Is it Worth Visiting Rotorua?
Your questions answered…
If you’re planning your trip to New Zealand and wondering if Rotorua is worth a visit, you’ve come to the right place!
Rotorua was New Zealand’s first tourism destination. Visitors would travel from far and wide to see the geothermal wonders in the heart of the North Island, and the city became known for it’s warmth, both from the steaming hot pools, but also the warmth of the local guides and their hospitality – manaakitanga.
Today, people are still drawn to Rotorua for the wealth of otherworldly geothermal attractions, powerful cultural experiences, relaxing hot pools, and the area’s lakes, rivers and forest providing the playground for outdoor adventures.
We visit Rotorua daily, with our small group day tours from Auckland, and we can wholeheartedly say that yes, this place is worth a visit!
So read on for our top tips of the best things to do in Rotorua.
What’s the best geothermal area in Rotorua?
There are a number of geothermal attractions in Rotorua, all offering something a little different, so which is the best to visit? It depends what you’re looking for…
Wai-o-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland has the most spectacular colours, and a range of geothermal features. It is home to the Champagne Pool, this is the orange lined pool you’ve no doubt seen pictures of, and the Lady Knox geyser which erupts daily. Choose Wai-o-Tapu if you’re looking for iconic Rotorua photo opportunities.
Te Puia is home to the famous Pōhutu geyser which erupts up to 20 times a day It’s the best choice if you’re also looking to combine with a meal, a Māori cultural experience, or if you’d like to see the Māori Arts and Crafts Institute.
Waimangu Volcanic Valley is also worth a mention if you’ve got longer to spend in Rotorua. The valley was created by the eruption of Mt Tarawera. The full experience includes a lake cruise on the stunning Lake Rotomahana. Choose Waimangu if you’ve got time to explore, and are looking for an off the beaten path experience with fewer people.
Whakarewarewa Māori Village lies in the same geothermal valley as Te Puia, and is a living Maori village. Choose this if you’re looking for a less polished experience, and to combine geothermal trails with an insight into the everyday life for Māori people.
There’s also geothermal features in the city centre, at Kuirau Park and Sulphur Point on Lake Rotorua. These don’t have an admission fee an are worth a wonder if you’re staying in town.
What are the best hot pools in Rotorua?
You’re spoilt for choice of hot pools in Rotorua. You could stay for a week and visit a different spot each day, each with a unique vibe, so which one is best?
Secret Spot sits on the edge of Whakarewarewa Forest (the Redwoods), offering private cedar tubs with fresh water from a spring deep in the forest. Choose this for a forest-bathing experience, or to relax and refuel after a forest adventure.
Polynesian Spa is one of the original Rotorua attractions, sitting at the edge of Lake Rotorua, and using geothermal water from both the alkaline the Rachel and acidic Priest Spring. Choose this for a relaxed, traditional hot pool experience.
Waikite Valley Hotpools is out of town on the way to Taupo, with a more rural, rustic feel and a short walk to the source of the water, a boiling hot water spring. This is a great option those who want to get away from the main centres, and a great choice for families.
Wai-ariki Spa is the newest addition to the city. Their Restorative Journey is the one to choose for a more indulgent wellness experience rooted in Māori culture.
Hell’s Gate is on the way to Whakatane and the East Coast. This is the place to go if you’re looking for a mud bath experience.
What are the best adventure activities in Rotorua?
For adventure, it’s hard to look past Rotorua Canopy Tours zipline tours. These guys consistently rank as the Best of the Best on TripAdvisor. Partnering with Rotorua Canopy Tours is a no-brainer for Cheeky Kiwi. Along with the awesome reviews, their guides, like ours, really make the experience, and their restoration work in the native forest is perfectly aligned with our sustainability initiatives.
If you’re staying longer in town and have a taste for adventure, Rotorua Rafting also join us on Trip Advisor’s list of the Best Activities in New Zealand. They take you on an exhilarating whitewater journey on the Kaituna River near Okere Falls, including rafting a 7m waterfall!
The Luge at Skyline was invented in Rotorua, and is now an attraction all over the world. These gravity fueled carts are incredibly addictive, and the views up there are pretty special too.
Rotorua is well known world-wide for it’s mountain biking trails, and the network in the Whakarewarewa forest has everything from simple beginners trails right up to world-class downhill routes.
What’s the best way to get to Rotorua from Auckland?
You can travel by road, either self-drive, with a tour, or by bus, or you can fly from Auckland to Rotorua.
Joining a small group guided tour can be the best way to get the most out of the journey, with someone who knows the best places to stop, and can time your day to perfection. A small group allows you to get to know other travellers and your guide, get a better understanding of the landscapes you pass through and stories you won’t read in the guidebooks. A day tour is often very cost effective once you’ve considered vehicle rental, fuel and insurance costs.
Driving yourself offers the most flexibility, but without the local knowledge of a guide, you may miss some local gems along the way, and obviously need keep your eyes on the road, rather than the views. You can time the day and your stops to suit your group, but will need to plan around getting to your attraction bookings on time. For safety, it’s worth also considering driver fatigue. Unfamiliar roads, potentially on the opposite side of the road to what you’re used to, and especially if after recently arriving from a long-haul flight, can be taxing and unsafe.
A bus is normally cheapest, but takes longer, and there are no attractions along the way.
Air New Zealand also offers flights between Auckland and Rotorua, taking about 45 mins, but by the time you’ve factored in travel to and from the airports and waiting time, you’re looking at a similar time to driving.
How much time do I need in Rotorua? Can I see Rotorua in 1 day?
Yes, you can see some of the best things to do in Rotorua in one day.
Cheeky Kiwi’s Rotorua Highlights day tours from Auckland include a morning visit to Wai-o-Tapu geothermal park followed by lunch at Secret Spot Hot Tubs. Then you can choose an afternoon activity - relaxing in the hot pools, going for a forest adventure, or a cultural experience, before we regroup, see a few more sights and then return to Auckland.
We keep the group size small, and we’ll handle all the driving and planning to get you where you need to go. Our guides will ensure you get the most out of your day, and know a few secret stops along the way.
If you’ve got more time, consider booking a one-way tour to Rotorua from Auckland and extend your stay in Rotorua. Check out our 3 day Rotorua Itinerary from Auckland.
How far is Rotorua from Hobbiton? Can I see Hobbiton and Rotorua in a day?
Yes, you can do both in a day. The drive between Hobbiton Movie Set and Rotorua is just under an hour, making it a great option for a combined day tour from Auckland if you’re short on time.
If you’d like to explore more in Rotorua, you can visit Hobbiton on the way on a one-way tour, and then stay for a bit longer in Rotorua.
How far is Rotorua from Waitomo Caves? Can I see both in a day?
Yes, you can see Waitomo Caves and Rotorua in a day. Waitomo Caves is just under two hours drive from Rotorua. We offer Waitomo Caves and Rotorua as a day trip from Auckland or a one way tour from Auckland to Rotorua.
