Rotorua is a town not to be missed in your North Island itinerary. It has something for every traveller and it's an incredibly unique place! Geothermal activity is what it's well known for, but strong culture and many adventure activities make it a must visit on anyone's list. Check out our recommendations for the must do activities in Rotorua!

Very few places are as lucky as we are in Rotorua for the availability and number of excellent waters for trout fishing.

There are so many things to do in Rotorua. Rotorua has got to be one of the most popular places to visit in New Zealand - and for good reason! Known for its active geothermal landscape, exciting outdoor adventures, and Māori culture, Rotorua really is a NZ ‘must see’. Take all the opportunities you can to explore the amazing city in the heart of the North Island.

Spending a weekend in Rotorua is full of fun and adventures. There are so many outdoor activities you can choose from, ranging from zip lining, mountain biking, luging and hot springs.

Here are the top 5 things to do in Rotorua that we would recommend to experience the best adventures we have to offer: 

1. Zip and Soak with Rotorua Canopy Tours & OGO

2. Adventure Playground

3. Mountain Biking

4. Agroventures

5. Skyline

 1.Zip & Soak with Rotorua Canopy Tours & OGO

Mountain biking is known as one of the top Rotorua Attractions and the Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest is a great place to go as it's suitable for all ages and abilities. The Rotorua Canopy Tours team is full of keen mountain bikers that love to get out to the Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest  - check out some of the teams favourite trails!

From New Zealand’s largest city to its geothermal heart, this five day road trip covers some of our must-do spots that you should include in your New Zealand Itineraries. A family road trip from Auckland to Rotorua will take you to a volcano, hobbit holes and glowworm caves, and zipping through ancient trees.

There are lots of walks within 2 hours drive of Rotorua that are amazing to do. Check out these half - full day walking tracks that are surrounded by beautiful forest and spectacular views. All of these Rotorua walks make for an unforgettable day of sightseeing:

1. Tarawera Outlet to Tarawera Falls

2. Mount Ngongotaha Scenic Reserve

3. Tongariro Alpine Crossing

4. Whakarewarewa Circuit

5. Rainbow Mountain Summit Track

Sometimes, there’s nothing better than a weekend away with your other half. New scenery, sleep-ins, exciting things to do and making new memories together are all great reasons to escape for a romantic weekend away. We’ve put our heads together to come up with the ultimate itinerary for a ‘weekend of romance’ in Rotorua: 

• Friday Evening: Treetops Lodge & Aorangi Peak 
• Saturday: Rotorua Canopy Tours, Okere Falls, Stratosphere Restaurant
• Sunday: Pure Cruise, White Island by Helicopter, Eat Streat

There are a lot of awesome must do activities in Rotorua but you'll also be spoiled for choice when it comes to top places to eat in Rotorua; there are so many delicious places to try! Many people hear all about our famous Eat Street when planning things to do in Rotorua but we wanted to let you in on our other lesser known favourite local spots.

Locals top places to eat in Rotorua

1. Zippys Cafe

2. Oppies Takeaways

3. Ciabatta Bakery

4. Abracadabra cafe & restaurant 

5. Saturday Morning Kuirau Park Market

Rotorua’s ancient forests, geothermal energy and raft of outdoor adventures makes it a top-notch place to visit for a family holiday.  It’s a wonderland for both kids and adults, with things to do in Rotorua like zip lining, hiking and lugeing. Being locals ourselves, we’ve put together a 5-day, family-friendly Rotorua itinerary to help you get inspired. We promise it will be one for the photo albums!

1. Skyline Skyrides & Stratosphere Restaurant 
2. Walk in the Redwoods & Rotorua Canopy Tours
3. Rainbow Springs
4. Kuirau Park & OGO 
5. Eat Streat