Rotorua is a small Maori city situated on the South-West coast of the Lake Rotorua on the Northern Island of New Zealand. Named after Lake Rotorua, this small city has been attracting a huge number of tourists from around the world for well over 150 years. Rich in traditional Maori culture and also known as the Geothermal Paradise, it is home to the Te Arawa people who were the amongst the first to settle down in modern day New Zealand some 6 centuries ago. Apart from the traditional Maori culture that you’ll experience here, you can also have fun doing numerous adventure sports like flying freefall, mountain biking, etc.
10 Best Things To Do In Rotorua
Amongst hundreds of things that you can do while visiting this place, we have highlighted a few that you’ll enjoy the most. Presenting to you a list of 10 of the best things to do in Rotorua which are not in any particular order.
1. Make a trip to Hobbiton
Have you watched the Lord of The Rings? Do you know where the scenic shots are from? They are from here.
The Hobbiton movie set is located near Rotorua itself. Situated just a short drive away from Rotorua in a town called Matamata, you can take a guided tour of the movie series set and visit places like Shire’s Rest, The Green Dragon Inn, The Mill, Hobbit Holes, and the double arched bridge.
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2. Wai O Tapu Geothermal Park
Located 20 minutes from the Rotorua City, this Thermal Park is a must go destination for all who visit New Zealand. This natural wonderland has Thermal Geysers, volcanic craters, and hot springs. Explore some of the most colorful natural wonders in all of New Zealand, take some stunning pictures of the breathtaking views and see the nature expressing some serious power. One of the most famous sites of this park includes the Champagne pools have bubbling hot water with colored outlines.
3. Explore the Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forests
In 1899, some 170 species of trees were planted southeast of Rotorua to be used for meeting the timber needs of the government. Today, that land has converted into a bustling forest with 72 m high Californian Redwood trees. You can either choose to hike along the numerous trails in this man-grown forest or hire a mountain bike and experience the adrenaline rush.
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4. Kaituna River White Water Rafting
Embark on an adrenaline-filled journey aboard a raft through the grade 5 rapids of the Kaituna River just 15 minutes from the center of Rotorua City. The biggest highlight of this 45 minutes’ worth of white water rafting is the Okere waterfall, which is the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world. Experience the thrill as you go down the steep 7-meter waterfall and get wet to the very soul.
5. Hell’s Gate Bath in the Mud
Imagine yourself in a bubbling hot mud pool in the middle of an active geothermal field or soaking in a Sulfur spa. This is what happens in Hell’s Gate. Advertised for its natural skin properties, the mud from these pools is a black treasure. The Sulphur baths are also no less beneficial for the skin as they provide many anti-aging benefits. Apart from the mud bath, you can also take guided tours of the nearby volcanic craters, bushlands and southern hemisphere’s highest waterfalls.
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6. Volcanic Valley Flights
Fly over Mt. Tarawera which last erupted in 1886 and wreacked havoc in the valley. Enjoy the scenic views over boiling lakes of the valley. Fly aboard a seaplane and experience the divinity of Rotorua and its surrounding areas starting from the Blue Green lakes of Rotorua, going on to the Mt Tarawera and Waimangu Volcanic Valley, then to the thermal geysers of Wai O Tapu and finally to the lush green forests in the Bay of Plenty region.
7. Rotorua Zipline
This is a must add activity to your Rotorua bucket list. Experience the scenic views from the summit of Mount Ngongoha and whizz around the mountain on a toboggan. See the scenic views of Rotorua and Lake Okatania and scream as you come down the Zipline. Taste wine atop the mountain and feed your adrenalin with the adventure of a lifetime.
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8. Experience the Culture of Mitai Maori Village
Immerse yourself in the richness of Maori culture at the 3-hour long cultural evening in the Maori village of Mitai Maori. You can even go for a glowworm bush walk and see those amazing creatures glow in the night sky. Ride the Maori War canoe dressed as a Maori War hero and eat traditional Maori delicacies in the same evening.
9. Visit Wingspan National Bird of Prey Center
Visit the national bird center dedicated to conserving endangered birds of prey and see the beautiful New Zealand falcons and other raptor birds. Learn about the endangered species of New Zealand, walk through the museum dedicated to birds of prey then go to the incubation center dedicated to the conservation of these epic birds.
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10. Zorb
Roll down a hill in a giant inflatable ball and feel your childhood dreams come to life. Experience these unique childhood activities, that too for free, as you try to re-ignite the childish excitement lost within you. Become nostalgic, enjoy and experience the true beauty of this thing called life.
Further Read: 10 Best Temples In New Zealand For Witnessing The Country’s Vibrant Culture
Rotorua is really a place for hungry nature enthusiasts. Situated close to some of nature’s finest wonders, this place is a must go to for all the nature lovers. Go there, experience its beauty, realize how beautiful nature is but book a customized package to New Zealand before packing your bags.
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