Rotorua is considered by many, as the adventure capital of the North Island of New Zealand. There are many things to see and do in Rotorua, and in this article, I'll cover what, in my opinion, are the 7 awesome things to do in Rotorua. All of these are also child-friendly and can be neat to do as a family.
Located approx three hours drive south of Auckland, Rotorua is certainly one of the tourist hot spots. Rotorua has a static urban population of approx 60,000 however, these numbers increase significantly with the influx of travellers not only from around the world but also locals, Kiwis (New Zealanders).
Rotorua is also a very popular destination for corporate functions and conferences, due to the availability of good hotels and abundance of team building activities in the surrounding area.
7 Great Things to do in Rotorua
1 Agrodome
The Agrodome farm show has been running for many years since its conception at the world expo in Japan in 1970. Because of its success, it was reignited here in New Zealand in 1971 and is still going strong
Agrodome
This show attracts visitors from all over the world and is both educational and entertaining. The compare's do an outstanding job, introducing the 19, yes 19, breeds of sheep that are farmed here in New Zealand, followed by a milking demonstration and the shearing of a sheep. Other presentations include a sheep auction (hilarious) and showing off the skills of the working dogs.
The show is very interactive with volunteers being called upon to participate in the demonstrations. I am a regular visitor to the Agrodome and always have a giggle at it.
2 Rainbow Springs & Kiwi Encounter
This attraction is an exceptional way to get to know many of our native birds and our very own relic from the Dinosaur era, the Tuatara. Not only is there an extensive range of native faurna and flora in the park, but there is also many other creatures that have become synonymous with New Zealand. For instance, both Rainbow and Brown trout, almost the size of sharks... well might be exaggerating a little there, but still enormous.
Kiwi
Rainbow Springs recently added an adventure ride called the "Big Splash", perfect for you and the children.
The ultimate experience at Rainbow Springs, in my opinion, is to pay the extra and do the Kiwi Encounter. This extra takes you on a guided behind the scenes tour and gives you great learning potential about our national icon the Kiwi bird.
Mark's Tip:-
Get your photography taken by the official photographer as you enter and you will be amazed at the result. This is one attraction photograph I fully endorse.
3 Skyline and Luge
Riding the Luge
Located in proximity to the previous two attractions, is Skyline Rotorua.
Skyline Rotorua has a lot to offer from thrills, views and entertainment to delicious food. As you ascend Mt Ngongotaha in the Gondola cars, you get a magnificent view of Rotorua and surrounding suburbs.
Once at the top there is an abundance of activates to keep you entertained for hours on end. Take a ride town the hill on a Luge, swing from a great height over the side of the mountain. Zipline through the Forrest or enjoy a meal and drink at the Stratosphere restaurant.
Skyline Rotorua truly has something for everyone.
4 Te Puia
Wharenui - Meeting House
Te Puia once know as Whakarewarewa, offers visitors a great variety from geysers, boiling mud pools and Maori cultural performance in the Wharenui (meeting house) to Kiwi bird viewing. The Whakarewarewa village is still there but located behind Te Puia
Te Puia has embraced tourism to the fullest, offering visitors a truly memorable experience. The Maori guides that take you through the park are enthusiastic about their heritage culture and land. Even though this is an outdoor activity, it can still be enjoyable if the weather doesn't play ball. Just be prepared and take a coat or umbrella.
Options available also include a Maori concert and a meal experience called a Hangi.
5 Polynesian Spa
Lake Spa
After a hectic day of activities , there is nothing more relaxing than soaking in the mineral waters at the world acclaimed Polynesian Spa.
This facility has many options from family pools, multi-temperature pools and private pools to specialised massages.
I have personally been many times, and my favourite is the "Adult Pools" option. Once I even had a hydrotherapy massage, sheer bliss.
Set on the shore of Lake Rotorua and open till late Polynesian Spa is a must do to relax.
6 Rotorua Duck
Time to get out and explore more of Rotorua and no better way to do it than with the team from Rotorua Duck Tours.
Spend a couple of hours of entertainment with interesting, informative and comical commentary as you explore around and IN the lakes of Rotorua.
These WWII amphibious vehicles have been modified to give you a safe and pleasurable tour to some of the out of the way areas of Rotorua. Covered in sides and a roof means that this is an all weather activity. You will be presented with your very own Duck Whistle and be encouraged to quack at all and sundry. Great entertainment.
They will often pick you up from your hotel or at least from the Rotorua information centre.
7 Tamaki Maori Village
I have saved this one to last as this is most definitely a number 1, must do in Rotorua, the Tamaki Maori Village .
The evening's entertainment starts from the moment you step on to their Waka (bus) and make your way out to the Village.
The guides, usually local Maori (the indigenous people of New Zealand), are pure entertainers with voices to die for. Their talented skills extend to being able to greet your in you native language; most even know many of your countries national songs.
Once you arrive at the Tamaki Maori Village, you are greeted with a traditional "Wero" or challenge before entering into, what I consider the highlight of the evening, the village, where you have a hands on experience with the members of the tribe as you learn some of their old skills and customs.
Then it's off to see dinner emerging from the Hangi pit and a spectacular concert, complete with Haka and Poi dances.
After feasting on the Hangi, traditional Maori feast, and more entertainment, you are driven home in their Waka. Word of warning... be prepared to sing a song for your supper.
At the end of the night, I know you will join with me in declaring it as A Must Do in Rotorua.
NOW IT'S YOUR TIME TO COMMENT
Have you been to any of these attractions? How was your experience?
What other information can I provide for you?
Please leave a comment below I would love to hear from you.
Wow, Rotorua sounds like a great place to visit. I’m from Singapore/Malaysia. Every time I travel to the southern hemisphere ie. your part of world, I always end up in an Australian city. Having covered all the major cities, I think it’s time to travel a bit more southward and explore New Zealand. The only downside is the cost of travel but from your post, it looks like worthwhile saving for it. Thanks for the great post.
You are welcome and thank you for your comment.
We get a lot of Singaporeans visiting New Zealand, it really isn’t that much further than Australia.
We would love to see you down here.
Cheers
Mark
What a great post! I’m from the UK so I’ve never been to New Zealand but it is one of the bucket list things I would like to do. I must admit I’ve never heard of Rotorua but it sounds amazing and if I ever do go to New Zealand it would be a place I would like to visit. The Polynesian spa in particular sounds fantastic.
Well done for a great review on Rotorua.
Thank you Harjit for your comments. Yes, you must come, we have many visitors a year from the UK and all go home amazed and happy 🙂
Mark
New Zealand has never been on my list of countries that I would most like to visit, and I’m not sure why. It clearly has some beautiful and stunning places to see. Good site overall Mark.
Frank, how sad lol 🙂 .
New Zealand sure has a lot to offer and all within relatively close proximity.
Keep reading and hopefully one day we could entice you to come.
Mark
New Zealand always seemed like a wild untamed location with difficult terrain. I have only seen it on TV or in books or movies, so I suspect I am not getting an accurate picture. I can now see, from your description, that there are some unusual things that are unique to New Zealand, and some things that are common with where I come from (The Prairies in Canada, lots of farming).the Skyline and Luge might be too daunting for me, but I would love to take part in the Te Puia and the Polynesian Spa. The mineral pools are very inviting.
Judith, there is nothing better than soaking in the poly pools.
Yes there is a lot of exciting things to do in New Zealand, I am just off on tour to the south island and Queenstown, so that will give me fuel for another post.
Thank you for your comments.
Mark
Hello Mark,
Another good piece. Every time I visit your website, I start planning a vacation with New Zealand in mind. Your post shows a lot of promise and fun. Thanks.
Chris your most welcome, thank you for your comment and as I have said before we would love to have you here.
Mark
This sounds so fun! I might have to grab me a passport and head over to Rotorua haha! You gave some awesome information! My favorite was probably either the spa or the Skyline place. Thank you so very much for the info 🙂
Jillian, Yes you do need to go grab your passport and come see us here in New Zealand. You may like to also check out an Itinerary for your trip to New Zealand.
Thank you for your comments.
Mark
I’ve wanted to visit New Zealand for a while now. In march I was close by in Australia. I visited Sydney and Melbourne and had an incredible time. Thanks for writing this post and making me want to go right back and visit NZ now! I”ll have to wait until next year though. It’s a looooooong way from Texas! 🙂
Nice post!
Eric great to hear you visited Australia, another great country. My Daughter lives in Melbourne and I always love visiting there.
Next year we will look forward to hosting you here in New Zeland. Stay in touch and in the meantime have a look at this 2 week Itinerary.
Thank you for your comments.
Mark
Hello,,, great article about NZ. My hubby is from Rotorua and we have done everything you mentioned in this article except for the water duck. It’s really lovely and a very interesting place to visit. My hubby is friends with TAMAKI,,,, the owners of this village and we visited his one he had in Christchurch many years ago.
My hubby works for an NZ travel company here in Australia,,, he would find your website very interesting.
The Mud masks are lovely too, you can’t go there without buying a few of those packs. Love your site and looking forward to go back again soon.
Rose, thank you so much for your comments.
It’s always great to hear from those who have been here already. However I do have some sad news for you, Doug Tamaki, one of the Tamaki brothers passed a couple of months ago and we were all deeply sadned. I never did go to their Christchurch show but hear it was very good also.
Mark
Hello, Yes I know,,, very sad. Hubby has known Mike for a very long time and it was a shock to everyone. Very clever to create such a great experience 🙂