A day out in Rotorua
Rotorua is in Bay of Plenty, New Zealand. Hopalong knows 11 things to do and 2 places to eat here, plus day trips to Wai-O-Tapu and Okere Falls. Prices are approximate adult prices in NZ$.
Top things to do in Rotorua
Te Puia geysers and Māori arts
NZ$80 · Whakarewarewa · about 150 min
Pōhutu geyser, mud pools and the national carving school.
Redwoods Treewalk
NZ$40 · Redwoods · about 75 min
Suspension bridges through giant redwoods, lit up at night.
Skyline Rotorua luge
NZ$60 · Skyline · about 120 min
Gondola and luge above the lake.
Whakarewarewa Living Māori Village
NZ$50 · Whakarewarewa · about 120 min
A village where families still live among the geothermal pools.
Government Gardens
Free · Government Gardens · about 45 min
Tudor-style bath house and rose gardens.
Polynesian Spa
NZ$40 · Government Gardens · about 90 min
Lakeside geothermal pools.
Redwoods forest walks
Free · Redwoods · about 90 min
Free trails under towering Californian redwoods.
Kuirau Park mud pools
Free · Kuirau Park · about 45 min
Free steaming lake and foot pools.
Māori cultural evening and hāngī
NZ$130 · City · about 210 min
Pōwhiri, kapa haka and an earth-oven feast. Book ahead.
Hell's Gate mud spa
NZ$80 · Tikitere · about 120 min
Geothermal walk and a mud bath.
Free things to do in Rotorua
- Redwoods forest walks (Redwoods): Free trails under towering Californian redwoods.
- Government Gardens (Government Gardens): Tudor-style bath house and rose gardens.
- Kuirau Park mud pools (Kuirau Park): Free steaming lake and foot pools.
- Lake Rotorua waterfront boardwalk (City): Lakeside boardwalk and playground in the centre of town.
Where to eat
- Dinner on Eat Streat (City, around NZ$45): Covered street of restaurants, warmed by geothermal heat.
- Café lunch on Tutanekai Street (City, around NZ$22): Cafés in the centre.
Step-free and pram-friendly ideas
- Te Puia geysers and Māori arts · step-free
- Polynesian Spa · step-free
- Redwoods forest walks · step-free · pram-friendly
- Government Gardens · step-free · pram-friendly
- Kuirau Park mud pools · step-free · pram-friendly
- Lake Rotorua waterfront boardwalk · step-free · pram-friendly
Access information can change. Check with the venue if access is essential.
Day trips from Rotorua
Wai-O-Tapu
- Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland (NZ$40): Champagne Pool and the Lady Knox geyser at 10:15 am.
- Kerosene Creek (Free): A natural geothermal stream to soak in. Keep your head above water.
- Rainbow Mountain (Maunga Kākaramea) (Free): A free hike past coloured crater lakes to a summit view.
Okere Falls
- Okere Falls walk (Free): Short bushwalks to lookouts over the river's waterfalls.
Typical weather in Rotorua
| Month | Low | High | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 12°C | 24°C | 9 |
| April | 8°C | 18°C | 11 |
| July | 3°C | 13°C | 12 |
| October | 8°C | 18°C | 11 |
Approximate long-term averages, not a forecast.