Rotorua is known for bubbling mud pools, shooting geysers and natural hot springs, as well as showcasing our fascinating Māori culture.
From crystal-clear streams and magical forests, to epic biking trails and thermal mud pools, Rotorua has it all. The city offers a raft of attractions and experiences for everyone from adventure-seekers to those just looking to unwind.
Sitting within the Pacific Rim of Fire, Rotorua is a geothermal wonderland with bubbling mud pools, clouds of steam, and natural hot springs perfect for bathing and relaxing in. After marvelling at the distinctive landscapes and volcanic activity within a geothermal park, enjoy a simple soak in a natural hot stream or indulge in a wellness getaway at a luxurious spa.
Some of The Many Attractions
Explore a Thermal Wonderland
Get up close to spectacular geysers and colourful crater lakes, relax in a mud bath or enjoy a simple soak in a natural hot stream.
Rotorua is a volcanic wonderland with extraordinary landscapes and incredible geothermal attractions - each with their own unique features, rare flora and fauna, and all rich in Maori history and folklore.
Sitting within the Pacific Rim of Fire, the region has one of the world’s most active geothermal fields. The legendary Pohutu Geyser in Te Puia, just five minutes from Rotorua city central, erupts to a height of 30m up to 20 times a day, and once erupted non-stop for more than 250 days! The unforgettable smell of sulphur, clouds of steam and volcanic activity are a natural part of life in Rotorua.
The Hub of Māoridom
Rotorua is a hub of ‘Māoridom’ where you can experience the old and new of this unique culture in a place where the spirit of manaakitanga (hospitality) is alive and well.
Māori people have lived in the geothermal area for centuries. For many years before Europeans arrived, Māori people used naturally boiling water to cook and bathe.
The long history of Māori in the area means there is a rich depth of culture for visitors to start to understand.
There are a number of Māori villages in the area offer cultural experiences that combine dramatic performances – singing, dancing and haka.
Get Your Adrenaline Pumping
There's lots to do in Rotorua for adrenaline junkies.
Head to Velocity Valley for a day of jam-packed family adventure. Here you can ride a BMX bike into a huge airbag, try a reverse bungy, swoop from 40 metres in the air or race your mates on the Shweeb Racer, the only pedal-powered monorail track in the world. Zip through the water at a speed of 100 kilometres on the Agrojet or try the Xtreme Freefall - it's like skydiving without the plane.
Zipline your way around prehistoric native forest and weave your way through the trees as you walk across 20 metre high suspension bridges.
The network of nearly 200 kilometres of purpose-built mountain biking trails in Rotorua’s Whakarewarewa Forest is world-famous and received Gold Status by the International Mountain Biking Association. They have also been voted the best mountain biking in the Southern Hemisphere by Red Bull.
Check out the Tourism New Zealand website for more information about the amazing things to see and do in New Zealand