When you visit Rotorua on New Zealand’s North Island for the first time, you’re in for a life-changing experience. Come discover a wonderland of spectacular geothermal activity. Mind-blowing, insta-worthy sightseeing spots. And award-winning cultural attractions.
We welcome all travellers to spend time exploring every nook of our striking country, starting in Rotorua. From the mild adventurer to the intrepid adrenaline seeker. Our list of Rotorua tours will impress, enchant and captivate all visitors to the Bay of Plenty.
Nau mai, haere mai. Welcome to our home!
Guided Adventures
Try the Luge at Skyline Rotorua:
Take the Skyline Gondola to the Luge track to get your adrenaline pumping. First, strap on a helmet and navigate your gravity-fuelled toboggan downhill amongst towering Redwoods. 5 thrilling tracks across 7.3kms, multiple corkscrew turns, 4 LED illuminated tunnels and night lighting to ensure the fun lasts long into the night. Grab your friends and family and get ready for some gravity-fuelled adventure!
Take a Geothermal Walk at Hell’s Gate:
Image credit: Hell’s Gate NZ
Come and tour a geothermal wonderland tucked inside Rotorua bushland. Where clay-rich soils bubble and billowing steam disappears into the heavens.
The geothermal wonders at Hell’s Gate once healed the battle-scarred bodies of brave Māori warriors. Nowadays, it’s open for visitors to soak in nutrient-rich mud spa baths to ease aching muscles and rejuvenate tired skin.
Go Horse Trekking:
Image credit: Horse Trekking Lake Okareka
Why not ascend the majestic Mt Ngongotaha on horseback? Horse trekking is a fun, peaceful sightseeing day trip for the whole family. The horse trails cross lush farmland, offering top sights of an extraordinary landscape.
Test your Limits with Inflatable Ball Rides:
Image credit: Zorb
Are you ready for one of the most iconic and fun Rotorua day tours? If so, dive into a giant inflatable ball and roll down Mt Ngongotaha. Choose from four exciting tracks—wet or dry.
Hot spas, an outdoor fire, heated changing rooms and barista-made coffee will keep you toasty if you’re visiting in the colder months.
Educational Tours for School Groups
Book a field trip at Skyline:
Image credit: Skyline Rotorua
Skyline Rotorua offers more than adrenaline-fuelled activities and fine dining. Skyline also provides study material for school groups and educational field trips.
For example, children can learn how an enormous volcanic eruption formed parts of Rotorua 140,000 years ago. Or, they can examine the mechanics behind the Skyline Gondola system and the Luge.
A Rotorua day trip to the Tamaki Māori Village will see you forge a deeper connection with Māori culture and history. You’ll attend a Whakatau ceremony on arrival, and afterwards be seated for an interactive lunch experience.
Or embark on an evening cultural tour in the 200-year-old forest village at Tawa-ngāhere-pā. First, storytellers will share customs and local history. Then, visitors learn the traditional dances of the Māori people—the poi and the haka.
Nature and Culture Tours
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour:
Image credit: Hobbiton Movie Set Tours
Step into the lush pastures of Middle-earth at the Hobbiton Movie Set. Take a short drive to the heart of the Waikato region for a self-guided tour or book a full-day tour with return transport.
On the guided tour, your guide will reveal the magic behind the movie as they lead you around the 12-acre set. Next, discover the Hobbit Holes and the Mill before entering the world-famous Green Dragon Inn. Here, one of the locals will present you with a Hobbit Southfarthing drink to conclude your own Middle Earth adventure.
Waitomo Caves and Rotorua Sights:
Image credit: Waitomo Caves Discovery Centre
Discover one of New Zealand’s best natural attractions—the Waitomo Caves. Relax on a boat ride through glow worm caves as thousands of bioluminescent creatures guide you through a starry wonderland.
Many of the tour guides of the Waitomo Caves are direct descendants of the Maori chief who founded the cave. Listen as they share myths, legends and Maori culture on this world-famous Rotorua tour.
Te Puia, Rainbow Springs and Velocity Valley:
Image credit: Te Puia
Te Puia:
Your Rotorua trip isn’t complete without a journey to the Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley at Te Puia. Here, you’ll gain a captivating insight into Māori culture. Stay to witness the Pōhutu Geyser’s explosions, and view traditional carved masterpieces at the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute. Then, finish the day with a hearty hāngī.
Rainbow Springs:
Jump in the car and head to the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa to watch kiwi conservation in action.
Velocity Valley:
If you’re ready for some heart-pumping action, visit the home of speed and adrenaline. Test your limits on the Shweeb Racer, the Swoop, Agrojet, Freefall Xtreme, Rotorua Bungy and the Freestyle Airbag.
Mt. Tarawera Crater Walk:
Image credit: Waimangu Volcanic Valley
Mt Tarawera stands high above Rotorua. This ancient volcano violently erupted on June 10th, 1886, creating the youngest geothermal valley. Travel to this site, and you’ll discover a unique landscape while learning about the devastating effect of the eruption.
If you’re up for it, take the ‘scree run’. Run, hop, skip, tumble and roll from the summit down a sandy slope into the heart of the volcanic crater.
Explore more with Skyline
Are you ready to explore our hidden gems, sparkling lakes, enchanting forests and geothermal wonders? We hope our Rotorua travel ideas and tours will ignite a wicked sense of adventure in you! Check out the Skyline blog for more sightseeing tours, attractions and activities in New Zealand. We look forward to welcoming you.
