Rotorua is a tourism hub, full of activities that range from gripping excitement to quiet relaxation. At Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park, we have curated a list of our top 10 Rotorua activities to enjoy on your next trip to Rotorua (in no particular order).
Rotorua is full of fantastic activities year-round. These top 10 activities are a great place to start for inspiration when you are planning your next trip to Rotorua.
Many of these activities are just a short drive, bike ride or even walk from Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park and is the perfect base for your adventures. Book your holiday today!
Waimangu Volcanic Valley is the world’s youngest geothermal system. With spectacular views of native bush, brightly coloured craters, and a variety of native birds, Waimangu Volcanic Valley is a fantastic place to spend the day. After a walk through the geothermal valley, you can also get the full Waimangu experience by adding a boat cruise or kayak tour. You will get to experience the world’s youngest geothermal wonder from the water and learn more about the history of New Zealand’s first tourist attraction; The Pink and White Terraces.
New Zealand is full of creators and inventors, and the Zorb is one of the many great inventions to come out of New Zealand. Does rolling down a massive hill in a giant inflatable ball sound fun? At Zorb there are 4 different tracks that riders can choose from, meaning whatever your preference, you’ll be sure to have a rolling good time!
If you have come to Rotorua for activities on the lake, Paddleboard Rotorua is the place to be! Paddle Board Rotorua invites you to discover glow worm caves, geothermal wonders, or the gorgeous scenery along the Rotorua Lakes. This is a fantastic activity year-round and is perfect for beginners through to those who have tried paddle-boarding before.
If you love nature and don’t mind heights, the Redwoods Treewalk is an absolute must-do. High up in the canopy, travel from tree to tree on a series of 28 suspension bridges. At night, the path is lit up with wooden lanterns that turn the forest into an enchanting, otherworldly experience. Whether you are looking for a daytime activity, or a fun way to spend the evening in Rotorua, the Redwoods Treewalk is a great way to spend some time in the bush.
If you enjoy having your two feet off the ground, try exploring ancient native New Zealand forest from above. At the World’s Best Nature Experience (TripAdvisor, 2021), you can soar above and through native forest, as well as get close and personal with native birds. With two different zipline tour options, Rotorua Canopy Tours is a unique and exciting way to experience New Zealand’s beautiful native flora and fauna.
7. Have a hot soak while appreciating nature
After a long day of activity, relaxing with a hot soak might just be the perfect way to spend the evening. Rotorua is famous for its geothermal activity, with a few spa options across the city. Each spa provides a unique experience that might be just right for you.
Polynesian Spa is New Zealand’s original geothermal bathing experience with many different pools and spa therapies for rest and relaxation. There are acidic mineral springs to relieve tired muscles and alkaline water to nourish your skin. Additionally, there are private pools that offer panoramic views of Lake Rotorua to enjoy while you relax. You will find Polynesian Spa on the shores of Lake Rotorua, about 5 minutes’ walk from Eat Streat.
Secret Spot Hot Tubs is a fairly new entry to the Rotorua Spa menu, with cedar wood tubs hidden among ferns and native bush. Sit in the tub and enjoy a cold drink while enjoying the natural beauty of New Zealand bush. If you don’t feel like a full-body soak, you can opt for a “shinny dip”, complimentary with a drink purchase. Secret Spot Hot Tubs is located by the Whakarewarewa forest and is accessed from the Waipa carpark.
Waikite Valley Thermal Springs has a wide range of pools overlooking the Waikite Thermal Valley. The mineral pools are the perfect place to bring the family with a range of six bathing options. After you have had a soak, visit the on-site café for snacks, coffee, ice cream and a selection of beer and wine. Waikite Valley is a little bit further out of Rotorua, 20 minutes’ drive south of Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park.
Additionally, at Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park, we have our own hot pools that are free for paying guests. Our hot pools provide a relaxing experience that is the perfect way to wake up in the morning or to unwind after a day of activity around Rotorua.
Te Puia is home to incredible geothermal wonders. Explosive geysers, bubbling mud, and stunning native bush are just some of the Rotorua must-sees that Te Puia is home to. As the largest active geyser in the southern hemisphere, Pōhutu is sure to amaze. While you’re at Te Puia, you will learn about Māori culture, sample indigenous cuisine, and maybe even see a kiwi at their new Kiwi Conservation Centre.
Famous for its trails ranging from simple grade 1 tracks all the way up to grade 5 challenges, the Whakarewarewa Forest is an exhilarating mountain biking experience for all skill levels. The network has a total of 150kms of mountain biking trails to explore. With such a wide range of tracks and such a long distance, it is no surprise that the Whakarewarewa tracks are among the best trails in the world.
If you are looking for a relaxed walk or a swim in clear blue waters, you can’t beat Lake Tikitapu or Blue Lake. The Blue Lake Track goes right around the lake, with access to many small beaches and bays. It is full of native birds such as fantails and tui. If you are looking for a shorter walk, there is the Tikitapu Nature Walk, a 30-minute walk with educational panels about plants and birds along the way.
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Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park
463 Old Taupo Road, Rotorua
Contact Us
07 346 3140
info@rotoruathermal.co.nz
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