The 29 best free attractions in Rotorua

It was nice to be able to have a walk around a geothermal park that is free to view. Would be nice if there was some better drainage, so there weren't puddles inbthe grass walkways to have to walk through, but as mentioned, it was free!

A wonderful geothermal park with so many thermal springs lying around. We were even able to soak our feet in one of those hot springs with its healing minerals for our feet . Again another must visit sight and incredibly Free . I highly recommend it 👌

Kuirau Park is a clean and relaxing place right in the heart of the city. It’s well maintained, with tidy walkways, green lawns, and a few natural geothermal features that make it unique. There’s also a convenient public toilet nearby, which is very helpful for visitors. It’s a lovely spot to sit down, enjoy lunch, and simply watch the surroundings. The atmosphere feels peaceful, and the park offers plenty of space to rest or take a short walk. Whether you’re a tourist or a local, Kuirau Park is a pleasant place to unwind and enjoy some quiet time in the city.

A fantastic and free way to witness geothermal wonders up close. Don't miss the unique and relaxing free thermal foot baths. Well-maintained paths past bubbling mud pools, steaming vents, and a captivating crater lake – perfect for photos! On Saturday mornings, the vibrant Rotary Market adds local flavour. The sulphur smell is present (eeek), but welcome to Rotorua! It’s a must-see, offering a real taste of the area's natural environment without costing a cent.

This place is awesome for being a free park for anyone to wander around. Compared to Waiotapu, it is not be as vibrant and probably in need of some maintenance. Definitely worth a quick visit looking at all the pools or dipping your feet in the foot baths (super busy though)

If you’re looking for a place to see geothermal pools and explore with your family/friends Kuirau Park is the perfect place for you. You can see a vast amount of pools and as you walk through the trails you can unravel the amazing wonders of this park at a cost of $0.

Great place to soak your feet, and the playground is good if you stay around that part. However, there are some parts that aren't safe, and need to be fenced off so people don't fall into hot pools.

Great spot. Lots of renovations going on when I visited. Also the finish line for the annual Run the Forest event.

sadly the huge museum building was closed off due to renovations but the place is really pretty, huge dpaces of empty space just grass tho, buy still relaxing and worth the visit

Nice, the bath pool building and behind it seems under heavy construction of a new museum. But the monument round about is elegante and the rose garden tempting.

We came at the onset of spring and the flowers have not exactly bloom or if would have been better eg the rose garden were just seedlings when we came. However, some interesting places like the hot springs and statues of old war heros. Recommended especially to those who like walking, calming places and history buffs.

Beautiful spot to visit. The garden & grounds are immaculate. My child loved exploring around the area.

Nice green space with various pieces of art and Māori sculptures. Really enjoyed walking around and visiting the thermal spring area too.

Such beautiful gardens. Seating available. Public toilets close by. And a cool playground for the kids. So pack a picnic and have a great day out.

A fantastic experience. I didn't think I was good with heights but doing the night treetop walk was so beautiful with all the lanterns and sculptures lit up. We also did the daytime walk which gives even more perspective of the size of the Redwoods. If you can only choose one, definitely do the night walk. Also, you are able to walk a loop track through the forest (with dogs on leash) for free.

The hiking trip was a great experience, made even better by the clear and easy-to-follow signage along the trails. The signs not only guided the way but also provided a range of walking options with different time durations, making it convenient to choose a route that suited our pace and preference. The variety ensured that both casual walkers and more seasoned hikers could enjoy the area comfortably.

We went just after a coupe of days of non-stop rain and personally was worried it will be ruined but found it just as exiting and quite fresh and alive due to the rain. Well worth the visit and highly recommended, even our 4 year old really enjoyed it.

Great open forest with amazing open spaces, a decent river for off lead dogs on one side and the mtb, walking trails, and on lead dog space on the other. So much range, easy trails, different woods and people, excellent for a chill ride, good jog or run, or just a wander as you head to the cafe.

the redwood nightlight treewalk was brilliant.Zero waiting time, small manageable crowd, all because it was not school holiday yet in nz 😄 loved the walk! laterns were beautiful. The only thing was we couldnt read the info provided in between the hanging bridges coz it was dark😂 this walk was on my MUST to do list in nz!

Beautiful, even in the rain!! The trees are incredible, we didn't have much time so took the Memorial Grove Trail. The trail is short enough that we were able to get coffee at the end and be back in the car within the hour. Don't worry about the trail being too short to fully immerse yourself either, just stunning!

Very pleasant short walk. It is so different from California's redwood forests! Plenty of parking available.

Great guide. She really brought the village to life with stories of her family and showing off the culinary skills of her people. Very friendly and wonderful town. Saw geysers, hot springs, and bubbling mud

I’m so glad I made time to do this and I highly recommend anyone going to give yourself a couple hours, buy the all day pass, and time it so you are there for their daily cultural performance at 12:30. It was worth every penny. Everyone was so welcoming and friendly and the performance and tour exceeded my expectations. Our guide, Daniel, was very patient and thoughtful. He made an effort to learn everyone’s name and took the time to genuinely try to teach us about the history, the culture, and the language. Huge thanks to everyone involved!

It is the legacy and home of the Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao people, who have been sharing their unique way of life with visitors from all around the world for over two hundred years. The village is open 7 days a week with guided tours. We signed on to one of the paid tours though we had to contend with a slight drizzle. The tour is comprehensive lasting about an hour and half and goes through the village people's fascinating daily life in the geothermal springs area. It includes the bathing, washing, herb cultivation, cooking and walking past their homes. We ate corn cooked in steam for few minutes. It tasted yummy. The historical chief's home and meeting place are well preserved and interesting to see. Sometimes you can watch a cultural show by the village people. The active geysers in the area can be seen during the tour. Toilets available. Very popular place, lots of tourists and locals. Uneven terrain, lot of walking. Wear comfy shoes, take water, wear hat, sunscreen. Parking at the entrance is ample and is easy to find. There are many stores in the village selling craftwork items. Friendly staff and great service.

It was a rainy and cold day in Rotorua but it did not stop me from my very first “Maori experience”. It was very cultural and unique place to visit for tourists. The chief guided us through the village. She did it with all her hearts and respect to her culture. We really appreciated the visiting session. We also booked the Haka show and it was very emotional and worthwhile. The artists performed wholeheartedly and the audience can definitely feel it. I highly recommend taking the tour to understand more about the Maori cultures while you are in New Zealand.

The guided tour at Whakarewarewa was amazing! We learned so much about life in the village and how people live with the geothermal landscape. Our guide was super friendly, knowledgeable, and made the whole experience fun. A real highlight was trying the corn cooked in the hot springs—the flavour was exquisite! Highly recommend this village tour if you’re in Rotorua.

This is a MUST VISIT place as the 1st nation are the people that makes New Zealand . It was an eye opener especially when the chief was the one showing us around. We even tried their cooked food using the thermal springs to cook. Excellent

One of our best experiences! Our guide gave wonderful insights into Māori history and the thermal walk and cultural show were terrific.

Less than 15kms drive from Rotorua. It is awesome to see green and blue coloured lakes from one view point. Blue lake can be used for aquatic activities but green lake is considered as divine, so those activities aren't allowed. View point is 500 meters ahead of blue lake. Parking and toilet facilities are available

The Blue lake is a Beatiful Lake, great for Family gatherings barbeque,picnic best lake to swim in, kayak Fun to create memories... Ataahua Roto

Such a beautiful walk! Fresh air, gorgeous views. Nature in New Zealand is sublime.

We had 3 small children and all the gear they needed plus a large chilly bin and extras the car park was way to far away from the lake and down hill which meant an uphill haul lugging 3 little kids and all our gear the ground was so hard we could not put our shelter up and on top of that there were bee's everywhere they were after food not a good experience at all

Went swimming over two days in cool Crystal clear water, and breathtaking surroundings.

. (03/2016) Beautiful lake Awesome views Loved visiting

Nice lake, i had bad weather conditions

I love this market great atmosphere. Great stalls. All sorts of food. Yum.

Shifted to kuirau park unknowing since last week we heard! So the winds were blowing cold in the evening so load up on the clothes! Near the playground so it’s good for the kids to burn while we take turns to buy food and eat together. Oven baked pizza ham and pineapple was yummy with chewy crust base nzd23. deep fried prawn, fatty pork + Charsiew noodle soup was fantastic to warm the stomach, plus a nzd10 meaty hotdog to end the day for our family of 2+2. Wanted to soak leg but winds were too cold didn’t prep the kIds enough warm clothes today!

🌃 Rotorua Night Market is an absolute gem! Stepping into this vibrant hub, I was pleasantly surprised by the infusion of Asian culture in a predominantly Western setting. Open only on Thursdays, the atmosphere is electric, with palpable enthusiasm evident in the bustling crowds, long queues, and contagious joy all around. One standout attraction is the automated donut station, a testament to the Western penchant for technological innovation. It's fascinating to witness how technology enhances even the simplest pleasures. Moreover, towards the end of the market, a Chinese stall beckons with irresistible offerings, boasting the most value-packed meals. True to Asian hospitality, despite the bustling queues, the stall owners are incredibly kind and efficient, ensuring prompt service and delicious fare. Their mention of winning accolades for their street-side stall only adds to their credibility. If you find yourself in town, I highly recommend paying a visit to Chinese Siu Mei. It's an experience not to be missed, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the rich tapestry of flavors and cultures that make Rotorua Night Market a must-visit destination.

Been to countless night markets in Auck, this was however more spacious and plenty of room for buyers to mingle and enjoy the evening vibe. Held on a Thursday weekly from 5 to 9pm . Lots of new stuff to try out . Dont miss If your in Roto for a visit.

Great experience. Enjoy the variety of cultures, meals, smells...also live singers. Nice evening walk with music and great food. Night market between 17-21h.

Good range of food trucks! Unfortunately it's mostly food available & only a few non food stalls.. Was looking forward to shopping for local craft or inedible Rotorua souvenirs.. Recommended for the experience though...

We definitely love the wide range of food stalls and other items. Buskers at both ends of the market with appreciative crowds sitting and having a feed while listening. The crowd level was reasonable with a number of stalls with queues. We decided to buy sourdough bread, almond croissants and sweets. The bakery products were top-notch. Unfortunately I couldn't remember the name of the stall business.

Lake Rotorua is the second largest lake in the North Island of New Zealand by surface area, and covers 79.8 km with a depth of only 10 metres it is considerably smaller than nearby Lake Tarawera in terms of volume of water. Lake Rotorua is known for trout fishing, swimming, boating, Canoeing, Mokoia Island, relaxing public and private lake areas with various access points. This lake also links to other nearby lakes through channel accessibility. Great for morning and afternoon walks or running, cycling etc There are nearby eateries bound to satisfy different diet requirements along side a selection of accommodation.

Beautiful stop to check out the gorgeous lake!

Coming from the Novotel Rotorua Lakeside, the southwestern shore of Lake Rotorua is around 250 m away. It is worth taking a walk on the bank or in the adjacent park. There is a well-equipped playground for children. Parking space is available.

Lovely place to enjoy a walk. Plenty of families with kids enjoying the local play park.

Very beautiful place to visit. Lots of friendly seagulls, black and white swans. Children park with many items to play. Nice place to relax.

Nice chilled spot under the tree , weather was hot and we needed to relax for a bit. Very picturesque, cool calm and collected. Enjoy

Beautiful! Excellent children's playground. Paddle boats. Lovely coffee! Gorgeous day :)

Absolutely stunning spot – one of the most beautiful places I’ve visited in Aotearoa. The water at Hamurana Springs is crystal clear and has this almost otherworldly blue-green glow. Even though it was cold during the day (winter visit!), the walk was peaceful and refreshing – such a great option for a date, a relaxed family outing, or showing off the beauty of NZ to visitors from overseas. It’s $18 per adult, and you pay at the golf course entrance – the staff there were incredibly friendly and welcoming. The track itself is easy to walk and well maintained, winding through towering redwoods and native bush, with plenty of places to stop and take it all in. Definitely a hidden gem worth visiting!

What a gorgeous course! We played a round for my husband’s birthday and both of us couldn’t stop saying how amazing it was. We saw so many unique birds and deer while playing and the course has a wonderful design to it! Their merchandise is also worth checking out, their logo is perfect!

On the day of our visit, the weather wasn’t really on our side – but it turned out not to be a problem at all. Marnie, with his great energy, explained everything clearly and concisely before we set off on the walk. We actually ended up spending about half an hour longer than estimated, simply because we enjoyed it so much. Along the way, we spotted many black teals and swans, as well as cormorants and other interesting birds. The path also takes you through a beautiful redwood forest, which made the experience even more special. I understand it may not be for everyone, but I believe anyone who appreciates nature will find the entrance fee well worth it.

Such a beautiful place to visit, beautiful crystal clear water, green sceneries and the walk through the massive pine trees was just mesmerising. Definitely worth to visit🫶🏼 we also managed to get some really cool pics. Also if you fancy a game of golf it’s just around the corner. Price per adult through Bookme was $13.

This is a must do, the walk is magical and mystically time altering. It felt like we were waiting for robinhood to jump out of the trees or samurai to ride past. Truly felt like being on another planet amongst the trees and clear water. Staff at the golf club (where you start the walk) is lovely and so helpful. Do the drive out to this place you will not be disappointed.

Gorgeous walk around the springs and through the beautiful big redwoods! So many swans ducks and some geese with little babies. The rosellas in the Redwoods are just delightful to see and hear as well. Stunning springs that are a little surreal they are so clear and beautiful.

Beautiful beautiful beautiful!!! Was greeted by a lovely staff member, grounds and walkways just so breath taking and really peaceful. Need to experience

Great and fun market! But do come before 12pm as stalls have started keeping around 12.10pm. Market closes at 1pm not 1.30pm

Went to Kuirau Market this morning — such a cool wee market! Awesome range of kai stalls and Māori stalls. Loved seeing the fried bread, poi, ponchos and rongoā creams. Heaps of parking too. Definitely worth a visit if you’re in Rotorua!

Fine weather, lovely and warm out of the wind. Great atmosphere Lots of food trucks, Rangitaiki sausage meal really good Interesting other stalls Visited Book Fair as well Really good morning

Good selection of food trucks, stalls and range of produce. Worth a visit on a Saturday morning. We had some nice crepes on our visit today - sweet & savoury.

Went last week not many food stalls not many food options and not really that great either was disappointing I'm use to south Auckland markets so Maori food quality here is low to medium lil bit pricey for what u get

One of my favourite things to do whenever we are in rotorua. Visiting the markets. Always have to have my fix of the kebabs. So many choices of food and i love visitng the ceramics tent to get some unique mugs to take back home.

A great market. Yummy food and good prices.

Fine as a free attraction. Yes it smells but thats to be expected. Shame about the litter. Woeth a quick look

That is the smell of Rotorua. Unfortunately, we saw it in the rain however that does mean we got to really enjoy the heat. The concept of pockets of magma heated water creating geothermal energy is cool. Parking here is limited but it is a nice free site to visit. The views of Rotorua Lake Caldera is also very nice from here.

Nice walkpath along the bay. You see a lot of activity and sulphur ponds. Stay on path and prepare to walk quite a bit as it is return trip from center down to the bay and back. With some investment this would be very magnificent park and path. The road next to the path is noisy ofcourse.

When we first arrived at Rotorua, we went for a walk around the lake in the late afternoon to breathe in that sulphuric air. We were all very excited to see fences, hoping to catch some volcanic action, but just to be disappointed by the relative inactivity. No disrespect to nature, but there is really not much happening here other than a few birds standing on the island in the distance.

Out of this world scenery with thermal activity everywhere. Perfectly set up for a leisurely walk or a run amongst the many Manuka lined pathways.

Free and great to see if you don’t have time or the funds to go to Te Puia which is a must!

Fascinating place well worth a visit

Our half day at the Polynesian Spa was just perfect! We were welcomed warmly and given a great introduction to all the amenities. Our package included the deluxe pool area and a treatment. The view over the lake from the pools is stunning. Pools with various temperatures were relaxing and offered good sitting areas. So relaxing and not at all too busy. The massage treatment was excellent. One of my best! Highly recommend a visit here!

My family of three had a wonderful time at the spa. We were warmly welcomed and shown around. The setting is fabulous - right on Lake Rotorua and totally private. There are five pools of varying temperatures plus a freezing cold plunge pool. We tried everything! It was so relaxing and invigorating. The hour long Swedish massages were also terrific. Very friendly staff. Lovely to sit in a super comfy chair after the massage and take in the view sipping herbal teas.

Absolutely loved our experience at Polynesian Spa, Rotorua! We booked a spa and massage package, and it was amazing. The lake pools were beautiful — four alkaline pools (great for the skin) and one acid pool perfect for sore muscles, all with stunning views over Lake Rotorua. Our couples massage was incredible — huge thanks to Cheeney, a fantastic masseur who made the whole experience deeply relaxing. The package also included a tasty lunch, fresh juice, and later smoothies in a private lakeside room. We enjoyed it so much we stayed until evening, soaking up the peaceful atmosphere. Highly recommend Polynesian Spa to anyone visiting Rotorua — the perfect mix of relaxation, nature, and pampering. Can’t wait to come back!

We came at 11am because we wanted to relax ourselves in a spa environment and it was really pleasant to be there. We paid 100$ for two people with unlimited access to 8 hot pools : 3 alkaline and 5 acidic. We loved being there and highly recommend this place for anyone looking to spend a day at great cost !

Booked a massage and included was soaking in the lake pools which are alkaline and one acid pool (sore muscles). You can’t beat the location of this Spa. It is literally on the lake. The pools are right next to a small garden and the lake is right there. The seagulls are on the garden area. That’s how close you are to the water. They have this location because they have been there since the late 1800s. The pools are surrounded by rocks and feel very natural. The water is varying temperatures. Very, very relaxing. They also have some outside chaises that are heated. I booked a massage with Ni Luh who was fantastic. I told her about my sore spots and she paid attention to them. She is very sweet and very accommodating. At the end of the massage she gave me a coupon for a complementary juice or smoothie and I was taken to a relaxation area where she gave me some tea. Everything is pristine clean. The locker rooms are large and there are blow dryers, and plenty of towels. The only comment I have is that they don’t give you cups for water and you have to drink out of water fountains. I purchased a bottle of water at the café at the front of the spa. It would’ve been nicer if they provided cups for water. Otherwise, had my smoothie at the café and also had a grilled sandwich which I enjoyed. I wasn’t sure how this experience would be but it’s a top notch spa and they definitely go out of their way to make you feel welcome and happy. I would definitely go back there.

Great Spa, But Hygiene Rules Need to Be Enforced I’m a Rotorua local and visit the Polynesian Spa almost every day. It’s a beautiful and relaxing place, but lately I’ve noticed some group tour visitors behaving in ways that make the experience uncomfortable for others. Some people change clothes outside the changing rooms, enter the pools wearing their regular clothes or underwear instead of swimwear, and even spit or blow water out into the pool. It’s unpleasant and unhygienic. After COVID, everyone should understand the importance of cleanliness and public manners. I hope the management will give stronger reminders or warnings about proper spa etiquette to keep this world-famous place clean and enjoyable for all visitors.

Visited yesterday after seeing all great reviews but was very disappointed. We decided to take our three children but on arrival walked through and seen there was only one small pool for kids to play in and two hot pools for us. It looked like the pool in a compound surrounded by four walls and no views of the lake or anything else. Given the price of entry is the same as hanmer it is no where near habner in being family friendly. That said me and my partner would look at visiting again without children to get the full experience but if your traveling with children and think they would enjoy it save your money and take them the local swimming pool.

Very small parking lot but it seemed to turnover pretty quickly. Also have bathrooms which is a huge plus. The lookout requires about 10 steps and then a sloped walkway to the lookout. Maybe 20 feet or so. Pretty easy for us but we had someone who is disabled with us and that was a no go for him. The view was gorgeous with a lovely look at both the Blue and Green lakes.

Nothing special really. From the viewpoint, you can see both lakes. The Green Lake is privately owned, so no access.

This is a elevated lookout offering majestic views to the Blue Lake and Green Lake. There are a few steps to reach the lookout point, but have handrails which make it easy enough. Well marked sign boards are there, which describe the history and geology of the lakes. On a clear sunny day, one can easily see the difference in the colours of the water due to difference in composition of the bedrock and vegetation in the lakes. This is also a part of the Blue lake walking track. There is a small carpark and a public toilet nearby. Highly recommended.

Very disappointed. Actually you can see and visit the blue lake only. You can swim in it or walk around. As for the Green lake - first, it is not green and looks like a normal lake. Second, it's privately owned meaning you can't access it, even the foreshore. You can barely take a few photos of it through the bush. There is no place to see both the lakes. You can enjoy bushwalking instead

Easy to locate and find. The lookout provides a great viewing platform to see both lakes. There are toilet facilities as outlined in the location description, however, there was notice that the solar panels and battery were stolen so there was no lighting.

You can view both lakes from here. The blue lake and the green lakes. Both colours are visible when the weather is sunny. When you park your park. Turn back and walk up the hill and you will see both lakes. Many people kept walking forward and they could only see one lake. That track they took at is the track that goes around lake Tarawera. There are toilet facilities for your use. It was very smelly. The lookout is easily accessible from the main road.

This is a place where I regret I don't have a drone. Could be nice form the top

Great walk, beautiful scenic views of the lake as you stroll along. Nicely shaded for the most part too. The estimated times of signs are overly optimistic though, assumes an average speed of around 15min/km. Definitely allow for more time if you're not planning on speeding along.

Beautiful hiking trail. You can do the trail in about 3,5 hrs if you have good fitness but if you’re unsure about it, I'd recommend planning with 5 hrs. I rode the water taxi on the way back, which is great after a long walk.

Took water taxi out to hot water camp site. Pitched tent and stayed the night. Hiked out the next morning. Took us 6.5 hours because of our heavy hiking packs. Walking sticks were a great help. Next time we will remember to bring bug spray! The midges are fierce!! Beautiful scenery 😍

Beautiful walk - helps to have a medium level of fitness - just such stunning scenery and beautiful natives to walk through - highly recommend!

15km trail, moderate elevation, overgrown in some areas. The path becomes muddy after rain, but it's manageable and not too extreme. Hiking shoes with good grip are essential post-rain, or you'll find yourself slipping around. The trail mostly winds through dense forest, offering an immersive experience with birdsong and the fresh scent of the forest, though it's worth noting there are limited scenic views. A highlight is reaching the hot water beach at the end of the hike, a perfect spot to unwind. As of December 2023, the water taxi service had departures at 12:30 and 15:30. They arrive about 30 minutes before scheduled departure to check bookings and leave as soon as all passengers are on board. Conveniently, the same operator who runs the water taxi also offers a shuttle service in a minivan back to the car park from the Landing Cafe, saving a 30-40 minute walk. I highly recommend opting for the water taxi; it's a much more pleasant way to conclude the hike than walking back."

All Trails reviews were very good. But the length is about 10 miles, bit 8 miles. We took the water taxi out and did the hike. It was the best because this trail is difficult in places, overgrown, wet, and if your riding to catch the last water taxi, your stress level will be high. But very satisfying trail. Totally enjoyed it.

Love this track, peachful nice view and abit challenging.

Beautiful place with stunning views perfect little spot in summer.

Beautiful lake no flys like lake rotorua. I recommend going to the cafe which is a right turn down a steep hill. Beautiful spot. And great food.

Lovely spot. Great views and a nice cafe to have coffee and cake.

Beautiful views and pristine water!

One of my favorite walking trails, with beautiful resting spots, terrific views and adventurous paths.

Long way out (we went via Tarawera falls) but was very quiet and peaceful. Lovely views, great place for photos/photoshoots.

Love this lake! The mountain silhouette is so photogenic during blue and golden hours

Great experience. This was my first time on a zip line. I have a fear of heights but that wasn’t a problem. This was so fun. Our guides Reuben and Travis were amazing. I felt safe the entire time. Thanks guys!!

What an absolutely incredible adventure! From start to finish, the Rotorua Canopy Tours team made the entire experience exciting, safe, and unforgettable. The staff were beyond excellent — warm, welcoming, and full of energy. A very special shoutout to Travis and Andrew, who went above and beyond to make sure we had the best time. Their professionalism, humour, and knowledge turned an already amazing adventure into something truly memorable. Rotorua Canopy Tours is lucky to have them — honestly, they deserve a pay rise for the effort, passion, and care they put into their work. Highly recommend this once-in-a-lifetime experience!

A truly amazing experience from start to finish. Quality safety gear that is in top shape is provided, and additional layers are also provided for colder weather. Guides were very professional and engaging with all the guests, more like a family adventure rather than tour with strangers. Awesome information between zip lines about forrest conservation and even hand feeding of birds in the wild. Highly recommend this experience for individuals and families.

Went for original canopy package. Safety is assured with briefing. Some photo shots taken for us. Glad to know that while we are having fun, some of the funds are used to conserve the area better. The site greenery has improved a lot through these efforts. Go and have fun! Matt and Mitch have made this experience safe, fun and engaging!

Amazing experience made more wonderful with Guides - Lochlan and Andrew. Our guides were funny, warm and made us feel welcome with some awesome jokes while at the same time making sure we were safe throughout the entire experience. They were also knowledgable and helped us understand the conversation efforts being made to preserve the virgin nature of the forest. Thank you from team Malaysia and we can only highly recommend this experience. Hope you all enjoy it as much as we did!

Fantastic experience and great guides! This was a beautiful day out with lots of fun and information about the forest and the local wildlife. The guides are very passionate about their land and made the whole experience a good time. Seeing the forest from above is even more amazing then just walking it. The ziplines were so much fun and we felt very safe on them and with the guidance from our leaders. Definitely an experience to do and it all supports the beautiful NZ environment.

Heavy rain, no idea, what to do? Go book an Ultimate Tour with RCT. Next level experience in a spectacular native rain forest. And ask for Vincent and Lisa! They made our tour so much fun … despite the heavy rain. We enjoyed every minute! Doing the 400m zipline and looking around I felt like in the middle of the movie set of “The piano”. Perfect afternoon! Thanks a lot, Vincent and Lisa 💚💚💚

Very nice walk on the Rotorua Lakefront. Views are very good with a good many domestic geese, Canada goose and Black swans roaming/swimming around. You can also spot Australian Swamphen. Children's play area and park nearby. There is also some sculptures and a Maori boat exhibit. Must visit spot in Rotorua.

I haven't been to Rotorua in a while and the lakefront surprised me. It's a great place to take the kids. Huge playground, great walkways, and amazing sunset. Great place to take pictures. Or you can just sit on the benches and admire nature.

It’s a nice walk alongside the lakes edge and the boardwalk is a really nice area to stroll along. If you are lucky you might spot some of the resident black swans and other wildlife.

I beautiful walk! My daughter and I grabbed some ice cream from Eat Street and walked down to the Lakefront Boardwalk. It was a beautiful walk. The whole waterfront area looked well maintained; clean and beautiful landscape. Seemed like a wonderful place to spend the day with family or even a peaceful time by yourself.

This boardwalk is a new feature installed on the Rotorua Lake front. The walk is itself scenic and beautiful due to the lake surroundings. The boardwalk is lit on the sides which makes it interesting and eye catching in the twilight hours and night time. The location is easily accessible and one can easily spend good amount of time here and in the nearby park with kids. It is well maintained by the local authorities. Well recommended for a lazy stroll after a day out in Rotorua activities.

It is really beautiful in the sunrise… so many activities to do. Either you fly in a plane or a helicopter, here is the best place for that.

This was a beautiful little stroll. At a leisurely pace it may take 30 minutes to explore the length of the boardwalk. Offer happy children playing on the playground and lapping water as music to a peaceful conversation. You see duck's, black swans, Huka carvings, gardens, and the lake. There is lots of parking, public restrooms and water.

I had an absolutely incredible day riding the world-class trails of the Whakarewarewa forest with New Zealand Mountain Biking. Jamie tailored the ride perfectly to my ability level, sharing great tips on technique while making sure I felt confident and safe. His knowledge of the trails and local insight added so much to the adventure. The guided shuttle service made everything effortless. It was great to have maximum time on the trails without having to worry about logistics, and our driver Peter had some great stories about the history of the trail network. I can’t recommend this experience highly enough, and hope I’m able to make another trip here sometime in the future!

Doing a couple of coaching sessions with NZ Mountain Biking has absolutely transformed my riding and has taken me from a scared, reluctant rider trying to keep up with my kids to becoming a confident rider loving Grade 4 trails and starting to think about the next challenge! Jamie's coaching style is unique in that he takes you where you are at and knows exactly what you need to progress and meet your own goals. Most of all he keeps the learning highly personalised and super fun!

We booked 4 days of private guided tours with Jamie and it was incredible. We rode Whakarewarewa Forest, Maunga Kākaramea and did a heli shuttle ride around the Kaimanawa Range. All four days were amazing, packed with some of the best riding this area has to offer. Jamie works with you to tailor the trip according to your riding skills and goes above and beyond to make sure you’re having heaps of fun. I would definitely recommend him and his company!

I can highly recommend having MTB sessions with New Zealand Mountain Biking! The lessons are well structured, everything is explained well and demo rides are done to show you a visual example of the skill being taught. I have had two lessons so far and both Jamie and Asher excellent instructors, you will definitely see me coming back!

Best investment ever. Asher was a great instructor. He set my bike up properly and gave me detailed instruction on everything i wanted to learn. He covered the basics and gave me a new found confidence on my bike. Would definitely recommend for everyone. Im now hitting sick drops and jumps with ease!

Jamie from New Zealand Mountain Bike was amazing! We couldn't have asked for a better guide who took us to amazing trails that suited our riding style. Everyone felt so comfortable with Jamie and he gave some great pointers too. We had a group with all different riding styles and he made sure everyone had the best experience. He also made sure we didn't go hungry. If you want to see the best of Rotoruas Redwoods, book in with these guys!

Had a private skills lesson with Asher today. He was excellent at explaining a technique and then follow up practice with him giving feedback to me and even videoing. Would highly recommend him to older women who are wanting to improve and enjoy their MTB even more

Smaller of the lakes in Rotorua but Lake Okareka presented itself as a stunning beauty on a rainy day. The area around the lake felt very peaceful and beautiful - this might be a good place to stay in Rotorua. Lots of birds especially ducks in and around the lake.

Nice lake, beautiful scenery and peaceful surrounding, a perfect recipe for a unwinding holiday. A great place to stay if you are going to Rotorua. It's around 20 mins drive to the Rotorua city.

Beautiful lake with a scenic walkway.

Little spot after Boyes Beach. Can also camp there. Toilets are a little smelly and unkept

Absolutely stunning place. You can go to see the glow worms in the caves if you have a paddle board or a kayak. You need to do it at night. Make sure you follow the safety rules.

Beautiful lake. First time visiting & loved it. Can't wait to visit again

Beautiful well kept lake walk ❤️😍

What a hidden gem! We found this reserve while looking for a space to stay and really enjoyed it here. There are beautiful falls nearby that also offer rafting tours! The toilet is horrible tho and smells like urine all the time and there is just one single toilet, no showers, no heat stoves or drinking stations are available. There is also no reception, so we couldn't use our phones, but that was a nice phone break for us. All in all it's a lovely and quiet place with a lot of space.

Hands down one of the best walks I've done. The falls are stunning. The bush walk alongside the river is magical. The cave were totally unexpected and so incredible. You can loop through. We even got to see cave Weta. We timed our trip perfectly and got to see the white water rafting and zip lining. Looks like so much fun. The trout pool doesn't disappoint. We looped the track baby up over the ridge. The DOC signs were very generous with their times. This was such an amazing place. Added bonus of a kiwi guardian medal too. If you haven't been then you really should check it out 💗

River was sooo high today, no rafting but amazing views and stunning native bush. Kids managed the one hour of walking trails easily. Found some cool Hinemoa caves too with big bush weta inside.

A beautiful and immaculate reserve with the Okere river flowing right round. There are many small waterfalls along the walk and the spot where pioneers began the areas first hydroelectric power system. Along the walk there are historic caves where once the local Iwi hid for safety. Absolutely love the history. Another beautiful NZ spot to visit.

Hidden staircase at the end of the car park to a cool viewpoint. No signage but it's definitely worth checking it out. Gets you right next to the action!

This is a perfectly good woodland walk plus occasional encounters with rushing waters at close quarters. The hydroelectric infrastructure is long gone which is a pity as it would have been good to see such ground-breaking engineering, even if non-operational. The day we went the river volume was more than double the normal due to the recent cyclone and its downpours. This meant no white water rafters or kayakers. A shame as this would have turned an average walk into a great one.

Kiwi guardians walk. Fantastic easy walk, the cave and stairs were definitely a highlight, lots to explore around the trout pool end. Ridge track had an initial climb up but after that was easy.

Beautiful walkway that's gets you close to the lake. The bird hide out is a must. Feels very peaceful. An easy flat walk

a beautiful walk around the lake, peaceful, gentle easy going, home to bush, birds, stunning vistas. Loved the hut lookout through which one can sit to watch the birds incognito. Just wish there was more seating for disabled walkers

Couldn't take the walk due to the rains, however the views of the lakes from the start of this trail looked very nice in the heavy rains. Not much parking here ..

A must do walk if you are in the Rotorua area. It most is accessable for wheelchairs. There are boardwalks and birdwatching hides. The history of the lake is posted on signs to read and dpot wildlife.

A beautiful, well kept and serene reserve with looks of birdlife to see! Loved walking on boardwalks through this reserve. A lot of locals come here so expect some traffic. Also local fishing competitions happen here. Lovely experience!

Stunning scenery, bird life to watch, easy walk.

a lovely place for a short walk; less crowd with lots of water birds; its more than 20mins drive from Rotorua center; and the walk is around 1.5hr including stops to take pictures

What a fantastic experience. So wonderful to see something Bible based for a change. The husband and wife couple who set it all up and run it really went to a lot of effort and it shows.

Fantastic, engaging for all ages and was so amazing two hour late felt like 15mins. We really enjoyed the Roman armour, children’s games and historical displays. Excellent for all ages from toddlers to elderly. Highly recommend

My family and I love this place!! We have been there 3 times so far and are planning on going again. We love how interactive it is. There has been so much time and effort put in to it. It is truly fascinating. My son says "it is the best museum I have ever been to. I LOVE IT! I like learning about God." My daughter says "I like how they have made things from the old days. I like the way I can touch, smell and see things there." My little daughter likes trying on the old helmets and pushing the wrong buttons on the board because it makes a great sound!! as does the little shofar! I cannot recommend Bible World too highly! Please take the time to go and see this amazing place and support them. You will not be disappointed.

Great amount of detail and exhibits for a free museum. Will give you a good concept of Bible times and the culture and environment of those times. Lots of models, 3d maps and figurines. Exceptionally clean and tidy. You can even dress up and there's games for the kids too - something for everyone.

Such a great place to visit. Amazing facts, models, instruments, wall charts and statues of the biblical times. The owners were very welcoming and were willing to assist at anytime e.g if you wanted to try a instrument. They allow you to take photos. Great experience. Do visit if your in Rotorua.

I love Bibleworld Museum, if you have never been to the Holy Land, you will get a great taste, for others like myself who have, it's a beautiful reminder. Colourful, informative, and interactive things for the kids to do, and one of my favourite things, the shop! Lovely soaps, anointing oil etc. Definitely worth a visit or two, or three....

excellent displays and replicas. very educational as well as enjoyable. I did not realize how fun it can be to try to put on the roman soldier's armors. I strongly recommend everyone (Christians and non Christians ) to visit this place!

As a local to Rotorua The Mitai Māori Village was a captivating journey into the heart of Māori culture and a pleasure to experience for the first time, a 10/10 experience offering an unforgettable blend of natural beauty and rich tradition. You embark on a guided tour through a lush, immersive forest, where the hauntingly beautiful Māori calls echo through the trees, creating an ambiance of curiosity. The biggest highlight was witnessing a tribe of Māori performers navigating a traditional canoe along the freshwater stream, a display of both strength and grace. The experience is further enriched by a delicious traditional Māori Hangi buffet, featuring foods (chicken / lamb / stuffing / potato & sweet potato) cooked in the earth, as well as delectable side dishes (including potato bake / seafood chowder / garlic butter mussels / prawns & fried bread to name a few). The evening crescendoed with a powerful live haka, where the intensity of the Māori performers coupled with their cultural weapons display truely brought the performance to life. The village offered an intimate setting for educational purpose, including a brief Q&A session from staff (this is the only area I believe required some attention as a few of the answers seemed a little vague and sometimes were answered quite abruptly - but this is just me being super critical). To conclude the night, we were treated to a magical night tour of the glow worms, providing a serene and enchanting finale to a truly immersive cultural experience.

It was a meaningful cultural experience! The performance was truly impressive🫨 I was fully immersed in their storytelling and singing. The food was decent, but the highlight was definitely the amazing cultural show and atmosphere💯 Plus, it was great to meet and connect with people from all around the world.

This is not an intimate, small group-size cultural exchange. Having said that, the host and performers were enthusiastic and both the walks and the show were educational and not without humor. The Q&A before the evening walk is obviously dependent on the quality of the questions, but in general I like the idea. The walk after had a bunch of glowworms so not something you want to miss out on. In spite of a large crowd, we had an enjoyable evening with decent food.

Very cool cultural experience. I love learning the history and culture of different people around the world. It's really wonderful how the Maori tribe invites outsiders to experience their traditional way of life. Really loved the Hangi feast. Wish I had saved room for more Pavlova.

I booked for myself and my two teenage kids, and I have to admit I almost didn’t because I thought it was a bit expensive — plus, my son is a fussy eater. But let me tell you… it was 1000% worth it! We had the most amazing night. There wasn’t a single thing we didn’t love — the educational experience, the food, the singing and dancing, and the meaning behind it all were just incredible. The food was delicious — even my son, the fussy one, ate more than anyone! If you’re thinking about going, just book it — you won’t be disappointed. 10 out of 10!

Food was good, performance was good, experience was good. There is a big crowd so can get a bit hard to hear the host when exploring outside. But recommended if you have not been to one of these Maori Villages!

This night was hands down one of the highlights of my trip! We learnt so much about Māori culture. And the food was DELICIOUS! Left very very full and happy. Thank you to the Mitai family for such an amazing experience.

A beautiful lake with basic amenities like toilet, playground, walking trail etc. It was raining when we visited the Blue lake which is actually known as Lake Tikitapu. The lake is surrounded by beautiful mountains & green forest. There is a Green lake as well, but is not open to public. You can view the lake from the lookout point though.

We drove out to Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake) from Rotorua - an enjoyable 15 minute drive. We enjoyed a hot chocolate from the holiday park shop across the road and sat in front of the brilliant blue lake enjoying the view and making friends with the ducks. Add this place to your Rotorua sightseeing list.

Lake Tikitapu also known as the Blue lake is a beautiful lake in Rotorua. Visited the lake during the rains, and the views of the lake and the mountains around with the forest covered in misty rain was very mesmerizing. Lots of malllard ducks around - pretty friendly ducks - poses for the pictures.. Enough parking space, there is also a trail around the lake, a ark nearby and short forest walks. A must visit place in Rotorua.

Nice easy walk, good to take dogs on. We were lucky with the sunny day, would be so nice to swim in if it was a bit warmer

Gorgeous place. We travelled there specifically for one of the Aramex Kiwi Walk and Run series. Fantastic place to walk around and lots of gun at the event, both before and after.

Visited for the Blue Lake 24 hours trail run. A beautiful lake with well maintained tracks with low to medium difficulty.

A walk worth doing,you can walk right round the lake & have a swim half way or at the end. We parked in front of the motor camp & have walked clockwise & anti clockwise. Suitable for all fitness levels. Lovely scenery.

The kids fishing days are awesome. the Rotorua Anglers Association really go out of there way for the kids. Nice walk through the forest and stream, got to see trout.

Super little place. 30-60 min visit. Free unless you want your kids to have a go at fishing!

Hidden spot compared to the big tourist attractions, but a really nice way to spend ~30 minutes for free. A small, but beautiful bush walk leads into many trout ponds, and a special trout hatchery where you can learn about the breeding/growing process. Follow the signs/orange square marker to make yourself around the area. Free access, toilets, and carpark on site.

We have tried to take our kids several times and although it is advertised that they are open it has been shut

Excellent place for a walk through forest and look at trout in their natural habitat. Hatchery well Worth a visit.

What an amazing experience and place. Great people

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We recently stayed 2 nights at Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park with our camper-van and had a wonderful experience. The park is spacious and well-organized, making it easy to park and set up. The powered sites are generous in size and well-maintained, with good access to water and electricity hookups. The communal facilities, including the kitchen, and clean bathrooms with hot showers, were excellent and very convenient for camper-van travelers. The location is ideal—close enough to the city centre and major attractions, yet peaceful and surrounded by greenery. The staff were friendly and helpful, providing a warm welcome and useful local tips. Pros: • Spacious, powered sites • Clean, well-equipped communal facilities • Friendly and helpful staff • Convenient location near Rotorua attractions Cons: • Some facilities could use refurbishment Overall, Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park is a fantastic choice for camper-van travelers looking for comfort, convenience, and a relaxing atmosphere in Rotorua.

Really great experience. Hot springs weren't on my to do list but I'm very glad I ended up here. Nice mix of locals and tourists (I traveled out of season). They are well geared for motorhome/RV visits. Reception staff are very cool. Rooms and facilities are all clean and up to scratch. The big geyser in Rotorua (the name escapes me) is just up the road.

Very disappointed with my experience here. I had only just made a booking about an hour before arriving for a powered suite for a motor home. When we arrived the smell of the sulphur in the area really got to me. Due to a medical condition having an over-sensitive sense of smell. I found it hard to breathe and near vomiting.. we decided to leave Rotorua and go on further where I wouldn't be affected. We had checked in, but never even went through the gates to our site. We called and explained what had happened. We were told to contact them the next morning about a refund which we did. I received an email back saying they can't give refunds for same day cancellations. But I would've thought a bit of compassion considering the circumstances The booking, arrival and cancellation all happened within a couple of hours. It wasn't just a change of mind, it was a medical reason causing me dry wretching and trouble breathing.

Was nice and clean. Lots of kitchen space and utensils supplied with bedding and towels for family shared cabins. Struggled with the clothes drier that swallowed my money. Had wet clothes and towels for 3 days that just would not dry. It was more drizzle weather. Hot pools and cold pools was nice to enjoy for young and old. Family TV rooms for cabin fever time after dinner was difficult as TV was difficult to use. But over all will go again.

We stayed for 2 nights on an unpowered site and it was perfect. Clean facilities, great hot showers and lots of space (early spring, didn't have to book in advance). The hot pools we're also very nice. Only thing to improve was the wifi, access is free but you only get 1GB a day.

Had a great stay however one person in reception (older lady, glasses, short white hair) was absolutely horrible to my 10 year old son. Threatened to charge him (us) more money as we used their white towels in the pools/hot pools. We weren't told at check-in and there were no signs anywhere around the pools or in the cabins to say we couldn't..... she made him feel small and he came back in tears. It could be written on their website but she did not have to treat my son like that. Safety: The outside pool is slippery and the handrail is not bolted into the concrete paver properly. The paver it is bolted into is actually ripping itself out of the ground. Almost slipped into the pool and the handrail almost came with me. Needs to be fixed asap. Our cabin was clean and I noticed the cleaners took great pride in their work so they deserve to be highly commended. Good location, fairly priced, hot pools are excellent, overall had a generally decent experience except for the way the old reception woman spoke to my child and the slippery outdoor pool.

We stayed in the cabins that have a bathroom and kitchenette. We are a family of 5. Room had 1 double bed,1 bunk set and they provided a cot for our baby no extra charge. Room was warm, Cosy and had everything we needed. Nice park and pools were warm. My family will be back again.