Rotorua's Activities & Attractions

Discover the heart of Maori culture in New Zealand at Te Puia, located in Rotorua in the Central North Island - a region that is surrounded by picturesque lakes and forests. This is also one of the most geothermally active environments in the country and Te Puia's 70 hectare park in the beautiful Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley is right in the heart of the action. Restless forces boil to the surface in the enchanting, superheated mud pools and hot springs and geysers gush hot steam and water in spectacular fashion. The famous Pohutu Geyser erupts approximately every 20 minutes and bursts reach heights of 30m (100ft). Silica terraces, native bush and birdlife and a wonderful insight into Maori culture and tradition rounds off a fascinating and memorable experience.

Local Māori acclaimed the therapeutic benefits of the water and bathed for centuries in these waters and in 1878 Europeans began bathing regularly in the thermal spring water of hand dug pools where the Spa is now located on the shores of Lake Rotorua. Today Rotorua’s Polynesian Spa is New Zealand’s leading international spa and has been voted as one of the top ten spas in the world (Medical and Thermal Spas) by Condé Nast Traveller. There are thirty-five hot mineral pools including adults’ only pools, a family spa, private pools and deluxe bathing in the Lake Spa. The Lake Spa Retreat offers a comprehensive range of spa, body and skin therapies in a luxurious private relaxation haven. You can enjoy spa cuisine in our foyer Café or browse through our gift shop specializing in spa products and New Zealand souvenirs.

Whirinaki Forest - One of the World's Most Precious Rain Forests

Known as ‘dinosaur forest’ this great rainforest is a place of crystal-clear water, diverse birdlife and mammals, as well as soaring forests of ancient giant podocarps that evolved in the Jurassic era, more than 200 million years ago. It contains species unique to New Zealand that have developed over millions of years. The five great podocarp species, reach giant hood. This occurs in few other parts of this country, and certainly nowhere else in the world. There are magnificent views of the river cutting through ancient lava flow’s, and caves with pumice deposits and remnants of the Taupo eruption nearly 2000 years ago.

Included in this tour is a leisurely walk of about 4.5 hours’ duration, graded easy and suitable for all ages. During your tour, Maori guides will tell you something of the tribal history of this isolated region, and provide flora and fauna interpretation. A relaxing luncheon on the banks of the picturesque Whirinaki river is also included.

Open configuration options

The 18-hole Arikikapapa Course offers an interesting round of golf with some very unusual natural hazards. Steam vents, geyser craters, bubbling mud pools that surround you. Several holes are played across or alongside a lake, and apart from the added danger of water, the sight on a chilly winter's morning of steam rising from the lake is something to behold.
 
Not a long course, but still challenging, set amidst Rotorua's thermal zone. Arikikapapa means "the sound of plopping mud". 5433 metres (par 69) men 5011 metres (par 70) ladies.

The forests around Rotorua are places where you can escape to and unwind . . . or escape and energize! For example the beautiful Giant Redwood Forest has trails that weave their way under towering forest canopies of eucalyptus, redwood, douglas fir, radiata and larch. Bikers are rewarded with stunning views through gaps in the forest of lakes, thermal activity and the looming bulk of Mt Tarawera.
 
There are many options available, some are suitable for first timers but there are many suitable for advanced riders looking for extreme action with cross country or downhill. There are remote multi-day options that follow old loggers trails, staying in yesteryear cabins or if you want something slightly more upmarket then how about a trail following various natural geothermal wonders including isolated thermal hot springs that are great for a soak if you want to break your ride before spending a night in a comfortable lodge.

Housed in the landmark Elizabethan style (Old English style) former historic Bath House is the Rotorua Museum of Art and History that boasts several important collections. After recently being transformed into a multi-million dollar must-see international visitor experience that vividly brings displays to life through a variety of stunning multi-media, interactive exhibitions.
 
Here you can discover Rotorua’s rich Māori culture, volatile dramatic history and understanding Rotorua’s explosive volcanic .

The Maori people have long been settled in Rotorua, and for good reason, the regions natural thermal activity made cooking and heating easy. This is one of the best places in New Zealand to see and experience aspects of Maori culture and in a native forest south of Rotorua you can experience their ‘Traditional Culture’ from a carefully reconstructed village. A lot of care has gone into getting the experience as historically correct as possible.  
 
Spend an evening sharing a selection of foods cooked the traditional Maori way - on hot stones in an authentic earthen oven (a Hangi). Understand the spiritual significance of the moko (facial tattoo) as is demonstrated with tools made of fine bird bone and sharpened greenstone. A traditional performance including the world famous ‘Haka’. An educational and hopefully enlightening experience, coupled with a ‘good feed’ and sing-a-long makes for a unique and entertaining experience!

The Kaituna River offers the most exhilarating white water rafting in New Zealand and is ranked a grade 4/5. Why? This river begins at the outlet of Lake Rotoiti and the sheer volume of water escaping the lake has created 15 fast and furious rapids - the adrenaline just keeps on pumping until you hit the highest commercially rafted waterfall known, “The Tutea Falls” at 7metres (23ft) - you couldn’t ask for a better finale! The Kaituna River is a pool drop river, which means there is the excitement of the rapids and then time to pull yourself together before tackling the next inevitable set. The rapids are not the only draw card; the flora and exposed geological history provide an equally breathtaking experience as you drift through steep gorges and native bush. With two guides taking care of the more technical aspects (Like steering the boat) you can focus on perhaps the more important aspects (like holding on!). Believe it or not, around 70% of the people trying this have never rafted before - so adventurous beginners are welcome – Yeehaa!!
 
NOTE – We have 10 different rafting adventures around the Rotorua region – One is bound to suit you – Just Ask!