Rotorua Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Rotorua showing forest scenes as well as a small group of people

Rotorua Travel Guide Video

Visitors flock to this geothermal site to enjoy its hot springs, mud pools, watersports and fascinating Maori culture.

Rotorua, which sits squarely on the Volcanic Plateau and the Pacific Rim of Fire, is built over one of the world’s geothermal hotspots. Large numbers of visitors come to Rotorua every year for its numerous geothermal attractions, as well as its Maori cultural heritage and wide choice of adventure sports.

The city sits on the shore of Rotorua Lake in the Bay of Plenty area on New Zealand’s North Island. The area is well known for trout fishing and boating opportunities. Rent fishing equipment or enquire about local tour operators in town.

Many of the famous hot springs, colourful crater lakes and bubbling pools are located in parks and reserves such as Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland. Soak in a geothermal mud bath, marvel at geysers erupting almost 100 feet (30 metres) into the air, and take a scenic flight to nearby White Island, the country’s only active marine volcano.

Make time for a visit to The Buried Village. It was covered with ash when adjacent Mount Tarawera erupted in 1886. Today, the site has a museum, nature trail and teahouse. Nearby Rainbow Springs Nature Park has beautifully sculptured ponds filed with fish. See Kiwi birds and other creatures native to New Zealand.

Discover the culture of the Te Arawa people, who settled in the area more than 600 years ago. At Tamaki Maori Village, see how villagers used the hot springs to bathe and do laundry. Try a hangi feast, which is cooked by steaming the food in the ground, and watch performances of Maori songs and war dance.

Adventure seekers will find plenty of things to do in Rotorua. Try skydiving, mountain biking, whitewater rafting or zorbing. Activites are organised by various operators around the city. In winter, head for the North Island’s ski slopes, easily accessed via Rotorua’s international airport.

Where to stay in Rotorua

Lake Okareka showing a lake or waterhole

Lake Okareka

Travellers like the parks in Lake Okareka, and Lake Tikitapu is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Lake Okareka
Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve showing a river or creek and a bridge

Whakarewarewa

The panoramic lake views and luxurious spas are just a few highlights of Whakarewarewa. Make a stop by Whakarewarewa: The Living Maori Village or Te Puia New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute while you're exploring the area.

Whakarewarewa
Default Image

Ngongotaha

Ngongotaha is noteworthy for its lake views, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Agrodome and Agroventures.

Ngongotaha
Default Image

Owhata

When in Owhata, you can plan a visit to Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest and Polynesian Spa, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Owhata
Default Image

Lynmore

If you're spending some time in Lynmore, Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest and Whakarewarewa Hot Springs are top sights worth seeing.

Lynmore
Default Image

Glenholme

If you're spending some time in Glenholme, Whakarewarewa Hot Springs and Racing Rotorua are top sights worth seeing.

Glenholme
AWA Hotel
AWA Hotel
3 out of 5
2 Kawaha Point Rd, Rotorua, Bay of Plenty
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹4,619 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
₹4,619
per night
2 Apr - 3 Apr
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Rotorua. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Skyline Rotorua and Volcanic Hills Winery are ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (119 reviews)
"The room was a bit of a strange shape, long hallway within room. Bed was extremely firm, almost like a box spring."

Reviewed on 23 Mar 2024

AWA Hotel
Rydges Rotorua
Rydges Rotorua
4.5 out of 5
10 Tryon Street, Whakarewarewa, Rotorua, Bay of Plenty
The price is ₹9,078 per night from 9 Apr to 10 Apr
₹9,078
per night
9 Apr - 10 Apr
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Rotorua. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
"Our stay was great in all ways"

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

Rydges Rotorua
Prince's Gate Hotel
Prince's Gate Hotel
4.5 out of 5
1057 Arawa Street, Rotorua, Bay of Plenty
The price is ₹7,841 per night from 8 Apr to 9 Apr
₹7,841
per night
8 Apr - 9 Apr
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Rotorua. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,007 reviews)
Tay
"Friendly staff & cozy boutique hotel. The best overall a great thermal hot spring experience with private pool is needed to book in advance for first come first serve. Had tried an afternoon tea on at the premise & a restaurant was accommodated for one person that was thoughtful for solo ..."

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

Prince's Gate Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Wonati
Wonati
4 out of 5
24 Euan St, Rotorua, Bay of Plenty
Stay at this 4-star holiday home in Rotorua. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions DriftKartz and Tribal Lights Cultural Theatre are ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (5 reviews)
Clean & comfortable house
"Location was 5-7 min drive to city center, stores, lakefront. Clean & safe location. No coffee pot or dryer. There was a laundromat 5 mins away. I recommend this place if you are visiting Rotorua."

Reviewed on 11 Mar 2024

Wonati
Quest Rotorua Central
Quest Rotorua Central
4 out of 5
1192 Hinemoa Street, Rotorua
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Rotorua. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (929 reviews)
"Nice place with a nice bed and a place to do laundry. Down town Rotorua so it was easy to get to everything."

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2024

Quest Rotorua Central
Kings On Peace
Kings On Peace
4 out of 5
4A Peace Street, Fenton Park, Rotorua
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Rotorua. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (176 reviews)
Great place in Rotorua
"A lovely apartment with all the amenities. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful!"

Reviewed on 7 Mar 2024

Kings On Peace
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Rotorua