Things To Do in Rotorua: Hot Pools, Dining, and Sightseeing

Rotorua is nothing if not dramatic. The land seethes and churns with geysers that shoot 100 feet into the air, bubbling mud pools, and jewel-coloured hot lakes, all accompanied by the scent of sulfur.

But beyond all that geothermal theatre the Māori culture is palpable here, and not in a Disneyfied way. It feels lived-in, respected, and shared. Here cultural tours and performances give profound insight into the historic lifestyle, mythology, art, and entertainment of the Māori past and present. Strap in for the very best places to visit in Rotorua.

Topping all Rotorua attractions, the geothermal playground feels like stepping into a sci-fi movie where the set spits, hisses, and bubbles. Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland is the main event, where Lady Knox Geyser puts on a show every day at 10:15am … with a little help from park employees and a strong detergent. The famous Champagne Pool is like someone dumped a tonne of paint into a boiling cauldron - bright oranges, lurid greens, and sulfuric yellows constantly swirling.

If you prefer your Rotorua geothermal activity with a side of R&R, head to Hell’s Gate. It’s New Zealand’s most active geothermal reserve, where mud pools, the largest hot waterfall in the Southern Hemisphere, and bubbling spas make this spot both apocalyptic and oddly soothing.

Pro tip: Don’t let bad weather put you off, the geothermal activity is especially cool to watch in the rain. Take the guided tour to learn all about the cultural and natural significance of the reserve. Do not miss out on a mud bath, they’re amazing.

Address: Hell's Gate Geothermal Reserve and Mud Spa, 351 State Highway 30, Tikitere, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand

Walking through this natural cathedral of towering Californian Redwoods at Whakarewarewa forest makes you feel hobbit-sized. The Redwoods Treewalk’s suspended bridges let you wander through the forest’s canopy, extending the Lord of the Ring quest vibe even further.

At night, the Redwoods turn on a series of lanterns and suspended lights that create an ethereal, elvin glow. For those who want to amp up the adrenalin, this forest is also a mecca for mountain bikers with trails from beginner-friendly to “you can't be serious!?”.

You can also get the blood pumping by hurtling down a mountain with Rotorua’s stunning scenery as your backdrop with Skyline, a short 20 minute drive from the Redwoods. First an aerial gondola ride takes you to the top of Mount Ngongotaha and from there, it’s a choose your own adventure to get back down with luge tracks that range from scenic to heart-stopping.

Pro tip: There’s also a zipline that wizzes through the forest, and the Skyswing which is part swing, part catapult, all thrill.

Address: Skyline Rotorua, 178 Fairy Springs Road, Fairy Springs, Rotorua 3015, New Zealand

Food in Rotorua isn’t just sustenance, it has a real connection to the land and the people who’ve thrived here for generations. Whether it’s a traditional hāngi feast pulled steaming from an underground oven or a bubbling hot spring repurposed as nature’s stovetop, the land is part of the cooking process.

Let’s start with the essentials: coffee. Head to Snug on Fenton Street, where the brews are strong, the locals are friendly and the cheesy scones sell out by noon. Scope Cafe on Tutanekai Street does a brilliant all day breakfast of local produce just a short walk from Lake Rotorua.

For a long lunch, Atticus Finch is a local legend serving up shared plates of delicious, unfussy food like lamb shoulder with harissa, fresh seafood, and seasonal veggies that actually taste like they were picked that morning. Pātaka Kai Restaurant at Te Puia takes the hāngi into 2025 with a buffet-style experience serving up dishes like kai moana, hāngī chicken, rewena bread stuffing, and a burnt sugar steamed pudding.

For drinks, the Pig & Whistle Historic Pub is a cheerful Rotorua institution, housed in a former police station. It’s where locals go to unwind, listen to live music and enjoy a pint of New Zealand’s finest craft beer, which for our money is Lakeman Hairy Hop IPA. For true Rotorua indulgence, check out Secret Spot Hot Tubs, where you can soak in a private hot tub surrounded by lush native bush while sipping on a cold beer.

For the unforgettable, book an evening at Te Pā Tū. It’s a traditional hāngi where you’ll watch as the food is unearthed from the steaming pits in a heady aroma of meat and smoke. The feast is hearty and soulful, with dishes of kumara and tender meats infused with the flavours of the land.

Pro tip: The beautiful Pullman Rotorua is a five minute walk from Te Pā Tū and has a spectacular buffet breakfast and farm-to-table dining at their in-house restaurant Barrel & Co.

Address: Pullman Rotorua, 1135 Arawa Street, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand

Sure, Te Puia is home to Pōhutu Geyser, the largest active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere, but this place is about more than just Earth’s volcanic hiccups. The prestigious New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute lives here, preserving traditional carving and weaving techniques that have been passed down for generations. Stick around for the evening performances, where haka warriors and traditional songs swell with Māori pride.

Back at Whakarewarewa you’ll also find not a museum piece or a tourist gimmick but a thriving Māori village atop an ever-shifting geothermal landscape. Here, families from the Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao people have adapted to the Earth’s volatile nature for generations. Steam vents in the backyard double as ovens, and thermal pools become natural spas. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s Rotorua in its most authentic.

Pro tip: Spend time with the locals who call this place home with a Legacy Guided Tour to learn more about what you’re seeing, including a stop at an active Marae (meeting grounds) for local Māori communities.

Address: 17 Tryon Street, Whakarewarewa Village, Rotorua 3010

Rotorua’s a magical place to travel with kids. Start with the beautiful calm waters of the Polynesian Spa for family-friendly geothermal bathing. The lakeside pools offer a relaxing soak with stunning views of Lake Rotorua. Then visit the wooly wonders of the Agrodome and see sheep shearing and farm shows, and snuggle up to the cutest baby animals on Earth at their farmyard nursery.

Let the littlies burn off some energy at Zorb Rotorua, where they can throw themselves down a hill inside a giant inflatable ball. It’s ridiculously fun, one of those “when in New Zealand” moments they won't forget.

Finally, Rotorua Duck Tours have WWII-era amphibious vehicles go from land to lake while a ‘conducktor’ entertains with stories about the landscape and its history.

Pro tip: Novotel Rotorua Lakeside is the perfect place to stay for families, with a heated indoor pool, spa pools, it’s across the road from the lake with a playground and next to Eat Street restaurant hub.

Address: Lake End Tutanekai Street, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand

What makes Rotorua truly unforgettable isn’t just the geothermal oddities or the adrenaline-pumping adventures. The Māori culture is woven into the fabric of everyday life here, and it’s shared with visitors in a way that feels utterly unpretentious. If you can get past the waft of sulphur, you’ll find yourself enchanted by its quirky, fiery soul.