What To See & Do

Explore spectacular nature at New Zealand's most colourful natural volcanic park. Walks through this unique geothermal area take between 30 and 75 minutes and provide a wide range of amazing photo opportunities at features including the world famous Champagne Pool, naturally coloured hot and cold springs, steaming ground, expansive vistas, huge volcanic craters and sinter terrace formations. 

Take part in the tradition of being an honoured guest at Whakarewarewa, The Living Māori Village.

Discover the unique geothermal landscape of Te Whakarewarewa Valley.  See the boiling hot pools and bubbling mud, and learn how the residents utilise and respect the ever-changing forces beneath the land.

Enjoy a geo-thermally cooked Hangi meal and take part in the daily cultural performances, featuring the famous Māori Haka.

Famous for its magnificent stands of towering Californian Coastal Redwoods, Whakarewarewa Forest is just five minutes drive from the city centre. Here you can experience some of the finest walking and mountain bike trails in the world. Not to mention taking in superb panoramic views of Rotorua City, Lake and surrounding district. If you love the outdoors this area is for you! Entry to the forest, tracks and the Redwoods i-Site & Visitor Centre is FREE.

We have kayaks for hire! Get out on the water and explore the beautiful Lake Tikitapu, right across the road from the park. We have single and double kayaks available for hire throughout the Summer months, talk to our friendly Reception staff about hire today!

Conquer fears and discover new limits by launching into action at New Zealand’s ultimate adventure hub! Pick your adrenalin buzz from the dare defying Swoop hurtling through the air at 130kph, to feeling G-force’s akin to Formula One Racing with the Agrojet on a purpose built water course. Harness your inner superhero on the Southern Hemisphere’s only Freefall Xtreme flying on a giant wind column, leap over the edge on the 43m high bungy and race on a world first human powered monorail track in a Shweeb.

Fly through the trees with New Zealand's only native forest zipline canopy tour, and enjoy a 3 hour wilderness experience in native New Zealand forest on the outskirts of Rotorua.
Be amazed by the conservation story, and the threats to native New Zealand wildlife. 

The series of bridges, ziplines, treetop platforms and trails make for an experience not to be missed. During the tour you will be suspended up to 45m above the ancient forest floor, a place often reserved for those with wings.

Famous for a reason, Skyline Rotorua is your ticket to an unforgettable holiday. Home to the ultimate Gondola and Luge experiences, there’s a raft of activities to keep you entertained. From the thrilling Zoom Zipline, Sky Swing and Mountain Bike Gravity Park to out-of-this world stargazing, tranquil nature trails, wine tasting, dining and shopping experiences.

Climb aboard Pee-Jay for a 6 hr adventure to White Island – 50km off the shores of Whakatane. White Island is an off shore volcanic island with a vibrant landscape of hissing fumaroles, lava bombs, glittering yellow sulphur crystals, unusual rock formations and hot thermal streams…En-route to the island you have the opportunity to view the Gannet Colony (summer only) and the site of a historic mine. Transport pick up is available from Rotorua to Whakatane.

Some of the more popular flights available are the ‘City Flight’, ‘Crater Lakes flight’, including a city flight plus 5 major crater lakes including the Blue and Green lakes (approx. 15 minutes). The  ‘Mt Tarawera Volcano flight’ -  Mt Tarawera erupted in 1886, creating an 8km long volcanic rift along its summit, the magnitude of which is only appreciated when viewed from above.

HeliPro scenic flights and excursions feature Rotorua's remarkable volcanic landscape. HeliPro offer exclusive landings on Mt Tarawera, as well as guided walking tours on White Island (active Volcano). Other sights include their renowned thermal reserves and stunning lakes districts.

All tours include in-depth commentaries and are designed for maximum passenger comfort and scenic value. Their spacious executive style helicopters offer the largest capacity in this region. 

From amateurs to experts, across the country and around the globe all agree that with more than 130km of trails in the Whakarewarewa Forest, mountain biking in Rotorua is a must.

We have mountain bikes available to hire from the park, with 1 hour, 3 hour and full day options. Talk to our friendly Reception staff about hire today!

Hells Gate Geothermal Park and Mud Spa is Rotorua’s most active geothermal park and only place to truly experience the unique geothermal mud that put Rotorua on the map. Experience a guided tour, unique mud bathing, hot sulphur spas, Miri Miri massage and more at Hells Gate! Complimentary interactive activities include woodcarving and geothermal mud foot pools for a soothing foot soak. With shuttle transfers three times daily from central Rotorua.