Rotorua

Travel Guide

Rotorua
Rotorua showing forests as well as a small group of people
Rotorua
Rotorua which includes mist or fog, a river or creek and a bridge
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland showing a hot spring and views as well as a small group of people

Visitors flock to this geothermal site to enjoy its hot springs, mud pools, watersports and fascinating Maori culture.

Rotorua, which sits squarely on the Volcanic Plateau and the Pacific Rim of Fire, is built over one of the world’s geothermal hotspots. Large numbers of visitors come to Rotorua every year for its numerous geothermal attractions, as well as its Maori cultural heritage and wide choice of adventure sports.The city sits on the shore of Rotorua Lake in the Bay of Plenty area on New Zealand’s North Island. The area is well known for trout fishing and boating opportunities. Rent fishing equipment or enquire about local tour operators in town.Many of the famous hot springs, colorful crater lakes and bubbling pools are located in parks and reserves such as Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland. Soak in a geothermal mud bath, marvel at geysers erupting almost 100 feet (30 meters) into the air, and take a scenic flight to nearby White Island, the country’s only active marine volcano.Make time for a visit to The Buried Village. It was covered with ash when adjacent Mount Tarawera erupted in 1886. Today, the site has a museum, nature trail and teahouse. Nearby Rainbow Springs Nature Park has beautifully sculptured ponds filed with fish. See Kiwi birds and other creatures native to New Zealand.Discover the culture of the Te Arawa people, who settled in the area more than 600 years ago. At Tamaki Maori Village, see how villagers used the hot springs to bathe and do laundry. Try a hangi feast, which is cooked by steaming the food in the ground, and watch performances of Maori songs and war dance.Adventure seekers will find plenty of things to do in Rotorua. Try skydiving, mountain biking, whitewater rafting or zorbing. Activites are organised by various operators around the city. In winter, head for the North Island’s ski slopes, easily accessed via Rotorua’s international airport.

Where to stay in Rotorua

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Owhata

If you're spending some time in Owhata, Lake Rotorua and Haiku Pathway are top sights worth seeing.

Owhata
Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve featuring a bridge and a river or creek

Whakarewarewa

The panoramic lake views and luxurious spas are just a few highlights of Whakarewarewa. Make a stop by Whakarewarewa: The Living Maori Village or Te Puia New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute while you're exploring the area.

Whakarewarewa
Lake Okareka featuring a lake or waterhole

Lake Okareka

Travelers like the parks in Lake Okareka, and Lake Okareka is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Lake Okareka
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Lynmore

While Lynmore might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest and Polynesian Spa.

Lynmore
Rotorua Museum of Art and History which includes interior views as well as an individual child

Inner City

While visiting Inner City, you might make a stop by sights like Rotorua Night Market and Tamaki Maori Village.

Inner City
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Glenholme

Though Glenholme might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Rotorua Central Mall and Rotorua Night Market.

Glenholme
Rydges Rotorua

Rydges Rotorua

4.5 out of 5
10 Tryon Street, Whakarewarewa, Rotorua, Bay of Plenty
The price is P4,351 per night from Sep 14 to Sep 15
P4,351
P5,003 total
Sep 14 - Sep 15
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Rotorua. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,010 reviews)
"Overall great stay, with nice play area for kids, great 35 degrees swimming pool and Spa. Great location, and room amenities. Cons: beds not too comfortable to my taste, bedroom cleaning could be improved."

Reviewed on Aug 10, 2025

Rydges Rotorua
Marsden Stay Rotorua

Marsden Stay Rotorua

3 out of 5
273 Fenton St, Rotorua, Bay of Plenty
The price is P2,848 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
P2,848
P3,275 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Rotorua. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Polynesian Spa and Skyline Rotorua are located ...
7.4/10 Good! (231 reviews)
"Nice and cool rooms and private parking"

Reviewed on Aug 5, 2025

Marsden Stay Rotorua
Millennium Hotel Rotorua

Millennium Hotel Rotorua

4.5 out of 5
1270 Hinemaru Street, Rotorua
The price is P4,717 per night from Aug 26 to Aug 27
P4,717
P5,425 total
Aug 26 - Aug 27
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Rotorua. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
"5 stars all round. Newly renovated rooms, great location, great beds and ammenities are top notch. Big pool and kid free two hot tubs with relaxing music. Highly recommend staying here. Super helpful and friendly staff."

Reviewed on Aug 11, 2025

Millennium Hotel Rotorua
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Quest Rotorua Central

Quest Rotorua Central

4 out of 5
1192 Hinemoa Street, Rotorua
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified aparthotel in Rotorua. Enjoy free WiFi, daily housekeeping, and dry cleaning or laundry services. Our guests praise the helpful ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,039 reviews)
"Excellent service and room was very clean"

Reviewed on Jun 26, 2025

Quest Rotorua Central
Redwood Apartments

Redwood Apartments

3 out of 5
21 Hilda St, Rotorua, Bay of Plenty
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly apartment in Rotorua. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and Netflix. Popular attractions Polynesian Spa and Skyline Rotorua ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (22 reviews)
"It was great. Brand new"

Reviewed on Jul 26, 2025

Redwood Apartments
Alpin Motel & Conference Centre

Alpin Motel & Conference Centre

4 out of 5
16 Sala Street, Rotorua, Bay of Plenty
Stay at this 4-star golf aparthotel in Rotorua. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and private hot tubs. Popular attractions Polynesian Spa and Skyline Rotorua are ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (604 reviews)
"I love the private hot tubs heated pool and the maori designs our the property i would recommend Going back 2 stay again"

Reviewed on Aug 5, 2025

Alpin Motel & Conference Centre
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Things to do