Rotorua is home to some of New Zealand’s most iconic landscapes, and you can experience many of them without paying a cent. From natural hot pools to lakeside walks, we’ve put together 10 free activities in Rotorua for thrifty solo travellers and budget-conscious families.
1. Explore Ōhinemutu, a historic living Māori village
Image credit: @shellieevansphotography
Take a walk to Ōhinemutu, a living Māori village on the edge of Lake Rotorua. Spot outdoor bathing sheds, bubbling hot pools, and the remarkable St Faith’s Anglican Church, which combines classic Tudor architecture and traditional Māori wood carving.
2. Hike or bike around Whakarewarewa Forest (The Redwoods)
Image credit: Adrian Hodge Photography
Walk or bike beneath a towering redwood forest just five minutes from Rotorua’s city centre. Covering 5,600 hectares, the Whakarewarewa Forest offers free trails for every pace. Hire a mountain bike nearby and spend the day cruising around the trees.
3. Trek up Maunga Kākaramea (Rainbow Mountain)
Image credit: rotoruanz.com
Around 20 minutes south of Rotorua, Maunga Kākaramea (Rainbow Mountain) is a 743 m high volcano and one of the region’s most colourful hikes. The trail climbs past bright crater lakes, steaming vents and patches of native forest before opening out to wide views at the summit.
From the top, you can see Rotorua, Lake Taupō and, on a clear day, Mount Ruapehu and Mount Ngauruhoe, two active volcanoes in Tongariro National Park. The mountain’s geothermal wonders and vividly coloured soil make this a uniquely Rotorua walk.
This free, 2.5km hike offers a good challenge and even better views for those keen to explore Rotorua’s volcanic landscape.
4. Take a dip in Kerosene Creek, Rotorua’s free natural hot spring
Image credit: Vaughan Brookfield
A little further south of Maunga Kākaramea, Kerosene Creek is a free geothermal site popular with locals and visitors alike. Partway down a forestry road, a short track leads through the bush to a warm stream and a small waterfall where you can sit and soak in the water straight from the earth.
The pools are surrounded by native forest, and the sound of running water makes it easy to switch off and relax. Bring a towel, take care on the gravel road and enjoy one of the best free places to visit in Rotorua.
5. Stroll the Sulphur Point Walk
Image credit: rotoruanz.com
Setting off from the lakefront, the Sulphur Point Walk is one of the more central free walks in Rotorua. This gentle track sits right over an active geothermal reserve, where small pools of mud bubble beside the path and steam curls up from the vents. Sulphur Point Walk loops back to the boardwalk via the Government Gardens, a beautiful public park with Tudor-style buildings.
6. See stunning waterfalls on the Okere Falls Track
Image credit: Ronald Woan
The Okere Falls Track, located 20 minutes from Rotorua, is a short walk with big rewards. The 1.2 km trail follows the Kaituna River through lush forest to a series of powerful waterfalls, including Tutea Falls, the world’s highest commercially rafted drop.
Pause at the lookout and listen to the rush of the water and the shouts of rafters taking the 7 m plunge, or join them yourself on a white-water rafting trip down the Kaituna River. Along the way you will pass the historic Tutea Caves and the remains of Rotorua’s first hydroelectric power station.
7. Spend a Saturday morning at Kuirau Park
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If you’re looking for free stuff to do in Rotorua, you can’t miss this geothermal walk — Kuirau Park is right in the city centre!
Walk between bubbling pools and hot springs as the ground hums with energy. Rest your feet in the thermal foot baths or wander through the gardens to find quiet spots to sit and watch the steam drift by.
Visit on a Saturday to explore the local market, a Rotorua favourite for kai and hand-made crafts.
8. Swim, fish, or play at one of Rotorua’s lakes
Image credit: Rotorua Duck Tours
The Rotorua region has eight major lakes: Lake Tikitapu, Tarawera, Rotomahana, Ōkareka, Rotoiti, Ōkataina, Rotoehu, and of course, Rotorua.
If you’re looking for something free to do in town, the Rotorua lakefront boardwalk is perfect for tranquil after-dinner strolls. Nearby, the large lakefront playground is designed to entertain the kids for hours.
Ten minutes from the city centre, Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake) is a local favourite for free places to visit in Rotorua. Framed by native bush and the Whakarewarewa Forest, it’s a peaceful place to slow down and enjoy nature.
Follow the 5.5 km Blue Lake Track, an easy circuit that weaves through forest and sandy beaches with plenty of spots to stop for a swim or picnic. The shorter Tikitapu Nature Walk takes around 30 minutes and shares stories about the area’s plants and history.
Not every Rotorua lake is safe for swimming, so check Land, Air, Water Aotearoa (LAWA) – Can I swim here? for the latest water quality updates before you jump in.
9. Walk the Waiotapu Boardwalk
Image credit: Markus Reil
About 20 minutes south of Rotorua, the Waiotapu Boardwalk lets you see geothermal activity up close and for free. From the carpark, a two-minute stroll brings you to a field of hot, bubbling mud pools — once the site of New Zealand’s largest mud volcano!
10. Meet alpacas and birdlife along Skyline’s nature trails
Image credit: Skyline Rotorua
Planning to head up the Skyline Gondola? Spare some time for the nature trails, one of Skyline Rotorua’s free attractions. Stretch your legs on an easy one-hour nature walk with sweeping views. The path winds through a forest of more than 15,000 native trees, and you might even meet a couple of alpacas along the way.
After your walk, head to the sandpit for another low-cost Skyline attraction — the coin-operated mini Volvo diggers! With two diggers on-site, your little ones will love making their mark in the sand.
Frequently asked questions
What are some free things to do in Rotorua for families?
With its many public walks and trails, you’ll find plenty of free family activities in Rotorua:
- Hike or cycle in the Whakarewarewa Forest (The Redwoods), which has dozens of trails for different skill levels.
- Explore Kuirau Park, a free geothermal wonderland in the centre of town.
- Spend an hour or two at the Rotorua lakefront playground.
What are some free things to do in Rotorua at night?
In town after dark? Here are a few things to do in Rotorua for free:
- Take a walk along the Lake Rotorua boardwalk at sunset for beautiful views and hues.
- Visit the Rotorua Night Market, held every Thursday from 5pm to 9pm, and enjoy free live music and cheap eats.
- Explore glow worm caves for free around the Lake Ōkataina Scenic Reserve and Blue Lake.
For more, check out our guide to the best things to do in Rotorua at night.
Are there any free mud baths in Rotorua?
There aren’t any free mud baths in Rotorua, but you can enjoy other free geothermal pools, such as Kerosene Creek, the Waiotapu Bridge hot springs (HotnCold), and Kuirau Park’s thermal foot baths. If you want to view mud pools for free, the Waiotapu Boardwalk is a short, easy walk only 20 minutes from Rotorua.
Where can I take a free thermal walk in Rotorua?
Rotorua offers a few free geothermal areas with walking trails, including:
- Sulphur Point Walk: An easy track that loops along the south side of Lake Rotorua and through the Government Gardens.
- Kuirau Park: Wander through a city-centre geothermal park with a free thermal foot bath.
- Waiotapu Boardwalk: A short, easy walk to see expansive bubbling mud pools.
- Ōhinemutu Māori village: See steaming vents and outdoor bathing sheds as you explore the village grounds.
What are some cheap things to do in Rotorua?
Rotorua has plenty of budget-friendly activities, including geothermal walks, hot pools, and indoor activities like mini golf and go-karting. Check out our other guides to find some cheap activities in Rotorua:
See Rotorua from a new perspective
Now that you’ve found some free Rotorua activities for your itinerary, make Skyline your next stop!
Ride the Gondola to take in panoramic views of Rotorua, then zoom down the Luge with your friends or relax over a meal at Stratosfare Restaurant & Bar as the sun sets across the lake. Wherever the day takes you, Skyline Rotorua is the perfect place to start or finish your visit.
Ready to plan your Rotorua adventure? We can’t wait to welcome you soon.