Rotorua attractions page
There are a number of "must see and do" experiences - attractions and adventures in Rotorua. Spiritual home to the Maori and host to some of the world's most incredible earth forces; Rotorua boasts an array of other iconic experiences which together encapsulate the spirit of this remarkable country.Sightseeing takes on new meaning in Rotorua - there is so much to see and do in such close proximity to the city centre. Within minutes of town - you can be in a giant Redwood grove - on a farm - amidst native forest, Trout sanctuary or wildlife reserve.
Maori Hangi Dinner and Performance
Complete your adventure through Rotorua with a traditional Maori "hangi" feast. You'll travel by coach to Tamaki Maori Village where your local guide will escort you on a cultural journey to the "marae" (Maori village), the life force of New Zealand's indigenous people. Take the opportunity to engage in an evening of local customs including a traditional Maori dinner feast.
Adventure
Visit the "Home of the Zorb", as seen on TV's "Amazing Race". In the Hydro Zorb they add water so you slip and slide as you hurtle downhill. Try the new Zig-Zag track, a cross between a waterfall and rollercoaster! Or in the Harness Zorb, you're safely secured inside before being sent head over heels downhill!!
White water rafting - Grade 3 to 5 rivers, including the Worlds Highest Commercially Rafted Waterfall. Take the plunge and have heaps of fun with the many guides and professionals available.
Jet boat down the mighty Waikato River, see abundant bird life, pine forests and trout feeding areas, through the very scenic Tutukau Gorge and steaming cliffs to the gateway of mud pools, silica terraces and Aladdin's Cave at Orakei Korako. See a pre-European Maori battle site. Hear the tales behind past events.
Go off road and 4WD the day away – off roading is fun and the more mud the merrier!! There are a range of 4WDriving tracks and companies throughout Rotorua that can provide a safe, fun way to have a go.
Leisure and Family Fun
Agrodome Sheep Show and Farm Tour.
Enjoy an hour-long live show which includes a display of New Zealand's 19 most popular sheep breeds, working sheep dogs, sheep shearing and cow milking demonstration. There's also a chance to feed baby lambs and take part in a New Zealand sheep auction.
Join the inter-active Agrodome Farm Tour, a tractor-drawn trailer will take you on a leisurely trip around the 350-acre farm surrounding the Agrodome complex. See sheep, cows, deer, emus, alpaca, llamas, pigs and ostrich in a real farm environment. The tour allows for numerous opportunities to pat and feed the animals.
Paradise Valley Spring
Superb award-winning NZ trout, bird & wildlife park. Discover NZ's wildlife from the comfort of quality walkways and viewing areas. Superb natural setting, bush, ferns, streams, pools, springs, and African lions.
Rotorua Museum of Art and History
Discover the essence of Rotorua: its people, culture and volcanic landscape. Visit Rotorua Museum and let us share with you the great stories which have shaped the past and present of this unique region located in the world famous Bath House building, an architectural icon in itself, Rotorua Museum is the ideal start to your Rotorua adventure. Be thrilled by the cinema experience Rotorua Stories and enjoy a range of dynamic exhibitions.
Polynesian spa
The spa offers a choice of 31 hot mineral bathing pools and an extensive range of spa therapies.
The luxury Lake Spa is Polynesian Spa's deluxe bathing and relaxation haven. Clients to this area can use the luxury Lake Spa pools, four shallow soak pools of varying temperatures from 36ºC to 43ºC, set invitingly alongside the shores of Sulphur Bay, Lake Rotorua. These pools are landscaped with native flora and designed with the creative use of natural rocks; the pools are a unique environment of tranquillity and beauty. The spacious changing rooms are well appointed with security lockers, soap, shampoo, towels and hairdryers for client use.
Waimangu Volcanic Valley
Amongst Waimangu Valley's thermal attractions you'll see steaming hills, newly forming silica terraces and rare thermal plants. Relax on a cruise of Lake Rotomahana, a protected refuge for native and exotic birdlife and site of its own amazing geothermal features.
Wai-O-Tapu
Thousands of Years in the Making, A Wonderland of Stunning Geothermal Activity.
Sculptured out of volcanic activity and thousands of years in the making, Wai-O-Tapu is considered to be New Zealand’s most colourful and diverse geothermal sightseeing attraction. You are introduced to a uniquely different natural landscape – the key to what you see lies below the surface – one of the most extensive geothermal systems in New Zealand.
Fishing
There is no other way to describe it – thirteen lakes, a myriad of streams and three different species of trout to fish for using virtually every conceivable legal method known to anglers.
There really is something for everyone, whether it is trophy sized rainbow or brown trout boat fishing on lakes that have large numbers of more "normal" sized fish or stalking fish along lakes or streams. The only difficulty is choosing where to fish!
Cafes and Restaurants
Rotorua offers a wide range of restaurants and cafes that specialise in many styles of cuisine - enough to tempt even the most jaded palate. There are hundreds of dining options throughout the city ranging from inexpensive tavern meals at local bars, cosmopolitan cafes and brasseries, inviting smorgasbords to a la carte family restaurants and elegant fine dining establishments.
While in Rotorua one thing not to miss is a Hangi which is usually lamb, kumara (sweet potato) chicken, wild game, potato, pork and beef cooked in a hole dug in the ground, is lined with red-hot stones and covered with vegetation. The food is then placed on top. It is then sprinkled with water and sealed with more vegetation. The hole is then covered with earth and left to steam for several hours. The end result is succulent and juicy with a subtle smoky flavour.
So if you're looking for the perfect location in Rotorua for romantic dining or for a casual spot to get together for good times, it's all here!!
