Sights & Activities
Unforgettable Sights
Thermal activity in Kuirau Park – be amazed by the unique geothermal features including shooting geysers, steaming hot springs, bubbling mud pools and delicate silica terraces.
Rotorua lakes – you’ll savour the sight of these sparkling lakes nestled amongst rolling hills, forest and farmland.
Adrenaline-rush
Zorbing – a unique adventure activity invented in New Zealand; laugh and scream as you roll down a hill inside a giant inflatable sphere (
www.zorb.com).
Mount Tarawera – take a thrilling helicopter ride to the top of a dormant volcano, and mountain bike down it if you dare! (
www.mt-tarawera.co.nz).
Relax & Indulge
Geothermal pools and mud treatments – soak away your cares in the soothing waters and experience a mud spa at Polynesian Spa (
www.polynesianspa.co.nz), or Hell’s Gate and Waiora Spa (
www.hellsgate.co.nz).
Maori cultural performance – experience New Zealand’s Maori culture at Te Puia, Tamaki Maori Village or Whakarewarewa – The Thermal Village.
Top picks
Culture
Take in a hangi and concert – sample traditional Maori foods cooked in an earth oven and enjoy cultural songs and dances.
Road Trip
The 90 km drive from Rotorua to Whakatane is one of the most scenically rewarding trips in the Central North Island.
Luxury
Helipro Helicopter Adventures – take an exclusive helicopter ride up the slopes of Mt Tarawera for a guided tour of the volcano (
www.helipro.co.nz).
Inexpensive or Free
Rotorua Museum – learn about the earth-shattering dramatic events that shaped this region (
www.rotoruamuseum.co.nz).
Great for Groups
Rotorua Duck Tours – you’ll have a blast on a sightseeing tour in an amphibious vehicle (
www.rotoruaducktours.co.nz).
Culinary Experience
Charles Royal – join this renowned New Zealand chef to sample foods made from indigenous herbs (
www.maorifood.com).
Exclusive Dining
Bistro 1284 – renowned for fine food such as crispy-skinned chicken with smoked mushroom sausages (www.bistro1284.co.nz).
Casual Dining
Seismic Gastrobar – Rotorua’s new feast for the senses opposite the Village Green on Rotorua’s lakefront (
www.seismicgastrobar.co.nz).
Café
Iconz Café – celebrate all things Kiwi with classic home-style New Zealand cuisine in a fun, unique environment (t. +64 7 349 2140).
Stylish Bar
Fuze Bar – relax with a drink or dance the night away (
www.fuzebar.co.nz).
Cosy Pub
Pig ‘n’ Whistle – stop in at this popular bar set in the old Rotorua police station for a a drink in an atmosphere of historical charm and style (
www.pigandwhistle.co.nz).
Shop or Gallery
The Jade Factory – purchase stunning Nephrite jade products in the form of jewellery or sculptures (
www.jadefactory.com).
