Essential Tips for a Weekend in Rotorua
Are you dreaming of a quick getaway that’s both relaxing and adventurous? Look no further than beautiful Rotorua! Nestled in the heart of New Zealand’s North Island, Rotorua offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and activities for the whole family.
At Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park, we believe that the best weekend getaways are all about creating memories, not stressing over logistics. That’s why we’ve crafted this guide to help you maximise your visit while keeping things budget-friendly.
Enjoy Nature’s Playground
Whakarewarewa Forest, just moments from our park, is perfect for family adventures. Explore the towering Redwoods on foot or bike along the trails. For an exhilarating experience, try the Redwoods Treewalk, taking you high into the treetops for stunning views. Families with younger children will enjoy the Mokopuna Track, an easy trail through the forest where kids can safely explore and connect with nature.
Keep It Simple
Exploring Rotorua’s food scene doesn’t have to be fancy. Enjoy casual dining options like food trucks at the Thursday night markets or pick up ingredients from the grocery store and prepare a meal in the communal kitchen at Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park or on our covered barbecues. These choices not only save money but also offer a laid-back atmosphere where kids can unwind after a day of adventure.
Relax and Unwind
After a day of exploring, return to Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park to relax. Our facilities include free on-site hot pools, perfect for soothing tired muscles and enjoying the starry night—a perfect end to a busy day while keeping the kids entertained.
Bring Only The Essentials
Lastly, don’t forget essentials like comfortable shoes, layers of clothing, water bottles, snacks, and a camera to capture your memories. Packing light ensures you have everything you need without feeling weighed down.
Whether you're drawn to natural beauty, cultural experiences, or a peaceful retreat, Rotorua offers an unforgettable getaway for families. Book your weekend stay today and find out why Rotorua is a beloved destination for both adventure and relaxation. We look forward to welcoming you!
Rotorua Activities Under $25
Rotorua is a fantastic holiday destination for all ages and interests. If you’re wanting to explore our beautiful city without too much splurging, it’s always best to get some local recommendations. Whether you are looking for beautiful walks, fantastic swimming spots, or something else entirely, Rotorua has a wide range of brilliant activities for the whole family. Here is our guide for an activity-filled day in Rotorua, all for under $25.
Walk in the Redwoods (Free)
Our day starts with a quick 5-minute drive from Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park to the Waipa entrance to the Redwood Forest. Although the forest has a reputation for some of the best mountain biking trails in the world, it also has some terrific walking tracks. Simply follow the walking signs around the forest, and see some of the beautiful scenery that Rotorua has to offer.
Coffee & Shinny Dip ($5)
After a stroll in the forest, you may have worked up a bit of an appetite, or at least be in the mood for a cup of coffee. Fortunately for you, there are a couple of options at the Waipa car park. Grab a bite at Trail Kitchen or go to Secret Spot and have a cup of coffee while you relax your feet in a “Shinny Dip” foot spa. Regardless of what café you decide to go to, don’t spend too long there – your day of activities has only just begun!
Kerosene Creek/Hot and Cold Creek (Free)
Have you ever wanted to swim in a natural hot pool? Just a 20-minute drive from the Waipa carpark, you’ll find yourself choosing between a couple of Rotorua’s most popular natural hot pools. Kerosene Creek is unique in that it is a swimmable hot spring with its own waterfall. This makes the hot pool somewhat reminiscent of the Pink and White Terraces. Alternatively, if Kerosene Creek is just a bit hot for your liking, try Hot n Cold Creek. As the name suggests, Hot n Cold Creek is the meeting point between a hot spring and a cold spring. This means that whether you want to sit in steaming hot water or something a little bit cooler, you can find the perfect temperature for you.
With both Kerosene Creek and Hot n Cold Creek, it is important to remember that you are swimming in thermal hot pools. This means that any swimwear may smell of sulphur afterwards, and it is not recommended to put your head underwater.
Centennial Park (Free/Cost of BBQ From the Supermarket)
If you feel like going for a late afternoon or evening stroll, now is the time to visit Centennial Park. Head back towards Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park, and just before you reach us, turn left up Mokoia Drive.
Centennial Park is stunning year-round. Whether you are wanting to see the cherry blossom trees in spring, or the tones of orange and red of autumn, Centennial Park shows off different colours for each season. This beautiful park is a great place for dinner, with a few picnic tables and a public access BBQ. Just make sure to close all gates behind you, so the local sheep don’t decide to have their lunch with you!
Swim in a Lake (Free/Cost of BBQ From the Supermarket)
Alternatively, if you feel like a swim take a quick detour to Lake Tikitapu, Blue Lake. This lake is famous for its clear blue waters as well as being one of the best swimming spots in Rotorua. In the summer, it is an especially popular swimming spot, so if it’s too busy consider driving an extra five minutes round the Loop Road to check out Lake Okareka. Swimming in the lake is a great way to spend a late afternoon or evening, especially as both Lake Okareka and Tikitapu have public access BBQs on some of the beaches.
Visit the Night Market
If you are lucky enough to visit Rotorua on a Thursday Night, make sure to go to the Night Market. The Night Market has an enormous range of food options whether you are looking for a quick bite or a full dinner. Additionally, the Night Market often has live music from local musicians. This is a great way to spend the evening for all ages, and will be sure to have something for everyone.
Camping and Hot Pools at Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park (Starting from $22)
After you’ve spent the day exploring some of Rotorua’s most beautiful areas, take some time to relax. Our onsite hot pools are free for paying guests and a great way to wind down. With our campsites starting from just $22 per person and cabin-style accommodation from $50 per person, Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park is a great home base to spend time with your friends and family.
Kid-Approved Summer Camping Checklist
So, you've set your sights on a summer camping adventure with your little ones, cruising across Aotearoa during the school holidays? Well, you've picked the right place to visit on your journey. Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park is in the heart of the North Island, offering you and your whānau an unforgettable experience. To ensure a good old Kiwi-style camping trip, you'll want to ensure you have all the gear.
Here's a checklist of must-haves to make your camping adventure a breeze.
Sunblock: The Kiwi sun can be harmful, so you'll want to grab an SPF sunblock to protect your skin from the summer rays.
Bug Spray: Insect repellent is your best friend for outdoor activities. Choose a kid-friendly bug spray to help protect you from biting insects like mosquitoes and sandflies.
Warm Knitwear: Even in summer, Rotorua nights can be a bit chilly. Pack some warm clothing in your bag, like a fleece or a woollen blanket, to keep warm on those cool mornings.
Hats and Sunglasses: Remember to pack your hat and sunnies to keep that blistering sun off your face and your eyes while enjoying our scenic walking tracks and exploring the area.
Togs: With Rotorua’s gorgeous lakes and swimming holes, we recommend packing togs for the kids. There's nothing like a dip or a splash around to make special summer memories.
Water Bottles: Stay hydrated while you're out and about. Fill up your reusable water bottles, and if you plan on going off track, consider getting a water purifier.
First Aid Kit: Accidents can happen, especially with tamariki running around. Pack a kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and prescription meds.
Comfortable Footwear: From mountain biking our world-renowned trails to lounging by a lakefront, ensure you have comfy, durable footwear that can handle all Kiwi terrain.
Remember, a well-prepped camping trip equals an unforgettable adventure. By ticking off these essentials, you'll be all set to create some fantastic memories with your whānau during your summer camping adventure.
Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park can't wait to welcome you with open arms, and if you haven’t already secured your trip, book your stay today.
Rotorua is a fantastic tourism destination with a wide range of activities. While Rotorua has gorgeous native bush, stunning scenery and geothermal wonders, Rotorua has an incredible range of high-adrenaline activities. Whether you’ve visited Rotorua before or it is your first time, there is sure to be something to leave your heart racing!
Skyline Rotorua
If you want adrenaline, then look no further! Mountain biking, luging, or swinging off the side of a mountain on the Skyswing you will find it all at Skyline Rotorua! Take the Gondola to see phenomenal views of the city and Lake Rotorua before you zig zag down the luge. You’re in full control of your gravity-powered go-cart as you rush through native bush at Rotorua Skyline’s Luge.
Maybe you’ve come to Rotorua for Mountain Biking and Mountain Biking alone. In that case, check out the Skyline Mountain Bike Park. It has challenges ranging from intermediate to expert difficulty. There are plenty of jumps and obstacles on the tracks providing challenging rides for even the most experienced mountain bikers – the track has been home to a stop on the global Crankworx circuit since 2015 If you love mountain biking, then the Skyline Mountain Bike Park has it all for you!
What comes up, must go down at Rotorua Skyline’s Skyswing! Feel the rush of fear as you’re hoisted up 50m above Skyline Rotorua and get breath-taking views across Lake Rotorua. When you pull the release, you’ll accelerate to speeds of 150kph out over the edge of Mount Ngongotahā.
Regardless of what gives you an adrenaline rush, there is sure to be a high-octane gravity-fueled activity for you!
Rotorua Rafting
The Kaituna River is a fast-paced force of nature! This fantastic experience by Rotorua Rafting takes you down 3 waterfalls including the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world – the 7m Tutea Falls. The waterfalls will be sure to push you out of your comfort zone, and possibly into the river! No experience is needed for this invigorating trip, but the minimum age for all rafting options is at least 10 years old. Be sure to book a trip down the Kaituna river next time you come through Rotorua.
Velocity Valley
Everything’s fast at Velocity Valley! Feel yourself falling on the bungy jump, or whipping across a manmade river in a jetboat, Velocity Valley has an adrenaline packed activity for you. Because of its massive range of activities and package deals, Velocity Valley is a fantastic day of adrenaline for families.
Mountain Biking in The Redwoods – Whakarewarewa Forest
Rotorua is famous for its fantastic mountain biking trails in the Whakarewarewa Forest. Referred to as The Redwoods by locals, these trails have a range of options across the 6 grades. No matter your skill level, there will be a track in the Redwoods that will provide a challenge and get you excited.
The tracks are free to access – the 150km of continually evolving trails are accessible to everyone with a bike. What’s more, Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park is the closest holiday park to the main carpark, just 1.5 kilometers along the road, or only 2 minutes by bike.
ZORB Rotorua
For guests seeking the ultimate adrenaline rush, a visit to ZORB Rotorua is a must! Nestled in the heart of Rotorua, this iconic attraction offers a unique and exhilarating experience like no other. Get ready to climb inside a giant inflatable ball and roll down lush green hills at exhilarating speeds. Whether you choose the zigzag Sidewinder track for a wild ride or the straight track for pure speed, each ride promises heart-pounding fun. Perfect for all ages, ZORB Rotorua combines excitement and laughter, making it an unforgettable addition to your holiday park adventure. Don't miss out on this one-of-a-kind thrill!
With everything that Rotorua offers for adrenaline-fueled activities, you’ll need a place to relax at the end of the day. At Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park, we have hot pools that are free for guests. This is the perfect place to relax with a hot soak and catch your breath after a day of adrenaline-fueled activity. With our fantastic location, close to the city and the mountain bike trails we’re the perfect base for your exciting Rotorua adventures.