Depending on where you’re from, you’ll either agree or disagree when we say “Rotorua is the adventure capital of New Zealand”. It’s a friendly competition shared with Queenstown — often referred to as “the adventure capital of the world”! Either way, these two great New Zealand cities share the same ethos as the home of tons of adventure and adrenaline-fuelled activities.
Try out the world-famous Skyline Luge or the ZORB— both invented right here in Rotorua!
Whatever your appetite for adrenaline, you’ll find something to get your heart racing. Read on to discover the 10 best adventure activities in Rotorua.
1. Experience gravity-fuelled adrenaline at Skyline Rotorua
Rotorua adventure tourism starts at Skyline. With the Half Day Adventure Pass, you can Luge, Swing and Zoom through three adventure-filled gravity rides.
Start with a tranquil Gondola ride up the side of Mount Ngongotaha, where you can soak in views over Lake Rotorua and the surrounding city. When you arrive at the top, get ready to pick up the pace.
The Half Day Adventure Pass at Skyline Rotorua includes:
- Return Gondola Ride
- 5 Luge Rides
- Zipline
- Skyswing
- Activity photo on the Luge
Take on these activities in any order you like — the day is yours to enjoy!
Luge
Image credit: Skyline Rotorua
Once is never enough on the Luge. It’s just as well you can experience it five times over on the Half Day Adventure Pass!
Work your way up through the five exciting Luge tracks filled with twists, loops, turns, and tunnels. The Luge tracks take you three-quarters of the way down Mount Ngongotaha, where you can return to the starting line via chairlift.
Hyfly Zipline
Image credit: Skyline Rotorua
The 400 m-long Hyfly Rotorua Ziplines let you race a friend or family member at speeds of up to 60 km/h! Soar just metres from the treetops and experience the thrill of flying, with Lake Rotorua as your backdrop.
Skyswing
Image credit: Skyline Rotorua
Skyline Rotorua is home to New Zealand’s only Skyswing. Strap in with up to three riders, then get ready to be launched from the side of Mount Ngongotaha. This ride will have you screaming at the top of your lungs as you swing and spin through the air, reaching speeds up to 150 kilometres per hour.
Address: 178 Fairy Springs Road, Fairy Springs, Rotorua
Monday – Sunday: Hours vary, see current Skyline attraction hours
Prices: See Skyline Rotorua pricing and packages
2. Soar across the Rotorua forest with Canopy Tours
Image credit: canopytours.co.nz
Fly through the 1000-year-old native forest canopy on a network of scenic ziplines. Hold your breath as you navigate the stunning swing bridges, cliff-walks and treetop platforms on a 3-hour tour with Canopy Tours Rotorua.
One of Rotorua’s best-kept secrets, Canopy Tours will leave you in awe of New Zealand’s flora and fauna while feeding your hunger for adrenaline along the way. Choose between the Original or Ultimate Tour, depending on the level of thrill you’re looking for.
Address: 147 Fairy Springs Road, Fairy Springs, Rotorua
Monday – Sunday: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
3. Challenge yourself on a crazy go-kart track at DriftKartz
Image credit: driftkartz.co.nz
Test your skills on New Zealand’s slipperiest indoor go-kart track! DriftKartz is all about trying to handle an out-of-control race kart with specially hardened tyres. It’s an exhilarating experience — and a challenge! — that the whole family will enjoy.
Address: 10 Old Taupo Road, Mangakakahi, Rotorua
Monday – Tuesday: 10:30 am – 6:00 pm
Wednesday – Friday, Sunday: 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday: 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
4. Have a high-rope adventure at Redwoods Altitude
Image credit: treewalk.co.nz
Redwoods Altitude takes you on a 2-hour journey up to 25 metres above the forest floor. You’ll cross 25 bridges and ride 3 ziplines, finishing with a treetop leap if you’re feeling brave! Expert guides share stories about the Redwoods Forest along the way. Stay after dark for Redwoods Nightlights — one of the best things to do at night in Rotorua.
Address: 1 Tītokorangi Drive, Whakarewarewa, Rotorua
Monday – Sunday: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
5. White-water raft down the Kaituna River with Kaitiaki Adventures
Image credit: rotoruanz.com
Rotorua is one of the very few places in the world where you can raft down a Grade 5 waterfall without any prior white-water rafting experience. The mighty Kaituna is the perfect river to provide white-knuckle thrills, being home to the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall at 7 metres.
Address: 1135A Te Ngae Road, Tikitere, Rotorua
Monday – Sunday: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
6. Ride on 4WD buggies at Adventure Playground Rotorua
Image credit: rotoruanz.com
Adventure Playground offers a full lineup of adrenaline activities in Rotorua, including clay shooting, archery, airsoft target shooting, horse treks and paintball. The standout is the 5-seater 4WD buggies — experienced guides will drive you to 2000 feet above sea level, where you’ll enjoy magnificent views of Lake Rotorua.
Address: 451 Ngongotaha Road, Ngongotahā
Monday – Sunday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
7. Take on five different Rotorua adrenaline activities at Velocity Valley
Image credit: velocityvalley.co.nz
Velocity Valley is the place to go for unique outdoor activities. This Rotorua adventure park offers five different exhilarating experiences:
- Shweeb Racer: The only pedal-powered monorail track in the world!. Strap in and experience the exhilaration of high-speed acceleration, fuelled by nothing other than your own adrenaline and pedal power.
- Agrojet: Experience 3G’s of force as you fly through the water in the world-class jet boat. Hold on and feel the adrenaline pumping through your veins as you reach speeds of up to 100 kilometres per hour while undertaking 360 twists and turns.
- Vertigo: Freefall 43 metres towards the ground at 60 kilometres per hour. You can take this leap of faith by yourself, or in tandem with a loved one or friend.
- Swoop: Suspended from the height of an 11-storey building (40 metres / 141 feet) and strapped into a body bag, your fate is in your hands – release the cord to face your biggest fears and swoop from 0 to 130 km/h in 1 second.
- Freefall Xtreme: Defy gravity at the only place in New Zealand where you can body fly outdoors. With exhilarating speeds up to 220 kilometres per hour, the Freefall Xtreme simulates a skydive of over 12,000 feet.
Address: 1335 Paradise Valley Road, Ngongotahā
Monday – Sunday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
8. Self-drive a 4WD through the native bush with Off Road NZ
Image credit: offroadnz.co.nz
Drive off-road through Rotorua’s forests in a powerful 4WD, with an experienced guide by your side. No previous 4WD experience is necessary, so buckle up for some high-flying, action-packed excitement in the bush.
Address: 193 Amoore Road, RD2, Rotorua
Monday – Sunday: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
9. Face off against friends in paintball or laser tag at Zombieland
Image credit: Zombieland
Prepare yourself for an immersive battle against your friends! Zombieland Paintball and Laser Tag sets its battles among native New Zealand bush, with three playing fields featuring sniper towers, bunkers and hidden huts.
Address: 1311 Oturoa Road, Hamurana
Monday – Sunday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
10. Roll down a giant inflatable ball at ZORB Rotorua
Image credit: zorb.com
ZORB Rotorua is the only place in New Zealand where you can roll down in a giant inflatable ball that feels like a giant water slide! Choose from four ZORBing tracks, from the zig-zagging Sidewinder to the steep and speedy MEGA Track.
Address: 525 Ngongotaha Road, Fairy Springs, Rotorua
Monday – Sunday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Find more awesome Rotorua outdoor activities
With so many adventure things to do in Rotorua, you don’t have to look far to find thrills that push your limits. What comes with that is a massive sense of achievement, which is what we look forward to sharing with you here at Skyline Rotorua.
Check out our activities at Skyline Rotorua or browse our travel blog for more ways to make the most of your Rotorua trip, from the best things to do in Rotorua at night to fun activities for the whole family. Plan ahead with our guide on how many days to spend in Rotorua.