If you are looking for a fun and exciting destination in New Zealand, you should consider visiting Rotorua. Rotorua is a city on the North Island that is famous for its geothermal activity, Maori culture and natural beauty. In this article, we will give you some ideas of things to do in Rotorua and the best tourist attractions in Rotorua that you don’t want to miss. Whether you are into adventure, culture or relaxation, there is something for everyone in Rotorua. Here are some of the things to do in Rotorua and the best tourist attractions in Rotorua that you should check out.
Looking for things to do in Rotorua? Discover the best tourist attractions in Rotorua:
- Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland: A colorful geothermal park with pools, geysers, and mud pots.
- Te Puia: A cultural center with Maori arts, crafts, and performances, as well as geothermal features.
- Redwoods, Whakarewarewa Forest: A forest of giant redwood trees with walking and biking trails.
- Whakarewarewa – The Living Maori Village: A traditional Maori village with guided tours, cultural shows, and geothermal cooking.
- Waimangu Volcanic Valley: A volcanic valley with craters, terraces, and a lake cruise.
- Rotorua Museum: A museum of Rotorua’s history and culture, housed in a former bath house.
- Polynesian Spa: A spa complex with mineral pools, massages, and treatments.
- Skyline Rotorua: A gondola and luge ride with panoramic views of the city and lake.
- Lake Rotorua: The largest lake in the region, with water activities, scenic cruises, and wildlife.
- Tamaki Maori Village: A cultural experience with a traditional welcome, feast, and entertainment.
- ZORB Rotorua: A fun activity where you roll down a hill inside a giant inflatable ball.
- Rainbow Springs Nature Park: A wildlife park with native birds, reptiles, and fish, as well as a kiwi hatchery.
- Agrodome: A farm show and tour with sheep shearing, dog trials, and animal feeding.
- Kuirau Park: A public park with geothermal pools, gardens, and playgrounds.
- Government Gardens: A landscaped park with historic buildings, a museum, and a golf course.
- OGO Rotorua: Another zorbing activity with different tracks and options.
- Mitai Maori Village: Another cultural experience with a warrior canoe, glowworms, and a hangi meal.
- Lake Tarawera: A picturesque lake with a volcanic history, fishing, boating, and hiking.
- Hell’s Gate: A geothermal park with mud baths, sulphur spas, and a Maori carving center.
- Hobbiton Movie Set: A movie set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films, with guided tours and a pub.
- Waitomo Glowworm Caves: A cave system with thousands of glowworms, boat rides, and adventure activities.
- Rotorua Duck Tours: A sightseeing tour on a amphibious vehicle that goes on land and water.
- Paradise Valley Springs Wildlife Park: A family-friendly park with farm animals, trout, lions, and a walk-through aviary.
- Buried Village of Te Wairoa: An archaeological site of a village that was buried by the 1886 eruption of Mount Tarawera.
- Wingspan National Bird of Prey Centre: A conservation center for birds of prey, with flying displays and encounters.
- Waikite Valley Thermal Pools: A natural hot spring complex with pools of different temperatures and sizes.
- Okere Falls Track: A walking track along the Kaituna River, with views of waterfalls and rafters.
- Hamurana Springs Nature Reserve: A nature reserve with a crystal-clear spring, a redwood grove, and a swing bridge.
- Blue Lake Track: A loop track around the Blue Lake (Lake Tikitapu), with views of the lake and forest.
- Mokoia Island: An island in Lake Rotorua that is a wildlife sanctuary and a place of cultural significance.
- Rotorua Canopy Tours: A ziplining adventure through the native forest canopy, with conservation education.
- Kerosene Creek: A natural hot spring in a creek, surrounded by bushland.
- Motion Entertainment: An indoor entertainment center with bowling, mini golf, laser tag, escape rooms, and more.
- Mount Ngongotaha Reserve: A reserve on a mountain with walking tracks and views of the city and lake.
- 3D Trick Art Gallery: An interactive art gallery with 3D paintings that create optical illusions.
- Off Road NZ: An outdoor adventure park with go-karts, monster trucks, 4WD safaris, and clay shooting.
- Rotorua Heritage Farm: A farm attraction with 3D art, sheep shearing, and animal feeding.
- Rotorua Night Market: A weekly market with food stalls, live music, and local crafts.
- Lake Rotoiti: A scenic lake with hot pools, kayaking, fishing, and camping.
- Te Waihou Walkway: A walkway along the Waihou River, with clear blue water and a spring.
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