Rotorua Hotels

So what makes it so special? Rotorua is a veritable smorgasbord of the most amazing, naturally occurring phenomena you’re ever likely to experience. We’re talking steaming-hot springs, pools of bubbling mud, exploding geysers, crystal-clear springs, volatile volcanos and much more, all set amongst scenery so picturesque you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d fallen into the set of The Sound of Music.

And if the scenery doesn’t take your breath away, the range of extreme sports on offer will. In adventure-loving New Zealand, adrenaline junkies are a dime a dozen, and Rotorua has enough activities to make you scream four-letter words in pure terror.

Throw in a rich Maori heritage and culture, a cosy but vibrant nightlife and some of the friendliest locals you’ll ever meet, and Rotorua might just make it to the top of your favourite places list.

But if the thought of lavishing too much praise on Rotorua makes you uncomfortable, just stop and take a whiff. The cost of all the natural phenomena is a strong smell of sulphur, which resembles rotten eggs.

At least, that’s what the Kiwis say it is.

Rotorua’s Top 10

Rotorua History

• Buried Village of Te Wairoa – Site of the eruption of Mt Tarawera, this village was completely preserved at the time of the eruption.
• Pig & Whistle Historic Pub – A popular pub located in a historic 1940s building, making it a local landmark.
• Old Post Office – Built in 1914, this Rotorua building contains a memorial town clock.
• Prince’s Gate Archway – Built in honour of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York’s visit in 1901, this archway represents the crown.
• Blue Baths – Opened in 1885, these blue baths are filled with hot alkaline water from nearby mineral springs.

Rotorua Art & Culture

• Ohinemutu – A Maori village that provides information on how European and Maori life progressed.
• Rotorua Museum of Art & History – Located in a mock-Tudor building, this was once a spa retreat.
• Whakarewarewa Thermal Village – A living village where the Maori still live in the manner of their ancestors.
• Tamaki Maori Village - Enjoy a twilight tour of the village and partake in a traditional hangi.
• Mitai Maori Village – Enjoy an evening concert or take a bushwalk through glow worms at this Maori village.

Rotorua Shopping

• Raukura/Red Feather Gallery – Contains many Maori handicrafts, including clothing and woodworks.
• Out of New Zealand – Stocks New Zealand-made goods, including jewellery and ceramics.
• Jade Factory – One of the best stores for high-quality, handcrafted greenstone (jade) items.
• Rotorua Central Mall – Most international and national chain stores are located in this mall found in the CBD.
• Toi Te Aranga – The place to stop for contemporary and traditional Maori artwork.

Gay & Lesbian Rotorua

• Jack & Di’s Lake Road Lodge – Gay-friendly accommodations in the city centre.
• Seismic Gastrobar – A bar that embraces good food and drinks.
• Brew – A Rotorua pub that specializes in craft beer, offering tasting platters and pub food.
• Fuze City Bar - Open late from Tuesday through Saturday and offering gourmet pizza, tapas and evening drinks.
• Base Hot Rock Lava Bar – A popular spot for backpackers and those on a budget.

Rotorua Outdoor

• Mokoia Island – Situated in the middle of Lake Rotorua, this island easily can be reached by boat.
• Kuirau Park – A volcanic park that is open to the public free of charge and contains a crater lake, boiling mud pools and mineral baths.
• Te Puia – Visit the most famous, spectacular geysers in the entire Rotorua area and explore the rest of this park.
• Wingspan Birds of Prey Trust – Learn about the falcon, owl and hawk, three endangered NZ birds, at this conservation park
• Rainbow Springs Nature Park – Explore this large nature park and make sure to visit the kiwi encounter.

Rotorua Sport

• Play cricket on the bowling greens found in the Government Gardens outside Rotorua Museum.
• Walk along any of the numerous tracks around Rotorua, such as the Northern Tarawera track or Western Okataina Walkway.
• For outdoor enthusiasts, go white-water rafting along the Kaituna River with its Grade V rapids.
• Rent a kayak from Adventure Kayaking and spend the day paddling Lake Rotorua or the nearby rivers.
• Bike through the Whakarewarewa forest with some of the best mountain bike trails in New Zealand.

Rotorua Local

CBD

Rotorua’s hub has a number of spots to hit during your NZ adventure. The Museum of Art & History (half museum and half art gallery) is a great starting point and will help you to learn about the city’s great history and culture. Next on the itinerary should be the sacred and spiritual Mitai Maori Village, where you’ll find Rainbow Spring, spot locals decked out in traditional Maori dress and, if you’re lucky, enjoy a traditional hangi meal.

Once you’ve eaten like a Maori (no mean feat, have you seen some of those All Blacks?), get on a bus and head over to Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, a mere 15 minutes away. Here you’ll find a stack of erupting geysers, hot springs, naturally coloured pools, mammoth volcanic craters and a hell of a lot of bubbling mud. On your way back to the CBD, make sure to pay Kuirau Park a visit as it’s also got a range of geothermal attractions and lovely walking trails.

Whakarewarewa

Rotorua’s thermal village is the home of the Tuhourangi people (they’ve been there for centuries), as well as hot and steamy springs, exploding geysers and boiling mud pools. Make sure to catch a cultural performance (held twice a day) and then take a guided-tour to get the most out of your experience.

Ngongotaha

This fun-size, vibrant village is just 10 mins out of Rotorua and is quite the little gem.

It may sound odd, but make sure you check out the Ngongotaha Trout Hatchery (it’s free!) for lovely landscapes and to learn about trout. Not a fish fan? Visit Ohinemutu, the original settlement for the Ngati Whakaue (Maori tribe). Here you can enjoy the beautiful Lake Rotorua, explore more geothermal spots and learn about Maori culture and it’s beautiful traditions.

Want something pretty? Hamurana Spring is famous for the clearest springs you’ll ever see. Not even kidding, guys – you can see right to the bottom without needing to squint. It’s also famous for picturesque walking tracks and the fresh, crisp air, so make sure you explore. Heaven.

Rotorua Eat & Drink

Rotorua Events

If you’re up for a challenge and don’t mind getting dirty, why not enter the annual Waikato Draught Tough Guy and Gal Challenge in August? This event is one of the biggest in Rotorua and sees competitors running through swamps, burrowing under barbed wire, climbing, hiking and practically swimming through mud. If you’re not up for it, you can always watch – and there is a wicked afterparty.

Fabulous fashion more your thing? Wearable Creationzshowcases the immense talent of Rotorua’s youth every August. The show itself is all about wearable art, style and fashion, but there’s also an art exhibit/competition, too.

When To Go

Rotorua enjoys pleasant temperatures all year round, even in winter. That said, mid-June to mid-August sees quite a bit of rain.

• Summer average: 21ºC (70ºF)
• Autumn average: 14ºC (57ºF)
• Winter average: 10ºC (50ºF)
• Spring average: 16ºC (61ºF)

What To Miss

Respect rules, signs and barriers around the thermal springs, geysers and mud pools – they’re there for a reason. Ignore them and risk getting really hurt, or worse. Not fun.

If you have an ultra-sensitive nose, make sure you take along some sort of mask or some Vick’s Vapour Rub to smear under your nose. The city has a sulphurous, rotten-egg-like smell that can’t be escaped.

Getting Around

There are stacks of Cityride Rotorua buses, rental car services and coaches running the streets of this city. Bus fares vary depending on where you’re going. You can also hire a bike or take advantage of the fact that Rotorua is eminently walkable.

Remarkable Rotorua

More Info on Rotorua's Top 10

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When To Go

General Information

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Attractions & Activities

Restaurant & Nightlife

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