Places to Visit in Rotorua

The Rotorua region and its surrounds boast one of the most unique environments in the world. From the bushlands and forests, almost tropical in appearance, yet distinctly New Zealand, to the geothermal sites and volcanoes, this amazing area is rich in experiences so memorable, it is impossible not to return!

National parks, New Zealand’s longest river, stunning waterfalls and conservation reserves, this region has so many stimulating, entertaining, magical adventures waiting to entice and enchant any visitor.

Geothermal Areas

Rotorua is one of the world's most spectacular geothermal wonderlands. Located on the North Island's Volcanic Plateau, many geothermal sites are within easy reach of the city. Soak your feet in bubbling mud pools, experience massive geysers and spectacularly coloured volcanic landscapes, or relax in thermal hot springs. Find out more at our Geothermal Sites page.

National Parks

Containing some of New Zealand’s most treasured wilderness, our national parks offer tourists a glimpse into what makes New Zealand world renowned for its beauty, tranquillity and diverse natural landscapes.

Tongariro National Park
The world’s fourth oldest national park and home to three of the world’s most active volcanoes.

Te Urewera National Park
The largest national park in the North Island, one of the great forests of the world, a paradise for native bird life.

Conservation Reserves

New Zealand is one of the best countries in the world to experience how life might have been in prehistoric times. From the magnificent mountain ranges to the lush native forests, New Zealand is a nature lover’s paradise.

The Rotorua region is rich in ecological wonders. From the prehistoric wonderland of Orakei Korako, The Hidden Valley, to the major conservation project on extinct volcano Maungatautari, the central North Island’s volcanic plateau is an area devoted to the conservation and preservation of New Zealand’s abundant flora and fauna.

Kaharoa Conservation and Onaia Ecological Areas
An excellent glimpse at North Island birdlife and native forest at its most stunning.

Mokaihaha Ecological Area
A great track to appreciate the once vast and verdant forests that were prevalent in the Rotorua region.

Whakarewarewa Forest Conservation Park
A network of tracks through exceptionally stunning scenery that has made Rotorua famous for its mountain biking.

Maungatautari Ecological Island
A walk through the pest free enclosures provides a true glimpse into the New Zealand forests of old.

The Waikato River

Wending its way from the eastern slopes of Mount Ruapehu it flows through Lake Taupo then drains from there to tumble over rocks forming the awesome Huka Falls. It continues its meandering way across the Waikato plains to finally empty into the Tasman Sea 425 kilometres from its beginnings. The Waikato River is a major artery of life and culture winding through the heart of the North Island.

Maori for "Flowing Water", the mighty Waikato River is the longest waterway in New Zealand. Sacred to the Tainui Tribe, it has been a vital source of communication, trade and sustenance for centuries.

Renowned now for its jet-boating, white water rafting and kayaking, the mighty Waikato River is not to be under-estimated! There are plenty of activity providers in the vicinity that know their river and expertise is essential when navigating some parts of this super waterway.

Waterfalls

With its mountainous terrain, lush forests and variable weather, New Zealand’s waterfalls pour from the heart of an untamed wilderness. Many of New Zealand’s waterfalls are glacier fed or are mountain springs that tumble like runaway ribbon lace from rocky cliffs.

There are many wonderful geothermal waterfalls to see in Rotorua, the most astounding is the scorching waterfall, Kakahe, the largest hot waterfall in the Southern Hemisphere. Take a short scenic trip to Lake Taupo, a mere 45 minute drive, to view one of New Zealand’s most awesome river waterfalls, the Huka Falls. Or for a walk through native forest to a series of stunning waterfalls on a river of mystical dark green and frothing bridal white, then take a 20 minute drive to the Okere Falls track.

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