Marked with volcanoes, lakes, and geothermal springs, Rotorua in New Zealand is renowned for its staggering beauty and exotic Maori culture. Set on the beautiful Lake Rotorua, there are plenty of places to visit in Rotorua that you will find yourself running short of time. This is why we have shortlisted some of the best attractions in the town which you ought to check out on your next vacation on the island. Experience the Maori Culture at its best or take a dip in one of its many geothermal springs, nature’s own jacuzzi.
Top 10 Places To Visit In Rotorua
If you are by any chance in Rotorua during your New Zealand trip, which you should because this place is absolutely amazing, then you must check out all these places to visit in Rotorua.
- Wai-o-Tapu
- Lake Tarawera
- Velocity Valley
- Waimangu Volcanic Valley
- Mount Tarawera
- Whakarewarewa
- Lake Taupo
- Waitomo Glowworm Caves
- Hobbiton
- Lake Rotorua
1. Wai-o-Tapu
Ever heard of Devil’s Bath in New Zealand? It is right here in Rotorua’s Wai-o-Tapu. Famous for its geothermal activities, you will find a lot of steamy pools in this park, all boiling in iridescent colors of orange, green, and yellow. Beware of the stink though coming from the sulfur effervescence. One can easily spend a couple of hours here since there are 20 geothermal pools in the park. It is one of the eerie yet must places to visit in Rotorua.
Location: 201 Waiotapu Loop Rd, Rotorua 3073, New Zealand
Timings: 8:30 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: INR 1,500 for adults, INR 550 for kids
Must Read: 10 Things To Do In Rotorua: The New Zealandish Paradise That Will Take You Back In Time
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2. Lake Tarawera
Profuse with picturesque waterfalls, hot springs, and stunning scenery, Lake Tarawera qualifies as one of the best places to visit in Rotorua. The staggering beauty of the azure blue lake and breathtaking surroundings will make your jaw drop down to the floor. If you are looking for a day trip from Rotorua, come to this place with your family or friends and enjoy having a picnic. You can indulge in a range of adventure activities like camping, lazing in the hot springs, or go hiking in the woods.
Location: Rotorua District, Bay of Plenty Region, North Island
How to reach: The lake is just 15-minute drive outside the city and can be reached by car.
3. Velocity Valley
If you want some insane fun while you are in Rotorua, then you should come to Velocity Valley where you can take part in myriad adventure activities. Go bungee jumping, sky walking, shweebing, or take a giant swing at this terrific adventure park. Whether you are traveling with kids or friends, Velocity Valley is one of the places to visit in Rotorua, New Zealand for all.
Location: 1335 Paradise Valley Rd, Ngongotaha, Rotorua 3040, New Zealand
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
How to reach: It is located on the outskirts of the town and can easily be reached by taxi or car.
Suggested Read: New Year Parties In New Zealand 2021: Explore The Nightlife Of The Country!
4. Waimangu Volcanic Valley
Man! Rotorua is a storehouse of bizarre wonders of nature. In fact, whole New Zealand. You will not believe your eyes when you visit Waimnagu Volcanic Valley, the world’s youngest geothermal valley seething with mud and silicon terraces. The highlight of the park is the inferno crater with its huge geyser boiling in full action. You can even take a boat ride to the shores of Lake Rohotoman to be a spectacle to geothermal features. What you cannot miss is the cruise to the famed pink and white terraces which were destroyed when Mount Tarawera erupted in 1886. It is one of the top places to visit in Rotorua.
Location: 587 Waimangu Rd, Rotorua 3043, New Zealand
Timings: 8:30 AM – 5 PM
How to reach: You can either take a shuttle ride or bike/drive to this place.
5. Mount Tarawera
When you lay your eyes on Mount Tarawera, you will realize that you have not seen anything like it. Spoiler: It’s pink! The famous volcano mountain erupted in the year 1886 and the after effects of it is stupendously beautiful. You can actually walk on the pink volcano, indeed a walk to remember. Both the history and landscape of this place should pique your interest to go and see one of the top places to visit in Rotorua. Get in touch with an adventure travel firm which organized daily tours to the volcano.
Location: 24 kilometres southeast of Rotorua in the North Island
How to reach: Book a guided walk to Mount Tarawera to avoid getting lost.
Suggested Read: New Zealand With Kids: To Pamper The Little Ones With The Best Things To Do!
6. Whakarewarewa
Being in Rotorua is a golden opportunity for you to experience the vibrant tribal Maori culture up close and personal. The ancestral inhabitants of New Zealand who first started a community on this beautiful island are called Maoris. One such village in Rotorua in Whakarewarewa. Enjoy the traditional Maori games, cuisine, arts and crafts in the village with the tribal gang. This is a one of a kind experience which makes this village one of the amazing places to visit in Rotorua New Zealand. Feel free to check out other tribal villages near Rotorua to know more about Maori culture and heritage.
Location: 17 Tryon Street, Rotorua, New Zealand
Timings: 8.30am – 5.00pm
How to reach: Book a guided tour to get here and around the village
7. Lake Taupo
If you are looking for places to visit in Rotorua and Taupo, then you must visit the charming Lake Taupo. Not only its views are heavenly, but it also offers a motley of lake activities like fishing, kayaking, swimming, etc. The lake is basically a huge volcano with a fierce history and is about the size of Singapore. (no kidding!) The town of Taupo is located by the lakefront settings which makes it worthy of a visit if you are in Rotorua.
Location: Taupo District, Waikato Region, North Island
How to reach: There are inter-city buses that operate between Rotorua and Taupo and only take about an hour to reach here.
Suggested Read: 5 Best Zoos In New Zealand For A Thrilling Holiday Experience With The Wild!
8. Waitomo Glowworm Caves
The list of top 10 places to visit in Rotorua is incomplete without the mention of Waitomo Glowworm Caves. One of the most popular places to visit in Rotorua, New Zealand, these deep limestone caves attract a huge flock of tourists all around the year. The luminscent thing you will observe on the ceiling of the caves are actually glowworms (Arachnocampa Luminosa) twinkling like tiny spotlights. You have got observe this bizarre bioluminescent phenomenon when you are in Rotorua.
Location: 39 Waitomo Village Rd, Waitomo Caves, Otorohanga 3943, New Zealand
How to reach: It is just 2 hours drive away from Rotorua. You can either take a direct bus or join a tour group.
9. Hobbiton
Are you a huge LOTR fan? One of the reasons why people want to visit New Zealand is because of their LOTR fanaticism. Hobbiton is the hobbit village from the movies that was entirely created for the movie. The site has been preserved for the visitors and you can actually take a tour around the charming village. Seeing the location out of movie coming alive in front of your eyes is both crazy and amazing at the same time. The place is little a tad bit far off from Rotorua, but it is all worth it.
Location: 501 Buckland Rd, Hinuera, Matamata 3472, New Zealand
Timings: 9 AM – 5:30 PM
How to reach: It is about 2 hours drive from Auckland. You can hire a car rental service and drive down to this village set in Waikato region.
Suggested Read: Top Five Airports In New Zealand For A Memorable NZ Beginning
10. Lake Rotorua
The second largest lake in the northern part of New Zealand, Lake Rotorua is an absolute delight to eyes. The lake is so huge that you will find the Mokoia Island in the centre of the lake which in itself is a hub of adventure and flora-fauna. One of the amazing places to visit in Rotorua, you have got to visit this attraction when you are in town. Enjoy kayaking, paddling or having a cruise on the calm waters of lake during your visit.
Location: Rotorua District, Bay of Plenty Region, North Island
How to reach: If you are coming from Auckland, you can catch a direct bus which will take 3-4 hours to reach.
Further Read: Gold Coast Travel Guide: Know Everything About This Australian Paradise!
Check all these places to visit in Rotorua and realize what an absolute delight this city is on your holiday in New Zealand. The kiwi island has a vast diversity of stunning landscapes and wonders of nature that you will not find anywhere else in nature. If you love nature and adventure, you ough to come to New Zealand. This country in the Pacific Ocean is an absolute delight for tourists!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Rotorua
What is there to do in Rotorua for free?
Free & Cheap Things to Do in Rotorua 1. take a dip in a hot spring 2. Walk or bike in Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest 3. check out Rotorua night market 4. Watch rafters plunge down a waterfall 5. stroll around Kuirau Park 6. Visit the Waimangu Volcanic Valley 7. See the Maori village of Ohinemutu 8. visit Hamurana Spring
Why is Rotorua a good place?
There is still a strong Maori presence in Rotorua which makes it a great place to learn about the culture and traditions and find out more about New Zealand’s great past.
What is Rotorua famous for?
It is known for its geothermal activity, and features geysers, notably the Pohutu Geyser at Whakarewarewa and hot mud pools.
What is there to do in Rotorua at night?
Things to Do in Rotorua at Night 1. See a Maori evening Show. Rotorua is the hub for Maori experiences in New Zealand 2. Unwind in some hot pools 3. Treat yourself to some good food 4. Catch a Rotorua sunset 5. Zipline through the forest 6. Have a drink 7. Relax in a mud spa 8. See the Treewalk light displays
Can you walk around Hobbiton?
You cannot just waltz in to Hobbiton on your own; you have to book a tour and follow a Hobbiton guide through the set. Five tours depart daily from: The Shire’s Rest, 501 Buckland Road, Hinuera, Matamata.
What is there to do in Rotorua on a rainy day?
Things to Do in Rotorua on a Rainy Day 1. Go to the spa 2. Visit the Rotorua Museum 3. Experience Ogo 4. Be inspired by a Maori show
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If some people enjoy window-shopping, Dhaarna takes pleasure in day-dreaming about solo trips when she’s not working. A gypsy at heart, she likes to spend her money on vacations, plants, and all things boho.
