Explore New Zealand

Rotorua is a fabulous natural playground and few places in the world offer such a stunning array of choices in such a beautiful setting. The perfect blend of world class attractions and stunning natural wonders offer a truly unique experience that will be treasured for years to come.

Home to more than 14 lakes and innumerable fishing streams banked by vast tracts of native bush and forestry areas, the region is home to the menacing majesty of volcanic valleys, geothermal activity ranging from soaring geysers to the soothing warmed waters and unique mineral muds. There's action and adventure, the quiet solitude of pristine bush walks, rejuvenating soaks in the healing waters of a thermal spring or family-friendly activities everyone can enjoy.

So you live for action designed to maximise the adrenalin levels? Considered by adventurous visitors to be one of New Zealand's top adrenalin destinations, Rotorua is home to a host of thrilling activities, many of them worlds firsts designed to get the blood pumping.

Whether it's an exciting getaway with your partner or some time out with friends there is something for everyone looking for the ultimate in holiday bragging rights.

White water rafting down the famous Kaituna River allows you to tackle the world's highest commercially rafted waterfall at seven metres or try sledging along your choice of rivers! If the bucket list includes a tandem skydive, or bungy you can tick this off and enjoy the experience of a lifetime. Jump in a large inflatable globe and roll down a hill at Zorb, fly your way down the mountain side on a luge, or spin out on a jetboat in a specially designed waterway – you can even try freefalling or taking on rugged country on a quad bike or self drive 4WD tour.

If you have an appetite for the truly exceptional, indulge yourself with a relaxing holiday in Rotorua. It is the perfect destination when all you want to do is kick back and let the stresses of the world be eased away.

Sometimes called Nature's Spa of the South Pacific, Rotorua is a world-renowned spa destination and home to a number of attractions that have won global awards. Soak in the healing waters of a thermal spring or indulge in a rejuvenating mud bath. Mud is sourced from local geothermal resorts and allows local spa therapy centres and therapeutic thermal pools to provide a unique service. As a special treat, give yourself a therapeutic massage treatment - Aix massage treatments combine massage with jets of thermal water for a truly relaxing experience, are popular. Visitors can also try exciting contemporary treatments, such as Lithos and Watsu therapies. Bliss!

If the soothing nature of calm lakes and the natural beauty of unspoiled native bush is where you like to rebalance your life then a Rotorua 'Free me' experience is meant for you. Scenic vistas are everywhere in Rotorua, making it a fantastic place in which to experience nature at its best.

The walks around the lakes district are a great way to see the region. Wander down little-walked bush tracks or mingle with other walkers on better-known ones including trails that circulate lake edges. Rotorua walkways within the city feature geothermal areas, native wildlife and local historic sites or head to Whakarewarewa Forest to experience some of the finest walking trails in the world. Catering for beginners and leisure walkers through to hikers looking for an extra challenge all these tracks start off at the beautiful Redwood Grove. Hiking further afield will take you through a diverse range of native plants and exotic trees leading to spectacular views.

Time with the family is always precious, Rotorua's world class attractions and stunning natural wonders offer a truly unique experience that will be treasured for years to come.

A family friendly destination Rotorua offers something for all ages. Hand-feed farm animals at various wildlife parks, watch daily lion feeding and take in the world-renowned Agrodome sheep show where you can milk a cow or bottle-feed a lamb and watch a sheep shearing demonstration. Families can also ride a gondola up Mt Ngongotaha at Skyline Rotorua and take an exhilarating luge down the mountainside. Walk among towering Redwoods or venture deeper into the forest on a gentle mountain bike ride then relax on a sandy beach while the kids splash around in a sparkling lake after a game of beach cricket.

For a unique way to discover Rotorua's lakes, sight-seeing trips are available from the comfort of a fully restored WWII amphibious vehicle which includes 'splash-downs' into the lakes.