Rotorua
Rotorua is known for bubbling mud pools, shooting geysers and natural hot springs, as well as showcasing our fascinating Māori culture.
Rotorua is the lifestyle destination of choice for professional couples, families and people that have a passion for life and the outdoors. It is New Zealand’s playground and a draw card to millions of visitors from around the world. Rotorua is a small city, compact, safe and easily accessible to nearly 50% of the country’s population.
Rotorua is in the heart of New Zealand. It is an ‘untapped’ jewel full of potential and just waiting to be discovered.
Things to do in Rotorua
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Feel the warm embrace of Maori culture at Te Puia: Gain an insight into Maori culture and the myths & legends of the Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley at Te Puia. Home to the iconic Pohutu Geyser as well as the National Schools of Wood Carving and Weaving, enjoy live Maori cultural performances as well as a live kiwi bird sanctuary.
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Explore Wai-o-tapu Thermal Valley: Made over thousands of years, Wai-o-tapu Thermal Valley is a fascinating landscape of geothermal colour and energy. Admire the bright orange and turquoise ‘champagne’ pool, bubbling mud, impressive volcanic craters, steaming fumaroles and bright silica terraces.
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Raft the mighty Kaituna & its 7m waterfall: Surrounded by lush native forest filled with birdsong, the Kaituna is a thundering river that winds its way through the outskirts of Rotorua. It’s home to the highest commercially raft-able waterfall in the world – the 7m Tutea Falls. You don’t need any experience to enjoy this rafting adventure; choose one of the four tour providers here.
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Journey through the forest canopy: Magnificent trees, birdlife and forests can be found throughout this region, and one of the best ways to enjoy them is with Rotorua Canopy Tours or the Redwoods TreeWalk. While the former offers a unique combination of thrilling ziplining, forest walks and conservation stories, the latter takes you on suspension bridges and makes you feel the spirit of the iconic Redwood Forest.
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Visit Hell’s Gate: One of the most active thermal parks in Rotorua, Hell’s Gate is home to the Southern Hemisphere’s largest hot water waterfall as well as examples of land coral and large areas of sulphur deposits. Make the most of the healing properties found in its geothermally-heated mud baths or enjoy an interactive Maori carving experience.
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Soak in a thermal spa: Settle into the peaceful lakeside setting and enjoy a range of lush spa therapies and mineral spring hot pools at Polynesian Spa while taking in the views of Lake Rotorua. The spa was voted among the world's Top Ten Spa's by Conde Nast Traveller Magazine.