Best Things to Do in Rotorua – Geothermal Wonders & Māori Culture

Rotorua is often called the cultural and geothermal heart of Aotearoa – New Zealand. It’s a place where the earth breathes beneath your feet, with geysers, hot pools and steaming vents shaping both the land and the lives of the people who call it home. Māori culture thrives here, from the powerful performances of haka and waiata to the timeless traditions of hāngī cooking and storytelling.

Yet Rotorua is more than its geothermal wonders. It’s where you can wander through ancient redwood forests, soar down luge tracks, or soak in mineral-rich waters as the sun sets over Lake Rotorua. Every experience feels connected — to the land, to the people and to the stories that give this place its unique mana.

If you’re planning a visit, here are some of the best things to do in Rotorua — experiences that blend culture, nature and adventure in ways you won’t find anywhere else.

Best Things to Do

1. Whakarewarewa – The Living Māori Village

Whakarewarewa is one of the most authentic cultural and geothermal experiences you can have in Rotorua. It’s a living Māori village where locals still use the earth’s natural heat for daily life. As you walk through the village you’ll see steaming vents, bubbling mud pools and powerful geysers, all woven into the rhythm of everyday living.

Highlights include:

• Hāngī Cooking – Traditional meals slow-cooked underground using natural steam and hot stones. Visitors can see this process in action and taste the results.
• Cultural Performances – Daily kapa haka shows feature waiata (songs), poi dancing and the powerful haka, offering insight into Māori traditions.
• Guided Tours – Local guides share stories of the village’s history, legends and way of life, giving you a real connection to the people and place.
• Geothermal Walks – Trails take you past bubbling mud pools, colourful mineral terraces and natural cooking pools used by villagers.
• Scenic Lookouts – From certain spots you’ll get panoramic views over the valley, where the landscape blends geothermal forces with cultural heritage.

What makes Whakarewarewa stand out is the chance to experience culture and geothermal wonders side by side, not as separate attractions but as a way of life

2. Te Puia and the Pōhutu Geyser

Te Puia is Rotorua’s cultural and geothermal showcase, home to the Pōhutu Geyser, the largest active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere. Erupting up to 30 metres high, it’s an awe-inspiring sight and the heart of this sprawling geothermal valley. The landscape is alive with boiling mud pools, hot springs and steaming vents, giving you a true sense of nature’s raw power.

Highlights include:

• Pōhutu Geyser – The star attraction, erupting once or twice every hour, surrounded by silica terraces that glisten in the steam.
• New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute – See carvers, weavers, and artists at work, preserving and passing on traditional skills to the next generation.
• Kiwi Conservation Centre – A rare opportunity to spot New Zealand’s national bird up close in a purpose-built nocturnal enclosure.
• Geothermal Walks – Wander boardwalks through the valley, past bubbling mud pools and sulphur vents that fill the air with a distinctive scent.
• Cultural Performances – Enjoy kapa haka shows that combine haka, waiata, and poi dancing in a powerful display of Māori culture.

Te Puia combines geothermal wonder, cultural learning and wildlife encounters into one destination, making it a must-see for first-time visitors to Rotorua.

3. Redwoods Treewalk

Just five minutes from Rotorua’s city centre lies the Whakarewarewa Forest, home to towering Californian redwoods that rise more than 70 metres into the sky. These giants, planted over a century ago, create a natural cathedral that’s become one of Rotorua’s most loved attractions.

The highlight is the Redwoods Treewalk, a series of suspension bridges that weave between the trunks at heights of up to 20 metres. By day, it’s a serene walk through filtered light and birdsong. By night, the forest transforms into something magical, with the Redwoods Nightlights installation — giant lanterns designed by New Zealand artist David Trubridge glowing softly among the trees.

Highlights include:

• Daytime Walks – Take in the scale of the trees, the scent of the forest and the sense of peace beneath the canopy.
• Nightlights Experience – A spectacular evening walk as lanterns illuminate the forest, creating a dreamlike atmosphere.
• Accessibility – The walk is designed for all ages and abilities, with gentle gradients and stable platforms.
• Forest Trails – Beyond the treewalk, the Whakarewarewa Forest offers world-class biking and walking tracks, making it a hub for outdoor adventure.

The Redwoods Treewalk is more than just a walk — it’s a way to slow down, breathe deeply and feel the connection between people and nature in one of Rotorua’s most iconic landscapes.

4. Polynesian Spa

Consistently ranked among the world’s top thermal spas, Polynesian Spa is the ultimate place to relax in Rotorua. Set on the edge of Lake Rotorua, the spa draws from two natural springs — one rich in sodium bicarbonate, known to soothe and nourish skin and the other high in sulphur, renowned for easing tired muscles and aching joints.

Visitors can choose from a range of pools, each offering something a little different. The Family Pools are fun and welcoming, while the Adult Pools provide a quieter escape with stunning lake views. For those seeking deeper relaxation, the Deluxe Lake Spa combines private bathing with spa therapies like massage, mud wraps and facials.

Highlights include:

• Mineral-Rich Pools – A choice of 28 hot pools ranging from 33°C to 42°C, each with its own character.
• Lake Views – Soak in thermal waters as you gaze across Lake Rotorua, with steam rising around you.
• Private Pools & Treatments – Upgrade your experience with a private soak followed by a massage or body treatment.
• Family-Friendly Options – The children’s pools feature a slide and supervised areas, making it fun for all ages.
• Wellness Focus – From hydrotherapy to mud treatments, the spa is designed to restore balance and wellbeing.

Polynesian Spa offers the chance to slow down and connect with the healing energy of Rotorua’s geothermal waters, leaving you refreshed and rejuvenated.

5. Skyline Rotorua Gondola & Luge

For adventure with a view, Skyline Rotorua is a must-do. Start by riding the gondola up Mount Ngongotahā, where sweeping views stretch across Lake Rotorua and the surrounding hills. At the top, the fun really begins with the world-famous luge tracks — a mix of gravity-fuelled carts and winding downhill runs that are as thrilling for adults as they are for kids.

But Skyline is more than just luge rides. You’ll find a whole range of experiences waiting at the summit, making it easy to spend half a day (or longer) here.

Highlights include:

• Gondola Ride – A scenic journey up the mountainside in enclosed cabins with panoramic views.
• Luge Tracks – Multiple tracks with twists, turns and tunnels — from gentle beginner runs to fast-paced adventures.
• Skyline Zipline & Skyswing – Add an adrenaline hit with high-speed ziplines or swing out over the forest with breathtaking views.
• Stargazing – Rotorua’s clear skies make for an incredible stargazing experience, guided by experts at the summit.
• Dining with a View – Indulge at the Stratosfare Restaurant & Bar, which pairs buffet-style dining with floor-to-ceiling views.

Skyline Rotorua blends scenic beauty with pure fun, making it one of the city’s most popular attractions for families, couples and thrill-seekers alike.

Other Great Things to Do

• Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland – Famous for its colourful Champagne Pool and Lady Knox Geyser, this geothermal park feels like stepping onto another planet.
• Rotorua Canopy Tours (ziplining through native forest) – Glide through pristine native bush on a network of ziplines and swing bridges while learning about conservation efforts.
• Kuirau Park (free geothermal park in the city) – Right in the heart of Rotorua, wander among bubbling mud pools and steaming vents without spending a cent.
• Rotorua Museum (currently under redevelopment, worth checking for updates) – Housed in the city’s most iconic Tudor-style building, this museum tells Rotorua’s cultural and geothermal story. Keep an eye out for its reopening.
• Lake Rotoiti Hot Pools (boat or kayak access only) – A hidden gem tucked along the lake’s edge, these thermal pools are accessible only by water, adding to the sense of escape.
• Take a Scenic Flight – See Rotorua from above on a floatplane, helicopter or small plane flight. From steaming valleys to shimmering lakes, the aerial views give a whole new perspective on this geothermal wonderland.

🌍 Travel Planning Resources

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