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City in Bay of Plenty, New Zealand
Photo: Sircha at English Wikipedia, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Rotorua is the geothermal wonderland of New Zealand, with easily experienced Māori culture, family activities and a range of outdoor adventure activities such as white-water rafting and mountain biking.
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This city park in the heart of Rotorua is riddled with boiling-hot natural water and mud pools, all of them safely cordoned off with low fences for safe viewing (except for the large duck pond, which still bubbles a bit but isn't very inviting for swimmers in any case). Probably not as impressive as the two paid geothermal parks at the edge of town, but definitely worth a visit if you're not going to either of those. Near the center of the park are two "footbaths", where hot water from the natural thermal springs is channeled into knee-deep concrete basins with seating around the edges. Sticking your feet in is encouraged, and sitting down in the hot water is allowed, but keep your head above the surface to avoid potentially dangerous illnesses from the untreated water. The entire park including the footbaths is free and open 24 hours, but be aware that there are some reports of crime here after dark, and that the water supply to the footbaths switches from hot to cold water later in the evening, so the temperature might be disappointingly cool if you arrive later at night.
Accessible either from Tarawera Rd (where there is a visitor centre) or from SH5 on the Taupo Highway. In around 1900, New Zealand began a program of planting imported trees to see which species grows best in NZ. A 6-hectare grove of majestic redwoods is surrounded by forest with other types of trees. Spectacular walks, mountain bike tracks (over 60 km/37 mi in total) and riding trails. Bikes can be hired from bike shops in the city, although Planet Bike also usually have a truck with hire gear at the main car park.
A 26-km (16-mi) scenic walkway around Rotorua incorporating most of the above as well as several other parks and sights. Pick up a brochure for a map and explanations or download one in PDF format from the district council website in the preceding link.
Enjoy a true taste of New Zealand farm life. Enjoy the farm show, then jump onboard an all-weather, all-terrain tractor trailer for an interactive tour of the farm. Feed friendly sheep and alpacas, taste locally produced honey, and visit the farmyard nursery, dog trials, and the kid's playground. Meet Shaun the Sheep and Bitzer from Mossy Bottom Farm, then relax at the Woollen Mill Café and browse at the Dog and Whistle shop on your way out. The National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa is on the farm. The Hatchery is the national leader in kiwi husbandry, egg incubation systems, hatching techniques, and kiwi chick rearing and offer tours of the Hatchery to visitors with the chance to see kiwi chicks and eggs during hatching season (September - March). Visiting both Agrodome and National Kiwi Hatchery with the half day combo (adult $126) which saves 10% on ticket entry.
Self-descriptive, the village was swamped with ash by the nearby Mt. Tarawera in the massive 1886 eruption that killed 153 people.
Home to the Whakarewarewa Valley of geothermal activity, including bubbling mud pools and geysers. There are guided tours through the park, including the geothermal areas, the marae, and the kiwi conservation centre. There are also Māori cultural experiences such as traditional dances and meals for an additional charge.
Born from the massive 1886 eruption of Mt Tarawera, this is the world’s newest geothermal eco-system, and an exciting and dramatic destination that the whole family can enjoy. Whatever your age or fitness level, you'll find something that suits you – self guided and guided easy walks, advanced hikes and boat cruise experiences, ranging in duration from 45 minutes to over 4 hours. If you want outdoor activity, peaceful New Zealand bush, unique ecology, rare botany and stunning geothermal features, then Waimangu is the 'must do' experience. It is easily accessible, just 20 minutes south of Rotorua, and 40 minutes north of Taupo.
A great park to see a variety of geothermal landscapes and active volcano activities, including the Lady Knox Geyser, which is a famous geyser that erupts daily to heights of 10 to 20 m (33-66 ft).
The main competitor to Te Puia – ironically two Māori iwi competing with similar attractions. Good, and appears less developed and maybe more "authentic" than the next door Te Puia.
Endangered New Zealand falcon, plus harrier hawks and owls. Flight display runs for an hour.
1.4km hedge maze
An open-air bathing spot where hot and cold streams meet. About 40 km south of Rotorua on SH 5.
Called "tramping" in NZ, there are a few worthwhile tracks nearby Rotorua for those keen to get out and about. Examples are the Mt Ngongotaha Jubilee Track (easy/moderate – great showcase of NZ flora but no views), the Rainbow Mountain Summit Track (moderate – a steep climb rewarded with great views over the plains south of Rotorua) or the Mangorewa Track (moderate/difficult – full track available in Summer only when water level is low, stunning river/rain forest scenery). The DOC website is usually a good start to find a track suitable to your experience and abilities; the i-Site can also help, sells hut tickets and may be able to assist with transport arrangements, since a car is needed to get to most tracks.
A wild, naturally hot stream (about 37 °C) for open-air bathing. Head south on SH 5 for 30 km then turn left on the pot-holed Old Waiotapu Rd for another 2.2 km. Put valuables out of sight and lock your vehicle, as thefts can occur here. The bathing spots are 5 minutes walk from the road.
Provides a fusion of relaxing hot mineral spring bathing, spa therapies and picturesque lake views. Voted a World Top Ten Spa by Conde Nast Traveller magazine at the 2004-2007, and 2009 Annual Spa Awards. Relaxing hot mineral bathing is offered in 26 hot mineral spring pools in four areas – deluxe Lake Spa, adult pools & Priest Spa, private pools or Family Spa. The Lake Spa offers 4 alkaline mineral pools from 36-42°C (97-108°F). Well appointed changing facilities include towels, lockers, soap, shampoo and hairdryers, plus a lake view relaxation lounge with refreshments available. The adult pools & Priest Spa is a popular adult-only area with 4 alkaline mineral pools, plus 3 acidic mineral pools with waters from the Radium hot spring. Six of these seven pools have views over Lake Rotorua. Privacy is offered in one of 13 private pools, set at 39°C (102°F) and available for 30 minutes hire. The Family Spa offers a large geothermally-heated swimming pool (with a small hydro slide) plus two alkaline mineral pools. Set amid native flora, the exclusive Lake Spa Retreat is an inviting relaxation haven, providing an array of enticing massage, spa and hydro therapies. All spa therapies include Lake Spa bathing and start at $85 for a half hour (bookings are essential). Also includes a café that serves light cuisine, and a spa essentials store.
Located on the outskirts of town, this gondola ride up Mt. Ngongotaha offers a panoramic view of Rotorua and the surrounding mountains.
Natural geothermal water.
A favourite with many locals, this hip café, built mainly from wood, is rarely seen empty. One can sit on the terrace, inside with all the tasteful decoration or in the garden in the back. The staff is cheerful, and the menu consists predominantly of Kiwi classics with an American/Mexican touch – quality varies though and is average more often than not.
A popular café with a big selection of pastries and an attached store selling mostly health/organic food and beverages. Has a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere and good food that comes with hefty price tags.
The Fat Dog is almost always busy, being one of Rotorua's hippest cafés close to the centre of town. Similar to Abracadabra Café, the interior boasts appealing decoration and staff is young and cheerful. The food quality ranges from great to poor, depending on who you ask (and probably who's on kitchen duty).
With only five tables or so and open since 2007, Sabroso's is a bit of an institution, run by a friendly lady from Venezuela. A number of Latin/South American dishes is readily available, albeit at the same prices charged by Kiwi-style restaurants. Due to its size, it's best to book in advance.
Walking a few minutes south from the CBD edge on Fenton St, one will encounter the chic Urbano Bistro. It's decidedly classy and will serve modern NZ fare along with a choice of starters and desserts. The food is not overly inspiring, but of high quality and well-presented.
Second only to Stratosfare Restaurant, this hotel restaurant has a great, albeit smaller selection of Western and Asian food on its buffet. At almost half the price and with mostly matching quality, it's a good alternative if you feel like splurging on a dinner buffet - just don't expect great views despite the relative proximity to Lake Rotorua.
Don't be fooled by the name - the only thing Mongolian here are the barrel-like barbecues on which your food is prepared on. You choose your ingredients from an all-you-can-eat buffet, take them to the chefs which will prepare them right in front of you. The results are of varying quality; if you feel you've experimented enough, there's also ice cream, pancakes and other sweet temptations. Popular with local Māori families who tend to bring a lot of relatives, so it pays to book in advance. Show your photo ID on your birthday to eat for $1 only (minimum four people in your group).
Offers a full lunch and dinner buffet, arguably the best in town. The gondola ride up to the restaurant is included in the price, and you get a spectacular view of the sunset over the lake.
While nearly all of Rotorua's Chinese restaurants cater to the ever increasing amount of Chinese tour groups, Sichuan Style's customers are mostly Chinese residents, and increasingly Kiwis and Western tourists looking for something different. An offshoot of the eponymous popular restaurant in Hamilton, it can get quite busy in the evenings. The noodle soups here are very good value for about $12, and ordering a whole fish in a red broth can fill a group of 3–4 people if ordered with rice. Be aware though, most dishes are very spicy, so let the staff know if you prefer something that a tongue not used to this can tolerate.
A restaurant specialising in Chinese dumplings – it became popular so quickly that you often have to book your table in advance. Dumplings are tasty and inexpensive, and there are a few other nice dishes on the menu worth trying, such as a Chinese-style pancake with savoury filling.
The portions are small and the taste is lacklustre at best; the sometimes sombre ambience doesn't help either.
The Vnam Kitchen is the place to go for a bowl of proper pho (beef/pork noodle soup); banh mi (baguette with savoury fillings) is also available. The food is tasty, authentic and inexpensive, a combination found rarely in NZ when it comes to Asian food. There are only five small tables, so come early.
A huge restaurant devoted to Korean-style BBQ. Has some sofa seating near the entrance door for dining in style. Rotorua's residents of Asian heritage seem to love this place, and it's not uncommon to see Westerners too. Almost everyone goes for the all-you-can-eat BBQ option, but you can also order single dishes, which are expensive.
A genuine Japanese restaurant in the heart of town. Staff is exclusively Japanese, with the accompanying courtesy and friendliness. At the bar, pick any of the different sushi rolls that are prepared right in front of you, or sit in the adjacent dining room to have your meal. The daily lunch special for $17.50, where you build your own 4-dish set, is – considering where and what it is – great value. Dinner is more pricey, but usually good quality.
13 room hotel in a 15 acre park. Restaurant and lounge bar. The gardens have sculptures and a bamboo forest. Lodge has an outdoor swimming pool and a tennis court.
formerly Heritage Rotorua
Four star plus hotel, with suites available. Pohutu Cultural Theatre with nightly Maori cultural show and traditional Maori feast. Free shuttle runs from hotel to i-Site office in town from 8AM-9PM.
formerly Quality Inn
63-room, air-conditioned hotel.
It is in park-like grounds and spacious accommodation. Also incorporates a day spa.
Has pool, spa and sauna facilities and The Grill, an on-site restaurant.
Fully self-contained and serviced apartments set in pleasant gardens with a number of original artwork pieces by local artists. They have their own geothermal bore and mineral pool. Free wifi, off-street parking, and secure children's play area.
An elegant purpose-built bed and breakfast. Each guest room has an ensuite bathroom and a door to a private terrace giving access to a rose garden.
A home away from home. Family run and they really make you feel part of the family. Friendly dog and cat on premises. Hot tub available. Great atmosphere.
formerly YHA Rotorua
Big hostel whose atmosphere and cleanliness has slightly deteriorated since its change of ownership, but is nevertheless a good choice among the hostels in town. Has an outside deck and a comparatively big carpark ($15/day).
Self-contained accommodation in the heart of the Rotorua CBD, close proximity to many bars and restaurants and 500 m to the Polynesian Spa. A limited amount of secure parking is available at extra cost.
Offers a choice of affordable, self catering accommodation in 3 hectares of peaceful parkland close to Lake Rotorua - motel units, tourist flats, cabins, backpackers lodge, camping & campervan sites
In a park-like setting and formerly occupied by a hostel, Smoke Lake offers European-inspired chalets as well as campsites. It's within easy walking distance of the city centre, thermal pools and many of the attractions and activities.
By plane
By bus
Bus services are provided by Intercity. All services arrive and depart from the main tourist information centre, Rotorua isite, at 1167 Fenton Street. Services can also be booked there.
By bike
The same routes apply as for car drivers.
By bicycle
Rotorua is a cyclists' paradise; as well as boasting some of the best off-road mountain bike tracks in the world, it has no less than seven quality cycle stores, with six in the CBD and the…
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