Whakarewarewa Travel Guide
Rotorua
Visit Whakarewarewa
Popular places to visit
Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest
Walk, cycle or ride a horse through this picturesque forest filled with a magnificent array of trees from around the world.
Te Puia New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute
Discover more about the Maori people and the traditional arts and crafts that are integral to their culture.
Whakarewarewa: The Living Maori Village
You can find out about the history of Rotorua with a trip to Whakarewarewa: The Living Maori Village. Stroll along the lakeside or visit the spas in this relaxing area.
Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve
Learn about geothermal activity and how the Maori people have been living in these intense surroundings for hundreds of years.
Polynesian Spa
Set among the serene Government Gardens on the shores of Lake Rotorua, these hot pools are an idyllic place to relax and unwind.
Skyline Rotorua
Take in the splendid scenery during a gondola ride and jump in a luge cart to navigate your way down the exciting mountain track.
Top hotels in Whakarewarewa
Rydges Rotorua
"The Hotel was great, restaurant was nice. My bathroom had a safety rail on the wall behind the bath which was a safety hazard, it needs repairing before someone has a fall. Room 104."
Reviewed on 10 Jun 2026
Alpin Motel & Conference Centre
"It was nice stay but only thing shower gel did not fill up properly .. Thank you"
Reviewed on 19 Apr 2026
Imperial Hotel Rotorua
"The hotel was okay .The kitchen area was cleaned but cups were not cleaned properly. Moreover, when we entered in the room we saw bed sheets was not fresh. On the bed sheet alot of hairs it looks like they haven’t changed the top bedsheet that was very disappointing.Overall,not recommended if your ..."
Reviewed on 31 May 2026
Greenview Motel
"Room was clean & suited our one night stay. Wee bit noisy both with traffic & other residents.. otherwise thumbs up"
Reviewed on 31 May 2026
Pullman Rotorua
Millennium Hotel Rotorua
"We enjoyed our 2 night stay. The room was very quiet. Beds are comfortable. Bathroom and shower were super clean. Front desk staff were cordial and very helpful. Convenient to the town center and Polynesian Spa and a bus that goes to the Redwood Forest. We’d happily stay here again."
Reviewed on 9 Jun 2026
Where to stay in Whakarewarewa
Inner City
If you're spending some time in Inner City, Rotorua Night Market and Rotorua Central Mall are top sights worth seeing.
Lake Okareka
Travellers like the parks in Lake Okareka, and Lake Tikitapu is a top attraction you might want to visit.
Owhata
If you're spending some time in Owhata, Lake Rotorua and Haiku Pathway are top sights worth seeing.
Ngapuna
While Ngapuna may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Polynesian Spa and Government Gardens.
Lynmore
When in Lynmore, you can plan a visit to Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest and Polynesian Spa, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.
