While it’s great to visit Rotorua any time of year, many of its local attractions truly shine in the winter months. With plenty of action-packed activities, geothermal hot pools and seasonal food, you’ll feel warm and energised no matter the temperature outside.
Check out our list of the best winter activities in Rotorua below!
Spend a full action-packed day at Skyline Rotorua
Skyline Rotorua is open nearly every day of the year, keeping kids and adults entertained throughout New Zealand’s winter school holidays.
Skyline Gondola and Luge
Image credit: Skyline
Starting at the base of Mt Ngongotaha, the Gondola will take you to the Skyline top complex. On your journey, you’ll experience spectacular views of Lake Rotorua, Mokoia Island and the city of Rotorua.
At the top, try the Luge — the perfect family activity, suitable for all ages. Park yourself in one of the custom New Zealand-designed and built Luge carts, then blast down one of five thrilling tracks. For more excitement, hop on the Skyswing or Zipline, which soar across the open air.
Stratosfare Restaurant
Image credit: Skyline
After the excitement, head to the Stratosfare Restaurant, where you can enjoy a lunch or dinner with some of the best views of Rotorua. The diverse buffet highlights seasonal dishes made from local ingredients.
Address: 178 Fairy Springs Road, Fairy Springs, Rotorua
Monday – Sunday: Hours vary, see current Skyline attraction hours
Prices: See Skyline Rotorua pricing and packages
Warm up in a hot pool on the edge of Rotorua
When you’re feeling cold, the best way to warm up is with a long, relaxing soak in a Rotorua hot pool. While the city-centre Polynesian Spa is the most well-known, here are a few further out from town:
Waikite Valley Hotpools
Image credit: rotoruanz.com
Waikite Valley Hotpools is a natural geothermal gem. Its living waters come straight from the Te Manaroa spring, the largest source of boiling water in New Zealand. Enjoy six public bathing options ranging from 30°- 41° C. If you’re up for a little adventure after your swim, take the 5-minute Eco trail walk to check out Te Manaroa.
Address: 648 Waikite Valley Road, Waikite Valley
Monday – Sunday: 10:30 AM – 08:00 PM
Manupirua Hot Springs
Image credit: rotoruanz.com
The elusive Manupirua Hot Springs are accessible only by boat or air. Take the Katoa Jet from Lake Rotorua to enjoy an exhilarating jet boat ride before basking in an hour-long soak. The complex has seven spacious hot pools, as well as a plunge slide that’s fun for all ages.
Monday – Sunday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Hell’s Gate Geothermal Park & Mud Spa
Image credit: top10.co.nz
Rejuvenate your body at the Hell’s Gate mud spa. The exfoliating properties of the mud, combined with the nutrient-rich water, help to cleanse and relax your skin. Follow it up with a long soak in the natural sulphur pools to feel refreshed for the day ahead.
Address: 351 State Highway 30, Tikitere, Rotorua
Monday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 06:00 PM
Step back into time with the Winter Matariki Celebration at Te Pā Tū
Image credit: Te Pā Tū
Te Pā Tū offers seasonal Māori culture experiences combining history and fusion food. Its Winter Matariki Celebration is set before the 1886 Mt Tarawera eruption, and celebrates the Māori lunar new year. Over 3.5 hours, you’ll learn about local traditions, watch a passionate kapahaka performance, and dig into a full fusion dinner, each plate inspired by a Matariki (Pleiades) star.
Address: 1220 Hinemaru Street, Rotorua
Monday – Sunday: Tour starts at 5:00 PM
Feel the heat of natural geothermal activity
Image credit: rotoruanz.com
Geothermal wonders are almost synonymous with Rotorua — that’s what makes it such a great city to visit in winter! Feel the steam rise from natural hot springs while you watch exploding geysers and bubbling mud pools. Some popular geothermal sites include:
- Kuirau Park – A city-centre park with a free-to-enter geothermal walk
- Waimangu Volcanic Valley – The world’s youngest geothermal system, known for the Frying Pan Lake Crater and Inferno Crater
- Te Puia – Home of the world-famous Pōhutu Geyser, the largest active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere
For more info, check out our guide on geothermal attractions in Rotorua.
Stay dry with indoor Rotorua winter activities
Winter weather got you down? No worries! These Rotorua rainy-day activities all take place indoors:
3D Trick Art Gallery
Image credit: 3D Trick Art Gallery
New Zealand’s first themed trick art gallery, this is a unique Rotorua experience for kids and adults alike. With 5 themes to enjoy — Classic Art, Kiwi Life, Challenge, Fantasy, and Grand Nature — you’ll be entertained the full way through.
Address: 171 Fairy Springs Road, Fairy Springs
Monday – Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Motion Entertainment
Image credit: Motion Entertainment Rotorua
Motion Entertainment houses plenty of indoor activities that’ll get you moving and keep you warm, dry and well entertained for hours on end.
Take your pick from laser tag, an indoor trampoline park, a virtual reality simulator, mini golf, ten pin bowling, interactive video games and an escape room — or do them all!
Address: 366 Te Ngae Road, Lynmore, Rotorua
Monday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Discover the forest from a different angle on the Redwoods Treewalk
Image credit: treewalk.co.nz
Just minutes from downtown Rotorua, within the Whakarewarewa Forest, are a series of suspension bridges nestled high in the Californian redwoods!
The Redwoods Treewalk loop is 700 metres long and can be enjoyed during the day or at night for a magical experience. Older kids and adults will love the Altitude experience: a challenging guided canopy trail that goes up to 25 metres high.
Address: 1 Long Mile Road, Tītokorangi Drive access off Tarawera Road, Whakarewarewa, Rotorua
Sunday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 11:30 PM
Frequently asked questions
Is Rotorua worth visiting in winter?
Yes, Rotorua is suitable for all seasons, with most attractions open year-round. A 2-3 day trip gives you enough time to experience the region’s geothermal attractions, enjoy outdoor activities like the Redwoods Treewalk and Skyline Rotorua, relax in hot pools, and explore local cultural experiences. Check out our Rotorua itinerary for help planning your holiday.
How cold is Rotorua in winter?
During winter, Rotorua’s mean daily high ranges from 12° to 12.7° and mean daily low ranges from 3.7° to 4.4°. Perfect temperature for dipping into a natural hot pool!
What are the best Rotorua winter activities for families?
Some of the best family-friendly winter activities in Rotorua include:
- Skyline Rotorua: Ride the Gondola, race down the Luge tracks, then warm up with lunch or dinner at Stratosfare Restaurant.
- Redwoods Treewalk: Explore the forest canopy during the day, or visit after dark for the Nightlights experience.
- Mini Golf Rotorua: Enjoy a relaxed family game surrounded by lights, native plants and friendly rabbits.
What are some good indoor activities in Rotorua when it rains?
If the forecast is looking rainy, Rotorua has plenty of indoor and sheltered activities to keep your plans moving:
- Motion Entertainment: A great all-in-one option with bowling, laser tag, mini golf, escape rooms, arcade games, trampolines and VR machines.
- 3D Trick Art Gallery: Take fun photos with interactive optical illusion artworks across several themed rooms.
- The Wall and Basement Cinema: Try your hand at indoor rock climbing before settling in for a film in a cosy cinema.
Find more things to do in Rotorua all year round
No matter the time of year, Rotorua is a great place to visit for its adventure activities and natural wonders. Check out our guides on Rotorua markets and day walks in our travel blog.
For more fun adventure activities in Rotorua, see the full list of things to do at Skyline.