With one of the most distinctive landscapes in New Zealand, you’ll find scenic walks and hikes in Rotorua from the town to its surrounds. Where else can you access giant redwood forests, expansive blue lakes, and otherworldly geothermal activity, all within a short drive?
The majority of Rotorua walking tracks are suitable for most ages and fitness levels, with some longer walks that are best for experienced hikers. Discover 10 Rotorua hikes and walks below!
Walking trails in Rotorua
1. Skyline Rotorua Nature Trails
Head to the top of Mt. Ngongotaha via the Skyline Gondola and discover spectacular views on an easy 1-hour nature walk. Walk through a forest of over 15,000 native trees, encountering beautiful birdlife and three friendly alpaca along the way!
Monday–Sunday: Check Gondola opening hours
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 1 km
Duration: 1 hour
2. Redwoods Treewalk
Image credit: treewalk.co.nz
Known as “The Redwoods” by locals, Whakarewarewa Forest lets visitors explore the canopy through a 700 m series of suspension bridges and ziplines. Walk amongst 118-year-old giants on the Redwoods Treewalk and feel at one with nature. At night, the Treewalk’s lanterns light up the forest with magnificent hues.
Monday–Sunday: 9:00 am–10:30 pm
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 700 m
Duration: 40 minutes
3. Sulphur Point Loop Walk
Image credit: rotoruanz.com
One of the best walks in Rotorua is right in the city centre! Discover bubbling mud pools and steaming vents on the Sulphur Point Loop Walk, perfect for an afternoon stroll at sunset. Start at the lakefront or Polynesian Spa and follow a relatively flat walk to see amazing views of Lake Rotorua and geothermal activity side by side.
Monday–Sunday: Open 24 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 4.7 km
Duration: 1–1.5 hours
4. Blue Lake Walk (Lake Tikitapu)
Image credit: Te Arawa Lakes Trust
Circle the clear blue waters of the aptly named Blue Lake with this leisurely 1.5-hour forest walk. Pass picture-perfect beaches, native bush and exotic conifers of the Whakarewarewa Forest.
Monday–Sunday: Open 24 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 5.5 km
Duration: 1.5 hours
5. Waimangu Volcanic Valley Crater Track
Image credit: Hartmut Wimmer
Waimangu Volcanic Valley’s Crater Track offers visitors a glimpse of rare plant life, silica formations, and the iconic Frying Pan Lake—one of the largest hot springs in the world. Once you reach the bottom of the path, a regular bus shuttle takes you back to the visitor centre, where you can enjoy a warm cuppa outdoors.
Monday–Sunday: 8:30 am–5:00 pm
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 1.5 km
Duration: 1 hour
6. Kuirau Park Loop Walk
Image credit: rotoruanz.com
Another city-centre walk, Kuirau Park is New Zealand’s only free geothermal public park. Stroll past steaming pools of mud or soak your legs in the thermal foot bath near the midpoint. The nearby Kuriau Park Market, which runs every Saturday, is a great place to grab a bite before exploring the trail.
Monday–Sunday: Open 24 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 1.4 km
Duration: 0.5–1 hours
7. Okere Falls Track
Image credit: Matthew Cattin
For a stunning native bush walk in Rotorua, visit the Okere Falls Scenic Reserve. Take the easy 3km Falls Walk along the Kaituna River and marvel at the Okere and Tutea waterfalls before returning through beautiful native bushland to the Kaituna Trout Pool.
Monday–Sunday: Open 24 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 3 km
Duration: 1.5 hours (return)
8. Hamurana Springs Self-Guided Walk
Image credit: hamurana.co.nz
The turquoise-tinted waters of Hamurana Springs look so clear, you can’t help but want to take a swim! Throughout the loop, you’ll walk under towering trees, discover native fauna, and learn about sites culturally significant to the Ngati Rangiwewehi iwi.
Summer Tuesday–Friday: 9:00 am–6:00 pm
Summer Saturday–Sunday: 8:00 am–6:00 pm
Winter Tuesday–Sunday: 8:00 am–4:00 pm
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 2.5 km
Duration: 1 hour
Hiking trails in Rotorua
1. Tarawera Trail
Image credit: totallytarawera.com
Well-known as one of the best hikes in Rotorua, the Tarawera Trail kicks off at Te Wairoa car park and curves through beautiful bushland around Lake Tarawera, beginning with Kotukutuku Bay. Stop at Hawaiki Bay for a picnic, pass the Twin Streams cold springs, and continue onto Te Hinau Bay and Te Rata Bay (Hot Water Beach). Don’t forget to bring your togs; relaxing in the warm waters makes for the perfect reward after the trek! Save yourself the walk back by booking a water taxi to return.
Monday–Sunday: Open 24 hours
Difficulty: Advanced
Distance: 15 km
Duration: 3 hours (one way; we recommend riding the water taxi back)
2. Redwood Quarry Loop Track
Image credit: alltrails.com
Besides the canopy walks, Whakarewarewa Forest is home to six signposted Rotorua walks on the forest floor—the most popular of which is the Redwood Quarry Loop Track. Take a hike to the lookout above an old rhyolite quarry. Along the way, you’ll see mature Douglas fir, European larch, walnut, and eucalyptus trees.
Monday–Sunday: Open 24 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 4.8 km
Duration: 1.5 hours
3. Maunga Kākaramea Summit Track (Rainbow Mountain)
Image credit: weekendpath.com
One of the best hikes near Rotorua, your journey up Rainbow Mountain starts at the turquoise Crater Lakes. Head north for 1.5 hours to reach the summit. Once you’re there, you’ll see amazing 360-degree views of the surrounding countryside, coloured earth and rock. On a clear day, you’ll even be able to spot the stunning Mt Ruapehu, Mt Tarawera and Lake Rotomahana.
Monday–Sunday: Open 24 hours
Difficulty: Advanced
Distance: 2.5 km
Duration: 2.5–3 hours (return)
More types of hikes and walks around Rotorua
Free walking tracks in Rotorua
- All DOC walks
- Skyline Nature Walk: 1 km (1 hour)
- Sulphur Point Loop Walk: 4.7 km (1–1.5 hours)
- Kuirau Park Loop Walk: 1.4 km (0.5–1 hours)
- Redwood Quarry Loop Track: 4.8 km (1.5 hours)
Short walks in Rotorua
- Kuirau Park Loop Walk: 1.4 km (0.5–1 hours)
- Hamurana Springs Self-Guided Walk: 2.5 km (1 hour)
- Waimangu Volcanic Valley Crater Track: 1.5 km (1 hour)
- Blue Lake Track: 5.5 km (1.5 hours)
- Sulphur Point Loop Walk: 4.7 km (1–1.5 hours)
- Skyline Nature Walk: 1 km (1 hour)
DOC walks near Rotorua
- Tarawera Trail: 15 km (3 hours one way)
- Western Ōkataina Walkway: 22 km (7 hours one way)
- Eastern Ōkataina Walkway: 10.5 km (3 hours one way)
- Lake Ōkataina walking tracks: Numerous tracks (all under 1 hour)
- Blue Lake Track: 5.5 km (1.5 hours)
- Tuhoto Ariki Trail: 5 km (1.5 hours one way)
- Tikitapu Nature Walk: 800 km (30 minutes)
- Ōkareka Mistletoe Walk: 150 m (10 minutes)
- Mt Ngongotaha Jubilee Track: 2.4 km (1.5 hours one way)
- Mt Ngongotaha Nature Loop Track: 2.5 km (1 hour)
- Mokaihaha Track: 4 km (2 hours)
- King Hill Reserve Walking Track: 300 m (20 minutes)
Find more outdoor activities in Rotorua
No walk or hike around Rotorua is alike with its diverse environment of native bush, lakes, mountains, and, of course, geothermal wonders! For more hidden gems nature lovers will love, check out our guides to white water rafting in Rotorua and Rotorua bike trails. Or read our full 1/2/3-day Rotorua itinerary to plan out your whole trip!
After more stunning scenery? Head up Mt Ngongotaha via the Skyline Gondola for amazing views of Lake Rotorua beside the town. Whether you want to snap some pics, wine and dine by the windows at Stratosfare Restaurant, or fly over the forest on the Ziplines, it’s sure to be a sight to remember.