Melanie’s guidebook Rotorua
Activities, Walks & Trails
Rotorua is known for bubbling mud pools, shooting geysers and natural hot springs, as well as showcasing our fascinating Māori culture.
From crystal-clear streams and magical forests, to epic biking trails and thermal mud pools, Rotorua has it all. The city offers a raft of attractions and experiences for everyone from adventure-seekers to those just looking to unwind.
Sitting within the Pacific Rim of Fire, Rotorua is a geothermal wonderland with bubbling mud pools, clouds of steam, and natural hot springs perfect for bathing and relaxing in. After marvelling at the distinctive landscapes and volcanic activity within a geothermal park, enjoy a simple soak in a natural hot stream or indulge in a wellness getaway at a luxurious spa.
Experience Māori culture, hospitality and food here - try a hangi feast cooked in the steaming ground or take a tour of an authentic pre-European village.
The city is surrounded by mountains, rivers, native forests and 18 fresh water lakes, making it the perfect place to reconnect with nature. Rotorua is a mountain biking mecca with world-class mountain bike trails. Walking, horse riding, and swimming or fishing in the lakes and rivers are some of the best ways to see the wildlife, breath-taking scenery and discover the region’s hidden gems. It’s also a big trout fishing area with fishing on the lakes and tributary rivers and if you’re unlucky there you can sight some of the huge trout (but, alas, not catch them) at Rainbow and Fairy Springs.
For thrill seekers, Rotorua is home to the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world, and offers everything from bungy jumping and luging to zorbing and ziplining.
Families with children of all ages will love the great range of leisure and wildlife parks. When it comes to food and drink, Rotorua boasts a thermally-heated central city alfresco dining zone known as Eat Streat, as well as a number of popular food and craft markets.
Located in the heart of the North Island, Rotorua is also the gateway to other central destinations - it's less than two hours to the Mt Ruapehu ski fields and less than an hour from the nearest beach towns.
107 yerel halk öneriyor
Rotorua
Rotorua is known for bubbling mud pools, shooting geysers and natural hot springs, as well as showcasing our fascinating Māori culture.
From crystal-clear streams and magical forests, to epic biking trails and thermal mud pools, Rotorua has it all. The city offers a raft of attractions and experiences for everyone from adventure-seekers to those just looking to unwind.
Sitting within the Pacific Rim of Fire, Rotorua is a geothermal wonderland with bubbling mud pools, clouds of steam, and natural hot springs perfect for bathing and relaxing in. After marvelling at the distinctive landscapes and volcanic activity within a geothermal park, enjoy a simple soak in a natural hot stream or indulge in a wellness getaway at a luxurious spa.
Experience Māori culture, hospitality and food here - try a hangi feast cooked in the steaming ground or take a tour of an authentic pre-European village.
The city is surrounded by mountains, rivers, native forests and 18 fresh water lakes, making it the perfect place to reconnect with nature. Rotorua is a mountain biking mecca with world-class mountain bike trails. Walking, horse riding, and swimming or fishing in the lakes and rivers are some of the best ways to see the wildlife, breath-taking scenery and discover the region’s hidden gems. It’s also a big trout fishing area with fishing on the lakes and tributary rivers and if you’re unlucky there you can sight some of the huge trout (but, alas, not catch them) at Rainbow and Fairy Springs.
For thrill seekers, Rotorua is home to the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world, and offers everything from bungy jumping and luging to zorbing and ziplining.
Families with children of all ages will love the great range of leisure and wildlife parks. When it comes to food and drink, Rotorua boasts a thermally-heated central city alfresco dining zone known as Eat Streat, as well as a number of popular food and craft markets.
Located in the heart of the North Island, Rotorua is also the gateway to other central destinations - it's less than two hours to the Mt Ruapehu ski fields and less than an hour from the nearest beach towns.
Mountain bike, run or hike on purpose-built trails in a spectacular forest only five minutes south of downtown Rotorua.
Known to locals simply as ‘The Redwoods’, the 55,000ha Whakarewarewa Forest is a playground for mountain bikers, walkers, hikers and horse riders set amongst magnificent stands of towering Californian Redwoods, lush native forest and exotic trees.
Rotorua is New Zealand’s mountain biking mecca with Red Bull rating the Whakarewarewa trails in the top eight in the world, and Australian Mountain Bike Magazine claiming them to be the best. The forest offers over 160km of world-class mountain biking trails catering for everyone from beginners to experts alike. Created in partnership with experienced mountain bikers, the trails have names like Check It Out, Gunna Gotta, North Face, The Tickler and Be Rude Not To.
The trails weave through native ferns beneath soaring forest canopies of Redwood, Radiata, Douglas Fir, Eucalyptus and Larch trees. Once above the canopy, riders get to appreciate panoramic views of Rotorua’s beautiful lakes, geothermal activity and brooding Mt. Tarawera. Bikes can be hired in town or at the trailhead off Waipa State Mill Road, guided tours are also available.
For those on foot, there is an array of hiking and running trails on offer. Choose from easy circuits to full-day hikes; many of which start off in the majestic Redwood Grove with the longer trails offering spectacular views of Rotorua.
For more information, maps and guide books, visit the Redwoods Visitor Centre on Long Mile Road.
117 yerel halk öneriyor
Kızıl ağaçlar - Whakarewarewa Ormanı
Mountain bike, run or hike on purpose-built trails in a spectacular forest only five minutes south of downtown Rotorua.
Known to locals simply as ‘The Redwoods’, the 55,000ha Whakarewarewa Forest is a playground for mountain bikers, walkers, hikers and horse riders set amongst magnificent stands of towering Californian Redwoods, lush native forest and exotic trees.
Rotorua is New Zealand’s mountain biking mecca with Red Bull rating the Whakarewarewa trails in the top eight in the world, and Australian Mountain Bike Magazine claiming them to be the best. The forest offers over 160km of world-class mountain biking trails catering for everyone from beginners to experts alike. Created in partnership with experienced mountain bikers, the trails have names like Check It Out, Gunna Gotta, North Face, The Tickler and Be Rude Not To.
The trails weave through native ferns beneath soaring forest canopies of Redwood, Radiata, Douglas Fir, Eucalyptus and Larch trees. Once above the canopy, riders get to appreciate panoramic views of Rotorua’s beautiful lakes, geothermal activity and brooding Mt. Tarawera. Bikes can be hired in town or at the trailhead off Waipa State Mill Road, guided tours are also available.
For those on foot, there is an array of hiking and running trails on offer. Choose from easy circuits to full-day hikes; many of which start off in the majestic Redwood Grove with the longer trails offering spectacular views of Rotorua.
For more information, maps and guide books, visit the Redwoods Visitor Centre on Long Mile Road.
Skyline Rotorua is your ticket to an unforgettable holiday fuelled with adventure for people of all ages. Enjoy a fun-filled gravity ride on our Luge tracks, fly through the sky on our Zoom Zipline and feel the adrenalin rush on the Skyswing ride.
After ascending high above Rotorua by Gondola, you will experience a day filled of adventure and comfort with a range of activities that will keep you entertained. Enjoy a unique experience on the world’s longest luge tracks, then fly through the sky amongst Skylines majestic redwood forest with Zoom Zipline and test your limits at New Zealand’s only Skyswing. Finish your night with a delectable buffet dinner at Skylines Stratosfare Restaurant.
The Skyline Rotorua complex is just minutes from central Rotorua, sitting atop Mt Ngongotaha providing unsurpassed views of New Zealand’s coolest hot spot. This is an all-weather must do attraction suitable for all ages.
Opening times
Business hours:
9.00am to Late 7 days.
Months of operation:
All months of the year
Location
178 Fairy Springs Rd, Rotorua Central, New Zealand.
Proximity to airport:
20 minutes drive from Rotorua Airport
Proximity to coach terminal:
5 minutes from Main Bus Terminal
Proximity to town:
5 minutes drive from central Rotorua
198 yerel halk öneriyor
Skyline Rotorua
178 Fairy Springs RdSkyline Rotorua is your ticket to an unforgettable holiday fuelled with adventure for people of all ages. Enjoy a fun-filled gravity ride on our Luge tracks, fly through the sky on our Zoom Zipline and feel the adrenalin rush on the Skyswing ride.
After ascending high above Rotorua by Gondola, you will experience a day filled of adventure and comfort with a range of activities that will keep you entertained. Enjoy a unique experience on the world’s longest luge tracks, then fly through the sky amongst Skylines majestic redwood forest with Zoom Zipline and test your limits at New Zealand’s only Skyswing. Finish your night with a delectable buffet dinner at Skylines Stratosfare Restaurant.
The Skyline Rotorua complex is just minutes from central Rotorua, sitting atop Mt Ngongotaha providing unsurpassed views of New Zealand’s coolest hot spot. This is an all-weather must do attraction suitable for all ages.
Opening times
Business hours:
9.00am to Late 7 days.
Months of operation:
All months of the year
Location
178 Fairy Springs Rd, Rotorua Central, New Zealand.
Proximity to airport:
20 minutes drive from Rotorua Airport
Proximity to coach terminal:
5 minutes from Main Bus Terminal
Proximity to town:
5 minutes drive from central Rotorua
More than just a place of myth and legend, this land has the power to heal and excite anyone who meets it, just as its done for centuries. Come and discover New Zealand’s most unique geothermal experience.
Come experience a land where myth and legend come to life, where the earth boils, mud heals, and steam disappears into the clouds above.
As you walk through native bush and clouds of geothermic steam, you’ll discover why this land has inspired myths and legends. Once used by Māori warriors to heal their battle-scarred bodies, visitors now use the nutrient-rich waters and mud to ease inflammation and arthritis, as well as rejuvenate the skin. This unique blend of awe-inspiring power and natural healing properties is a thing of cultural legend - having been used for over 800 years.
Come along and you’ll soon discover why Hell’s Gate is New Zealand’s most unique and active geothermal reserve and mud spa.
Opening times
Business hours:
Operating hours and days may vary.
Months of operation:
All months of the year
Location
351 State Highway 30, Tikitere Rotorua, Tikitere, New Zealand.
Proximity to airport:
5 minutes from Rotorua Airport. Complimentary pickup and drop off can be arranged subject to availability.
Proximity to coach terminal:
15-20 mins with bus pick up from bus station.
Proximity to town:
15 -20 min drive from the centre of Rotorua.
54 yerel halk öneriyor
Hells Gate Jeotermal Parkı ve Çamur Banyosu Spa
351 State Hwy 30More than just a place of myth and legend, this land has the power to heal and excite anyone who meets it, just as its done for centuries. Come and discover New Zealand’s most unique geothermal experience.
Come experience a land where myth and legend come to life, where the earth boils, mud heals, and steam disappears into the clouds above.
As you walk through native bush and clouds of geothermic steam, you’ll discover why this land has inspired myths and legends. Once used by Māori warriors to heal their battle-scarred bodies, visitors now use the nutrient-rich waters and mud to ease inflammation and arthritis, as well as rejuvenate the skin. This unique blend of awe-inspiring power and natural healing properties is a thing of cultural legend - having been used for over 800 years.
Come along and you’ll soon discover why Hell’s Gate is New Zealand’s most unique and active geothermal reserve and mud spa.
Opening times
Business hours:
Operating hours and days may vary.
Months of operation:
All months of the year
Location
351 State Highway 30, Tikitere Rotorua, Tikitere, New Zealand.
Proximity to airport:
5 minutes from Rotorua Airport. Complimentary pickup and drop off can be arranged subject to availability.
Proximity to coach terminal:
15-20 mins with bus pick up from bus station.
Proximity to town:
15 -20 min drive from the centre of Rotorua.
Wine & Food
The beautiful Volcanic Hills Tasting Room is located at the top of the Skyline Rotorua gondola and showcases stunning views across Lake Rotorua and its surrounds.
About
The Volcanic Hills range of outstanding wines are made in Rotorua. Grapes are sourced from the best wine growing regions in New Zealand, and skillfully crafted into wine by winemaker Brent Park, at the boutique winery at the bottom of the gondola.
Sample the wines Volcanic Hills has to offer while enjoying the breath-taking 180° panoramic views over Lake Rotorua and the surrounding city and vistas. The range includes Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Rosé, Syrah, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris. All wines available to taste are also available for purchase in the Tasting Room or online.
The Volcanic Hills Winery at the base of Mount Ngongotaha and is open by appointment.
Opening times
Business hours:
Closed Christmas Day, Good Friday and Easter Sunday each year
Months of operation:
All months of the year
Location
176 Fairy Springs Road, Rotorua Central, New Zealand.
Proximity to airport:
9 km to Rotorua Airport
Proximity to town:
5km to central Rotorua
Volcanic Hills Winery
176 Fairy Springs RoadThe beautiful Volcanic Hills Tasting Room is located at the top of the Skyline Rotorua gondola and showcases stunning views across Lake Rotorua and its surrounds.
About
The Volcanic Hills range of outstanding wines are made in Rotorua. Grapes are sourced from the best wine growing regions in New Zealand, and skillfully crafted into wine by winemaker Brent Park, at the boutique winery at the bottom of the gondola.
Sample the wines Volcanic Hills has to offer while enjoying the breath-taking 180° panoramic views over Lake Rotorua and the surrounding city and vistas. The range includes Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Rosé, Syrah, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris. All wines available to taste are also available for purchase in the Tasting Room or online.
The Volcanic Hills Winery at the base of Mount Ngongotaha and is open by appointment.
Opening times
Business hours:
Closed Christmas Day, Good Friday and Easter Sunday each year
Months of operation:
All months of the year
Location
176 Fairy Springs Road, Rotorua Central, New Zealand.
Proximity to airport:
9 km to Rotorua Airport
Proximity to town:
5km to central Rotorua
Set amongst the stars atop Mount Ngongotaha, Skyline Rotorua’s Stratosfare Restaurant and Bar is home to some of New Zealand’s best award-winning cuisine.
Enjoy a delicious Lunch or Dinner featuring a stunning array of freshly prepared and cooked-to-order dishes highlighting locally sourced seafood, meat and produce. The contemporary ambience features luxurious Italian marble, granite, schist, timber and David Trubridge lights, while the panoramic view of Lake Rotorua is a sight to behold.
This is a unique and decadent Rotorua dining experience that you’ll want to return to again and again.
*Restaurant has a dress code* please visit their website.
40 yerel halk öneriyor
Stratosfare Restaurant
178 Fairy Springs RdSet amongst the stars atop Mount Ngongotaha, Skyline Rotorua’s Stratosfare Restaurant and Bar is home to some of New Zealand’s best award-winning cuisine.
Enjoy a delicious Lunch or Dinner featuring a stunning array of freshly prepared and cooked-to-order dishes highlighting locally sourced seafood, meat and produce. The contemporary ambience features luxurious Italian marble, granite, schist, timber and David Trubridge lights, while the panoramic view of Lake Rotorua is a sight to behold.
This is a unique and decadent Rotorua dining experience that you’ll want to return to again and again.
*Restaurant has a dress code* please visit their website.
Hot Pools - Spa
Polynesian Spa is New Zealand’s original and iconic geothermal bathing experience, with multiple opportunities to indulge in both acidic and alkaline natural mineral springs, and unique day spa therapies for the ultimate in rest and relaxation.
131 yerel halk öneriyor
Polynesian Spa
1000 Hinemoa StPolynesian Spa is New Zealand’s original and iconic geothermal bathing experience, with multiple opportunities to indulge in both acidic and alkaline natural mineral springs, and unique day spa therapies for the ultimate in rest and relaxation.