When it comes to finding fun things to do in Rotorua with kids (that parents will love too!), there are too many local attractions to list. So we’ve hand-picked 5 fun kids activities, that the entire family can enjoy.
1. Skyline Luge Rotorua
Look no further than the world-famous Rotorua Luge for endless hours of gravity fuelled fun. The Luge was invented in Rotorua by Skyline Enterprises and is a unique experience only to be enjoyed at our Skyline Enterprises properties around the globe.
Designed for riders of all ages and abilities, the Luge is a must-do on any child’s bucket list. The “Future Riders” in the family can double-up with mum or dad by purchasing a “tandem ride” ticket. But as soon as they’re 110 centimetres tall, kids can take full control of the cart as they take to the Scenic and Intermediate tracks.
The Scenic track glides through our very own Redwood Forest, taking in our favourite sights along the way. Keep your eyes open, you may even spot a dinosaur or three! Once the kids are feeling confident on the Scenic track, they can pick up the pace a little on the Intermediate track.
When the kids are 135cm tall and aged 10 years or older they can take on the thrilling sweeping bends of the Advanced track! But don’t worry mum and dad, our Luge operators are expertly trained to ensure everyone riding the Luge is both confident and competent.
Once is never enough when it comes to riding the Luge!
Open: Open hours vary, see our open hours page for the most up-to-date times (Check the website for Night Luge Opening times)
Location: 178 Fairy Springs Road Rotorua
2. Zorb Rotorua
The Rotorua invented, owed and operated Zorb is (along with the Luge) is another world first! It’s not just anywhere you can dive into a giant inflatable ball and roll down a hill.
Get ready to laugh uncontrollably with the ones you love, and create lifelong memories as you tumble and glide your way down all 4 unique tracks. Located just a few minutes walk from Skyline Rotorua, Zorb has many great combo packages so you can ride them all!
Home of the worlds longest zig-zag Sidewinder Track, the smooth ‘n’ fast double Straight Track, the MEGA Track (which is the longest, fastest and steepest track in all the land), and the newest track; Big Air. Zorb also provides hot tubs for you to enjoy before and after your ride, so you stay nice and warm, even in those colder months.
Children can ride from 5 years of age, and you can ride with or without water, the choice is yours.
Full amenities are provided such as hair dryers and towels, even swimwear if you forget yours (in the excitement of leaving home!).
Open: 7 days 9am – 5pm
Location: 525 Ngongotaha Road, Fairy Springs Rotorua, New Zealand, 3010
3. Walk the Redwoods Forest
At one of the most photographed areas in New Zealand, over 5,600 hectares of forest awaits you to enjoy and explore at your leisure. If your family loves the outdoors and want to experience nature at its best, then taking a walk through the giant Redwoods is the perfect adventure for you!
Choose the perfect walk for your family’s time and ability. For those with little legs who aren’t wanting to venture too far, pack a picnic and enjoy a quiet bite beneath the forest canopy or head off on one of the short loop walks which will get little imaginations running wild and burn off some of that extra energy.
The (seemingly) endless walks available to your family range from short walks to full-day hikes, so there really is something for everyone.
All signposted, tracks start through the beautiful Redwood Grove under the magnificent Californian Coastal Redwoods at the end of Long Mile Road. When you arrive here, there is an information centre to help you get your bearings and point you in the right direction.
Travelling with the family dog? This area also has a lush dog park your 4-legged friend will appreciate.
Open: Everyday 7am – Late (visitor centre opens at 9am)
Location: Long Mile Road, Rotorua
4. Motion Entertainment
Motion Entertainment is New Zealand’s #1 Entertainment Mall and largest all-weather action-packed indoor entertainment centre. If you are looking for laughter, excitement, adventure and fun all under one roof, then Motion Entertainment is a ‘must-do’ on your visit to Rotorua.
With so many activities in one location, you would be forgiven for spending all day here. These activities are:
- Extreme Indoor Trampoline Park
- Lumberjax Jack Mini Golf
- Strick Zone Tenpin Bowling
- Chipmunks
- Escape Masters
- Megazone Laser Tag
- Time Zone
- XD Dark Ride
Motion Entertainment will be sure to bring out your inner child!
Open: 7 days 10am -10pm
Location: 366 Te Ngae Road, Lynmore, Rotorua 3010
5. Paradise Valley Springs Wildlife Park
Get up close and personal with some of New Zealand’s most spectacular wildlife, see cascading waterfalls and view the “Pride of the Park” the resident African Lions in their large enclosure.
This is a great day out for any family. Located just 10 minutes from the heart of Rotorua, Paradise Valley Springs will provide your children with an up-close encounter with a variety of sociable farm animals like alpacas, emu’s and sheep – which can all be handfed throughout the day.
As you wind your way through the pristine park you will weave around the fern edged pools which are abundant with hundreds of rainbow and brown trout. You can feed the wild trout in the natural stream and get an underwater experience in the underwater viewing area.
Lion feeding takes place at 2.30pm every day, where you can learn about the African lion pride the park is home to while seeing the different personalities of the lions in action as they get their daily meal.
Kea and possum feeding 3.30pm every day.
Pathways through native trees lead to a freshwater spring where you can drink straight from the source. It is named Te Waireka in Maori which translates to sweet water.
Open: 8am – 5pm Everyday
Location: 467 Paradise Valley Road, Rotorua 3072
Rotorua is a great family-friendly city with many activities and attractions to suit all ages and interests. Situated in the heart of the North Island it is easily accessed by all main highways. Due to our mild climate, the majority of our attractions and activities are open year-round for all to enjoy.