Rotorua Attractions
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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!
First stop – to get the lie of the land – would be Skyline Skyrides which is located just minutes from Rotorua's City centre, on the side of Mount Ngongotaha. The Gondola will carry you to 487 metres above sea level to provide you with panoramic views of Rotorua City, Lake Rotorua and the surrounding area. Skyline Skyrides is an all weather attraction, and is open every day of the year. Operating hours are from 9.00am daily until late. The restaurant opens at 5.30pm. The café has an all day menu.
Many attractions are available when you get to the top of the mountain – for example... the Sky Swing is a thrilling and exhilarating ride, 50 metres above ground level and reaching speeds of up to 120kph. Enjoy spectacular views of Rotorua city and the surrounding lakes, secure in your specially designed safety harness.
Then there's the helipad where you can choose from a variety of flights and prices available. HeliPro Helicopters has 30 years experience and uses a 6 seater helicopter. In-flight commentaries are provided. Group transfers to and from Skyline a specialty.
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. The park is set in a beautiful native New Zealand bush setting. Natural materials have been used throughout the park, and the flat cobblestone paths and wooden boardwalks are wide and easily accessible for all. The circuit follows much of the Trout filled Ngongotaha Stream and low fences mean lots of interaction with our Wildlife.
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.
Polynesian Spa - New Zealand’s leading international spa, providing a unique thermal spa experience. In a picturesque, tranquil setting overlooking Lake Rotorua, visitors can enjoy a wonderful fusion of relaxing hot mineral spring bathing, sumptuous spa therapies and picturesque lake views.
Hell's Gate Geothermal Reserve – set in 50 acres with a large variety of geothermal features. Walk past steaming fumeroles and pools of boiling mud so violent they are unnerving.
Hells Gate Mud Bath & Spa – offers the traditional mud bath experience, followed by the relaxing sulphur spa overlooking the geothermal reserve, provides visitors with a completely unique geothermal experience. The silky smooth geothermal mud in combination with the sulphurous geothermal water opens the skins pores allowing the active ingredients to gently exfoliate and treat the skin while in the spa leaving it very clean and soft to touch. Other effects include increased blood circulation and a sense of overall well being. A spa experience that truly refreshes and revitalises the mind and body.
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 and discover Orakei Korako Cave and Thermal Park. Also known as the Hidden Valley, Orakei Korako is a unique visitor attraction – not to be missed. It’s a geothermal wonderland, one of nature’s true gifts. Explore a world of gushing geysers, hot springs, bubbling mud pools and some of the largest and most amazing silica terraces in the world.
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!
