Rotorua

A place where the Earth speaks through steaming vents, bubbling mud, powerful geysers, and rich Māori culture.

Rotorua is one of New Zealand’s most unique destinations, known for its geothermal wonders and deep cultural roots. Set on the edge of a volcanic caldera, it’s a place where natural forces shape daily life—from the scent of sulphur in the air to the rhythmic haka performed at marae. Whether you’re soaking in hot mineral pools, exploring native forests, or experiencing a traditional Māori feast, Rotorua offers a rare blend of adventure, healing, and heritage.

See and Do

The local favourite
Te Puia is Rotorua’s cultural and geothermal heart, home to the world-famous Pōhutu Geyser. Located just minutes from the city centre, it’s also the site of the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, where carvers and weavers keep traditional skills alive. Join a guided experience to hear the stories of the land, watch Pōhutu erupt up to 30 metres into the air, and sample hāngī cooked by geothermal steam. It’s an essential introduction to the spirit of Rotorua.

A scene of pure natural beauty
Waimangu Volcanic Valley is a living reminder of the 1886 Mt Tarawera eruption. This lush geothermal park is home to steaming craters, silica terraces, and Frying Pan Lake—one of the world’s largest hot springs. Walk along well-maintained tracks through a surreal landscape shaped by heat and water, with optional boat cruises on Lake Rotomahana. Native birds, geothermal features, and untouched forest make it both otherworldly and tranquil.

Adventures in nature
For thrill-seekers, Rotorua is a hub of outdoor adventure. Zipline through the canopy of ancient forest with Rotorua Canopy Tours, raft the world’s highest commercially run waterfall on the Kaituna River, or mountain bike through world-class trails in the Whakarewarewa Forest. If you’re after something a little different, try the Skyline Gondola and Luge, or go zorbing—the wacky, homegrown sport of rolling downhill inside a giant inflatable ball. Rotorua turns the outdoors into a playground for all ages.