Rotorua Attractions
Welcome to our Rotorua Attractions webpage – Rotorua is one of the most popular tourist destinations in New Zealand, which means attraction sites may be busy in high season or over long weekends and public holidays, but has the advantage that Rotorua accommodation, transport options and places to eat are plentiful. So our best advice to the traveller is to head out early each day!
The Luge.... the Luge is a fun filled gravity ride on a 3 wheel cart. Choose from the Scenic Luge, the Intermediate Luge, the Advanced Luge Track, and the Twilight Luge Track!
Or, the effortless way to view the entire complex - take a leisurely chairlift ride up the side of Mt Ngongotaha. Also used to transport those enjoying the Luge!
The Buried Village – destroyed by the eruption of Mt Tarawera in 1886, the village of Te Wairoa is today a living museum where visitors can experience a unique piece of New Zealand history. The Museum of Te Wairoa takes visitors on an emotional journey telling the fascinating story of the village, the voyages to the Pink and White Terraces and the eruption of Mt Tarawera. The excavated site, the only one to be open for public viewing in New Zealand, offers a first hand insight into the devastation, chaos and mayhem that transpired on the night Mt Tarawera erupted.
Rainbow Springs Nature Park & Kiwi Encounter – located east of Mt Ngongotaha on the northern entrance to Rotorua, Fairy Springs Road. See live kiwi foraging for food in a closely simulated natural environment. Come back at night time to view them up close in an open-air enclosure under the stars. Catch a rare glimpse of a large range of trout, which are found in numerous pools throughout the park and illustrate the growth and life cycle of the fish. Gaze in awe at the astounding Redwoods and come face to face with NZ's very own living dinosaur – the tuatara.
Paradise Valley Springs – Trout and Wildlife Park is open every day, 8.00am until dark, with last entry to the Park at 5.00pm. Paradise Valley Springs is situated a few minutes from central Rotorua and transport is available by Shuttle.
Agrodome Adventure Park – where you will find enough extreme sport activies to satisty the most avid adrenalin junkie! Including: Swoop; Bungy; Agrojet; Zorb; Shweeb; Freefall Xtreme; and HeliPro.
Whakarewarewa – set amidst a landscape of erupting geysers, hot thermal springs and bubbling mud pools, is this living village. Experience the unique lifestyle of the people in a natural, Maori village setting. Join a tour (included in entry price). View bubbling mud pools and mineral springs where the people have bathed for generations. Then from the viewing platform, see the awesome power of the 'Pohutu' and 'Prince of Wales Feathers' geysers. Taste corn on the cob cooked in natural thermal waters, or a traditional hangi meal available in the café. Experience the songs and rhythms of cultural performances or see the cultural demonstrations, have fun and become part of a living Maori Village. Open 8.30am-5pm every day of the year excluding Christmas Day.
Waimangu Volcanic Valley – in 1886, Mt Tarawera in Rotorua erupted, destroying the surrounding area. The eruption opened the earth along a 17km rift, splitting Mt Tarawera in two, exploding Lake Rotomahana to 20 times its size, and forming the seven craters that today make up Waimangu Volcanic Valley. Within 15 years of the Eruption, the hot springs of the Waimangu Geothermal System were established within the newly formed craters, making this the world's newest geothermal eco-system.
Waimangu is a ‘must do’ eco-experience if you wish to experience unique ecology, botany, and geothermal features during your stay in Rotorua. Waimangu can be enjoyed by people of all ages and physical abilities. Waimangu is easily accessible, and is just 20 minutes south of Rotorua, and 40 minutes north of Taupo. Select from a range of half day to multi day tours.
The Hidden Valley – Orakei Korako
Cross the beautiful Waikato River between Rotorua and Taupo.
Wai-O-Tapu – a wonderland of stunning geothermal activity. Located 27 kilometres (20 minutes drive) south of Rotorua on SH5, the Visitor Centre provides the gateway to New Zealand’s most colourful natural volcanic environment. Visitors can walk at their own pace and absorb the unique features including the world famous champagne pool, geysers, bubbling mud, steaming ground, expansive vistas, huge volcanic craters and sinter terrace formations. The natural bush setting adds another dimension to the experience as does the guaranteed daily eruption of the Lady Knox Geyser at 10.15am.
Tamaki Maori Village – Hangi Concert
The award winning Tamaki Maori Village operates every evening, except Christmas Day, and offers two departures from the city in the winter months, and three most evenings in the summer months. Your experience is inclusive of: pick up and drop off from Rotorua accommodation centres; a Maori guide to instruct and assist you; the Te Whanau AaTamaki Cultural group will share a variety of Waiata, Haka, and song and dance in celebration of new friendships forged and, of course, the Hangi meal.
Skydiving – it's known, for very good reason, as life's ultimate thrill. It's the big daddy, the adventure and rush by which all others are measured. Amazingly, the buzz of free fall is an easy and safe experience, especially during a tandem skydiving adventure. From an altitude of twelve to fifteen thousand feet you are able to view the landscape of this unique geothermal region without interuption.
Whitewater Rafting – there are several operators with the necessary experience, knowledge and high safety standards, to enable them to take you out on an exhilarating whitewater rafting trip, whatever the occasion! You will find every kind of rafting trip from a Grade 2 scenic trip suitable for families (or the less adventurous) through to Grade 5 adrenalin pumping action. Whether you are wanting to experience a family adventure or team building exercise, perfect for schools or conference groups, these white water rafting operators have a range of options to choose from.
So as you can see, whatever the reason for your trip to Rotorua, you can be assured that there will be enough attractions and tours to keep you occupied until it's time to move on to your next destination!
