud bath and spa only $90 NZD. Full combo including walk, Maori carving and mud spa $115 NZD. Children under 5 are free. Book Here:
Maori Cultural Experiences
Rotorua is the heartland of Maori culture in New Zealand. The indigenous Maori people have called this region home for centuries and the geothermal landscape is deeply woven into their stories, traditions and spiritual beliefs. Spending time here without experiencing at least one cultural experience means you are only getting half the picture of what Rotorua really is.
Mitai Maori Village: Our Pick
There are a few options for cultural experiences in Rotorua and we went to Mitai specifically because our guide from the Mt Tarawera hike was performing there that evening. That alone tells you something about the people involved, many of the performers live and breathe this culture every day.
The evening starts with a briefing about the whole experience and then they take you outside to watch Maori warriors paddle a waka down the river in traditional dress. A waka is a traditional Maori canoe and seeing it come down the river at night with the warriors in full attire is a genuinely powerful moment.
Then comes the hangi. A hangi is a traditional Maori cooking method where food is slow cooked underground using heated rocks. The steam and earth infuse the food with a deep smoky flavour and it has been done this way for hundreds of years. If you eat meat, the hangi feast is a highlight. I am mostly vegetarian so I stuck to the potatoes, kumara, rice, flatbread and salad which was fine but not the star of the show. Sagar on the other hand had an absolute feast. They also have a good range of desserts.
The cultural show that follows is where the whole evening comes alive. One by one they introduce traditional instruments, share legends, demonstrate the language, and then perform. The haka is powerful in a way that is hard to describe in words. What struck me most was how much passion and genuine spirit every single performer brought to it. You could feel it. This was not a performance put on for tourists. These people were sharing something they are truly proud of.
The last part is a short bush walk to spot glow worms. We could not see any on the night we went but honestly that is not what the experience is about anyway.
The whole thing takes about 3 hours. Afternoon and evening shows are available. Book early in peak season as it fills up fast.
Adults from $169 NZD, children $100 NZD, infants free. Check Bookme for last minute deals. Book Here:
Te Pa Tu: Our Recommendation
We have not personally been to Te Pa Tu but it consistently comes up as one of the most highly rated cultural experiences in Rotorua and after reading through the reviews it is easy to see why.
The experience runs for about 3.5 hours in a forest village setting outside the city. You are welcomed with a traditional Maori ceremony, there are cultural performances, haka, song and dance, hands on workshops, and a 4 course fusion feast inspired by the Maori lunar calendar. What stands out in the reviews is the same thing we experienced at Mitai — the performers bring genuine passion and family spirit to everything they do. Reviewers consistently say it felt personal rather than just a tourist show.
A few people felt the food did not quite match the price. Worth knowing before you go.
From $260 NZD per person. Book early as it fills up fast.
Te Puia
Te Puia is the one stop option for both geothermal and Maori culture in one visit. It sits in the Whakarewarewa geothermal valley just 5 minutes from the city centre and it is home to Pohutu Geyser, the largest active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere which erupts up to 30 metres high once or twice an hour.
Beyond the geothermal valley there is the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute where you can watch master carvers and weavers working in wood, stone, bone and flax. A portion of every entry fee goes toward scholarships for Maori students to learn these traditional crafts which is worth knowing.
There is also a kiwi conservation centre if you want to see New Zealand’s national bird up close. Allocate at least 3 hours. Evening hangi dinner and cultural performance are also available.
Guided day experience from $90 NZD for adults, $45 NZD for children. Evening experience packages from $195 NZD. Use our code SAGARANDAMI on Klook for 10% off as a new user. Book Here:
Redwood Forest: Day and Night
The Redwood Forest is only five minutes from Rotorua city centre and it is one of those places that genuinely surprises you. These trees are over 120 years old and some reach over 70 metres tall. Walking among them is free and in my opinion that alone is worth doing. The sheer size stops you in your tracks.
The Treewalk Day
If you want to go higher, the paid treewalk takes you 9 to 20 metres above the forest floor across 28 suspension bridges spanning 700 metres. The day walk is the one to do if you are into nature and want to actually see the trees, the scale of them from up close is extraordinary.
The information boards along the way make it interesting for kids too. One tip from experience, it is always cold in this forest even in summer. Bring a jacket. And the swing bridges look more intimidating than they are. Brave the first one and the rest feel easy.
The Treewalk Night
The night walk lights up the whole path with lanterns and has a glow worm themed section built in. It is pretty and would make a great evening activity especially in winter when sunset hits around 5:30pm. One thing to know is that, you will not see the trees properly in the dark so if nature is your reason for coming, do the day walk.
The night walk gets really busy just after the sunset. One of our friends had to wait for an hour and half so try to book the later slot so you are not wasting time queuing up.
The New Glow Worm Cave
This one is recent and we could be among the first to write about it properly. The Redwoods have engineered a man-made cave and introduced real glow worms into it. What is fascinating is that these creatures have started to thrive in there, they have made it their home. The team explains the full life cycle of the glow worm and how the cave was designed to support them. It took years to get right.
If you have already done Waitomo Caves, you can skip this. The Waitomo experience is in a different league. But if Waitomo is not on your itinerary, this is a genuinely interesting way to see glow worms up close and learn about them properly.
Day or night treewalk from $45 NZD adults, $28 NZD children. You can book here.
Hiking in Rotorua
Rotorua is not just geothermal pools and adventure activities. There are some genuinely great hikes in the area and most people do not know about them. These two are our personal picks.
Rainbow Mountain: The Hidden Gem Nobody Mentions
First things first, no, it does not look like the rainbow mountain in Peru and no, you will not see rainbow colours on the slopes. But do not let that put you off.
Rainbow Mountain is about 26km from Rotorua, roughly a 20 minute drive. The track goes through native bush with steaming ridges and bare slopes in brown, orange and red, that is where the name comes from. It is also a mountain biking track so just be aware you may share the path with riders.
If you are short on time or not into hiking, the Crater Lakes Walk is only 500 metres from the carpark. It takes about 15 minutes each way and you get views over two volcanic crater lakes. The main one is a beautiful emerald colour and worth the short walk alone.
If you want the full hike, continue to the summit. It is a steady climb through native bush, never too steep. Allow about 2 to 2.5 hours return from the carpark. On a clear day you can see Mt Tarawera, multiple Rotorua lakes, Lake Taupo, and the Tongariro volcanoes in the distance. Really stunning views.
Wear sturdy shoes as it can get slippery. There’s a free parking at the start of the track.
Mt Tarawera — Our Favourite Hike in Rotorua
This one is personal. The landscape around Mt Tarawera is unlike anything else we have experienced in New Zealand and that is saying something.
Mt Tarawera is a sacred mountain, a wahi tapu, to Ngati Rangitihi, the local iwi who are the guardians of this land. The mountain is completely closed to the public and the only way to access it is through a guided experience with Kaitiaki Adventures, who operate under an exclusive iwi concession. And honestly I would not want to do it any other way. The guides are so deeply connected to this place, the stories they share about the 1886 eruption that buried the Pink and White Terraces, the Maori legends tied to the mountain, the cultural significance of the land under your feet, that alone makes this hike worth doing.
They pick you up from the Te Puia carpark in a 4WD because the road to the starting point is rough and bumpy. At one point it genuinely felt like we were driving through rural Asia rather than Rotorua. The moment you arrive, the guides do karakia, prayers and brief you on the history and the hike ahead.
The hike itself is challenging in places but nothing that requires advanced experience. I have done the Tongariro Crossing and the Pinnacles and I found this one very manageable. You climb up to Ruawahia, the highest peak at 1,111 metres, with panoramic views across Rotorua’s lakes and all the way to the Bay of Plenty. And yes, you can run down into the crater itself if you want to. We did. It is as fun as it sounds.
A half day tour is the best option for most people. A full day and a combo with Kaituna river rafting are also available if you want to make a full day of it.
We loved this hike so much we wrote a full dedicated guide about it.
Book this guided tour here.
Free Things to Do in Rotorua
The beauty of Rotorua is that even if you do not spend a single dollar, you still get to experience what makes this place so unique. From geothermal parks to natural hot springs, there is plenty to explore for free. I am also working on a full detailed post on free things to do in Rotorua so keep an eye out for that.
Sulphur Point Walk
This is one of the best sunrise spots in Rotorua. Get there early and you will have the boardwalk mostly to yourself, steaming mud pools, the lake stretching out in front of you, and dozens of bird species going about their morning. It has a real stillness to it that you simply do not get later in the day. Completely free.
Government Gardens
New Zealand is not known for its architecture but Government Gardens is one of those places that will genuinely stop you. The old bathhouse building is stunning and the gardens get beautiful during autumn when the colours come through. It is a great spot for a picnic and one of the nicest free walks in the city centre. There is also a freedom camping site right here for anyone travelling in a self-contained vehicle.
Kuirau Park
This is New Zealand’s only free geothermal public park and it sits right in the city centre. You can park for free and walk through bubbling mud pools, steaming vents and hot water lakes without spending a thing. There are also free foot spas here where you can soak your feet in the warm geothermal water, a surprisingly good way to end a day of exploring. A great option if you want the geothermal experience without paying entry fees.
Okere Falls and Tutea Falls
If you are not into white water rafting but curious what it looks like? Come here. This is the exact stretch of river the rafting operators use and you can watch groups come through the rapids and over Tutea Falls from the viewing spots along the track. The walk itself is easy, the New Zealand greenery is beautiful, and you get to see some great waterfalls along the way. Totally free and very little effort required.
Kerosene Creek
If you want a natural hot spring without paying Polynesian Spa prices, this is your answer. About 28km from Rotorua on Old Waiotapu Road, the creek flows through native bush with warm geothermal water at around 38 degrees Celsius and a small waterfall cascading into a natural pool. It is genuinely beautiful and feels nothing like a commercial spa.
The road is gravel and can be rough so drive slowly. It gets busy in the peak season. One honest heads up from our own experience, we found those small red worms on our swimwear afterwards. Bring a bottle of water to rinse off before you get back in the car.
One important safety note, do not submerge your head or let water enter your nose. Geothermal water can carry the risk of amoebic meningitis which enters through the nose. Keep your head above water and you are fine.
Rainbow Mountain
If you want a free hike with one of the best views in the region, Rainbow Mountain delivers. The short Crater Lakes Walk is only 500 metres from the carpark or push on to the summit for panoramic views across the whole central North Island.
Blue Lake
Even if you are not staying at Top 10 Blue Lake Holiday Park, the drive out here is worth it. Only 15 minutes from Rotorua CBD, the lake is crystal clear and completely peaceful. Bring the kids, there are always ducks along the shore and you can swim for free. A great escape from the Rotorua madness.
Redwood Forest Walk
You do not need to pay for the treewalk to enjoy the Redwood Forest. Just walk through it for free and the size of these trees will still stop you in your tracks. Just as beautiful, zero cost.
Aorangi Peak Lookout: Skip This One
This comes up in almost every Rotorua search so it is worth a mention but only to warn you. Drive all the way up there and you will be met with a private land sign. There is no lookout. Save yourself the trip.
Hot Pools and Wellness
This is my favourite section to write because we genuinely tested almost every spa option in Rotorua. Here is our honest take on each one.
Polynesian Spa
Polynesian Spa is on almost every Rotorua itinerary I have reviewed and I understand the appeal. It sits right on the shores of Lake Rotorua with 28 pools across different areas, lake views, and two types of natural spring water, the alkaline Rachel Spring which softens the skin and the acidic Priest Spring which helps with muscle tension. It consistently gets ranked among the world’s top 10 spas.
That said, my personal experience was not great. We booked a private pool and the water was dirty with hair in it. I know geothermal water can be murky but this felt genuinely unhygienic. When I raised my concern the response was not what I expected at that price point.
Customer service seems to be a recurring theme in recent reviews too.
It is still one of the most iconic things to do in Rotorua so I am not going to tell you to skip it but go in with realistic expectations, especially if you are booking a private pool.
If you want to book a call to talk through your Rotorua trip and get a more personalised recommendation, you can book a call here.
Lake view private spa starts from $60 NZD. Book Here.
Waikite Valley Thermal Pools: The Hidden Gem
This one is such a hidden gem. We only discovered it recently ourselves. About 25 to 30 minutes from Rotorua city centre, Waikite Valley is fed entirely by Te Manaroa Spring, New Zealand’s largest single source of 100% pure boiling geothermal water. The water starts at 98 degrees Celsius at the source and flows down through the valley into the pools. You can do a 10 minute eco-trail walk to see the spring itself which is worth doing.
There are 6 public pools at varying temperatures and 4 private spas. The pools are drained and cleaned every single night and refilled with fresh geothermal water. That level of care shows.
The owners are lovely and look after the place. Shared bathrooms, showers, kitchen, and a cafe on site. Facilities are clean and functional.
The only catch is you either need to camp here or have a self-contained campervan or motorhome. There are no cabins. But if you can spend a night, staying at the campsite means you get access to the pools in the early morning before the public arrives. Waking up and having those pools to yourself is genuinely special.
Campsite from $68 per person per night with pool access included. Book here.
Hell’s Gate Mud Spa
If you want to combine a geothermal walk with a spa experience in one stop, Hell’s Gate is the pick. We covered it in detail in the geothermal section above.
Geothermal walk only from $45 NZD. Full combo including walk, Maori carving and mud spa from $115 NZD. Book Here:
Day Trips From Rotorua
Rotorua is a great base for exploring the surrounding region. These are the day trips worth making.
Blue Spring- only 45 minutes from Rotorua
Blue Spring is about 45 minutes from Rotorua and if you are driving down from Auckland, it makes a perfect stop on the way. You will not regret the detour.
The water here is some of the clearest you will ever see. It has been filtering underground for up to 100 years which is why it comes out so pure. In fact, it supplies around 70% of New Zealand’s bottled water. The colour shifts depending on the light and the further along the walk you go, the bluer it gets. On a sunny day it genuinely looks like a painting.
The walk is easy and flat. From the Leslie Road entrance it is only 15 minutes to the spring. There is a lot of free parking as well. From Whites Road it is a longer walk but more scenic through native bush and wetlands.
From our experience, try to time your visit between 11am and 2pm on a sunny day. The stream sits between hills so it only gets direct sunlight for a small window and that is when the colours really come alive.
One thing to know, you cannot swim at the main spring itself as it is protected. Swimming is allowed further downstream near the Whites Road end. Also, you might find sandflies during warm days here.
Tarawera Falls- Beautiful But Plan Ahead
We have been wanting to visit Tarawera Falls for a long time and we still have not made it. I will tell you why.
Getting there is not as simple as just driving up. Access is through private forestry roads from Kawerau, which is Rotorua and Whakatane. You need a permit which you can only get from the Kawerau iSite Visitor Information Centre in person. Access is only on weekends and public holidays. During summer the road can close completely if fire risk is high.
It is a genuinely stunning waterfall and worth the effort if you plan properly. But go in knowing it takes a bit of organising, this is not a spontaneous day trip.
For Van Lifers and Campervan Travellers
Rotorua is genuinely one of the better cities in the North Island for van life. It is compact, has three freedom camping spots within the city, and the surrounding area gives you options if you want something quieter.
We have covered all three Rotorua freedom camping spots in detail in our where to stay in Rotorua post, Hinemoa Street, Hamurana Reserve, and Trout Pool Reserve at Okere Falls. All free, all self-contained vehicles only, and all first come first served. [Link to where to stay in Rotorua post]
If you want something more than just a parking spot, Waikite Valley campsite is the one to book. It is the only option near Rotorua that gives you access to thermal pools early morning and late at night as a camper. Waking up and having those pools to yourself before the public arrives is genuinely one of the best van life experiences we have had in New Zealand.
Quick Tips Before You Go
Book Velocity Valley and Zorb online before you arrive. It is cheaper than buying at the gate and you skip the queue which matters in peak season.
At Wai-O-Tapu, get there early for the Lady Knox Geyser presentation at 10:15am. By mid morning the tour buses arrive and it gets noticeably busier.
Always bring a jacket to the Redwood Forest. Even in the middle of summer it is cold there. It catches people out every time.
The sulphur smell hits you the moment you arrive in Rotorua. Give it an hour and you stop noticing it completely.
June and July are quietly great months to visit. Fewer queues, easier bookings, and you still get to do almost everything on this list. The luge was practically empty when we went.
If you have the time, combine Rotorua with Taupo. Together they make a natural 5 to 6 day itinerary and Taupo is only about an hour south.
Rotorua surprised us the second time around in the best way. It is one of those places that rewards you when you go all in and we hope this guide helps you do exactly that.
Still figuring out where to stay while you are here? We have a full breakdown of every accommodation option in Rotorua from boutique lakeside lodges to freedom camping spots.
Travelling in a van or motorhome? Read our full freedom camping guide in New Zealand before you hit the road.
Not sure when to visit? Our New Zealand seasonal guide breaks it down month by month.
And if you want to talk through your Rotorua trip or your whole New Zealand itinerary with someone who has actually done it, we offer personalised planning calls.
