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

Rotorua Travel Guide Video

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
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
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
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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 P4,435 per night from Aug 11 to Aug 12
P4,435
P5,100 total
Aug 11 - Aug 12
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! (1,003 reviews)
"Excellent"

Reviewed on Jul 24, 2025

Rydges Rotorua
Arawa Park Hotel

Arawa Park Hotel

4 out of 5
272 Fenton St, Rotorua
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P3,683 per night from Aug 12 to Aug 13
P3,683
P4,236 total
Aug 12 - Aug 13
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star luxury hotel in Rotorua. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,007 reviews)
"The room was amazing so spacious, the staff member that checked us in wasn’t at all nice. Some PR training needed there!"

Reviewed on Jul 28, 2025

Arawa Park Hotel
JetPark Hotel Rotorua

JetPark Hotel Rotorua

4 out of 5
237 Fenton Street, Corner Victoria Street, Rotorua
The price is P5,617 per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
P5,617
P6,459 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Rotorua. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"Clean, modern, good continental breakfast."

Reviewed on Jul 27, 2025

JetPark 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! (1,038 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! (21 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! (603 reviews)
"Staff were super friendly, the location, the room it was all perfect, the kids loved the hot tub and being close to the pool. We know where we will be staying next time we are in Rotorua :)"

Reviewed on Jul 8, 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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