Rotorua Tours

Go on an adrenaline-filled rafting excursion down the Kaituna River during this 3-hour adventure tour from Rotorua. Here, white-water rapids flow past a subtropical rainforest lining a deep canyon. See stunning waterfalls, including rafting over Tutea Falls, and jump at the opportunity for exhilarating cliff diving. Tour operates winter and summer. Wetsuit, booties and helmet are provided. No experience necessary!

While in Rotorua, see a cultural performance and take part in a traditional Maori ‘hangi’ feast at Tamaki Maori Village. A local guide escorts you by coach to the ‘marae’ (Maori village) for an immersive evening that begins with a welcome ceremony by New Zealand's indigenous people. Learn about local customs and watch a powerful display of song and dance before a hangi dinner.

Spend a few hours experiencing the wonders of Rotorua’s most unique geothermal reserve at Hell’s Gate. Take part in the guided or self-guided interactive geothermal walk, before trying your hand at Maori carving in the interactive carving house. Then indulge in our geothermal mud and sulphur waters, experiencing the healing properties local Maori have been using for centuries. It’s a Rotorua experience you’ll never forget. Complimentary guided tours depart daily, please see Hell's Gate website for latest departure times.

Even on the cloudiest night, the New Zealand glowworm lights up the darkness in a lucky few spots across the country. This short evening bush-walk departing from Rotorua involves a short drive, a walk through picturesque native bush and the chance to see these increasingly rare creatures. Tack this tour onto the end of a thrilling day in Rotorua instead of hiring a car for an almost two-hour drive west to visit the exceedingly popular Waitomo Caves. This is one of the easiest ways to experience Aotearoa’s unique glowworm habitats.

Treat yourself to a 1-hour therapeutic mud bath and sulfur spa package at Hells Gate Geothermal Park. Located in one of Rotorua’s most active geothermal zones, Hells Gate features mud bath treatments that leave your body rejuvenated and skin smooth. Have the option to cool off with a dip in waterfall pools after your treatment, and enjoy the ease of round-trip hotel transfers.

Have fun with your friends or family at the only 3D trick art gallery on New Zealand’s North Island. Explore the more than 50 trick artworks, many of which you can jump into to take convincing, lifelike photos. The gallery is conveniently located in the heart of Rotorua, so you can combine a visit with other must-see attractions and activities. This is a fun and handy activity for an exciting morning or afternoon.

Active travelers who want to experience a combination of Rotorua’s best attractions will love this kayaking tour. While paddling a kayak around the beautiful shores of Lake Rotoiti, you’ll also get the chance to stop and bathe in natural outdoor hot springs. These are not a commonly known tourist attraction, and don’t get the same crowds as hot springs in central Rotorua. As numbers are limited to six on this tour, you can enjoy a peaceful wilderness-like experience.

Secret Spot Hot Tubs is a stone’s throw from Rotorua, hidden away in the Waipa Valley, in the heart of New Zealand’s mountain biking mecca. If you are local or a visitor to our patch of paradise, come discover your own secret spot here after your day’s adventures. You’ll find a place with great atmosphere, where you get a friendly welcome and everything is freshly created, from the new cedar reception and changing area, to the tubs, to the beer! The western red cedar handcrafted hot tubs have a lovely woody smell and naturally infuse the waters with cedar oil. The 6-foot wide tubs are great to fit your mates and family into (easily 4 people or up to 6 close friends or family), or have a nice big hot tub for just the two of you. We have twelve lovely hot tubs, so can easily accommodate any sized group.

Get an authentic introduction to Maori culture with an evening at the Mitai Maori Village of Rotorua. See warriors in traditional dress paddle in an ancient canoe, and be captivated by the displays of weaponry. You'll watch 'haka' and poi dances and view glowworms in their natural habitat. This 3-hour experience includes round-trip hotel transport and a traditional 'hangi' feast with your admission ticket.

Visit Waitomo Glowworm Caves and the Hobbiton Movie Set on a full-day tour from Rotorua that can be customized to your interests. Choose a walking tour of the glowworm caves, enjoy independent time in Waitomo, or splash through the caverns on an adventurous rafting or caving tour. Next, head to the Hobbiton Movie Set to explore hobbit holes and sip a hobbit-themed brew at the Green Dragon Inn. This full-day tour includes pickup at selected locations in Rotorua, with drop-off in Rotorua or Auckland.

Experience two of New Zealand's top attractions in one day. Travel on a small-group tour from Rotorua to Waitomo Glowworm Caves where an official guide explains the natural features. Then explore the Shire at the Hobbiton Movie Set, and hear behind-the-scenes stories from “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” trilogies. Visit Bilbo’s hobbit hole and enjoy a drink at the Green Dragon Inn.

This Rotorua zipline tour takes you soaring through a centuries-old forest canopy as you switch between the six zipline cables suspended 72 feet (22 meters) above the ground. Get a bird’s-eye view as two expert guides suit you up with safety equipment and teach you about the forest environment. Bonus: you can later download photos taken of you during your treetops adventure. Round-trip hotel transport is included on this small-group tour, limited to 10 people.

This Kaituna River rafting adventure in the Okere Falls Scenic Reserve promises plenty of thrills! With an expert guide at the helm, you’ll paddle through Class 5 white-water rapids of the Kaituna River, including an awesome 21-foot (7-meter) drop down Tutea Falls, the worlds highest commercially rafted waterfall. Accessible to adventurous beginners, this 3-hour tour includes a safety briefing with paddling instruction, all necessary equipment and round-trip hotel transport from Rotorua.

Discover New Zealand’s geothermal hotspots on a day trip from Rotorua to Lake Taupo, stopping to explore one of two remarkable destinations. Select Orakei Korako to see terraced pools of steaming water, or opt for Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland’s otherworldly colors. Limited to 11 people for more personal service, this day trip includes pickup and drop-off at centrally-located hotels, as well as entrance fees at the geothermal site.

Spend a magical evening kayaking on Lake Rotoiti, where you visit glowworm caves and have plenty of time to soak in natural hot springs before a barbecue picnic dinner. Paddle with an expert guide into lakeside caves only accessed by boat to see glowworms and crayfish, then revel in the sunset reflected on the tranquil waters. Instruction, equipment and round-trip hotel transport from Rotorua are all included.

Visitors get to explore spectacular nature at New Zealand’s most colourful volcanic area, which has been thousands of years in the making. Visitors will be picked up from Rotorua and transported to Wai-o-tapu Thermal Wonderland. En-route the driver guide will share insights in the region and wonderland. Guests will get to experience the daily eruption of the Lady Knox Geyser. The driver-guide will accompany visitors through VIP ticketing and then visitors will be able to walk at their own pace (unguided) past the unique volcanic features which include the Champagne Pool, hot springs, bubbling mud, steaming ground and huge volcanic craters. Then off to Waimangu Volcanic Valley, guests will be accompanied through VIP ticketing and then will be able to walk at their own pace (unguided) and enjoy views of mysterious and beautiful Inferno Crater, the unique valley and home of the Frying Pan Lake, one of the largest hot water springs in the World.

Discover Rotorua on a 1.5-hour duck tour. This sightseeing adventure takes you aboard a World War II amphibious vehicle — able to travel on land and water. Start with a city tour past Government Gardens, the Blue Baths and more before splashing down into Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake) and Lake Okareka. Enjoy family fun along the way with a provided duck caller, and listen to live commentary about Rotorua’s history and local landmarks.

Experience the majesty of Mt Tarawera and gain insight into New Zealand’s rich geology on this 4-hour hike from Rotorua. Travel by off-road 4x4 vehicle into the North Island wilderness with a guide. Follow winding hiking trails from the base of Mt Tarawera up to the crater’s edge, and learn all about the mighty volcano’s 1886 eruption. From your vantage point near the crater, admire panoramic views over the geothermal valley of Waimangu. This exciting hiking tour is suited to adventurers of all ages.

Soar through the trees and experience New Zealand’s ancient native forest like never before on this incredible must-do adventure – Voted TripAdvisor’s #11 Adventure Experience in the world! You'll soar across 1200m of ziplines, experience New Zealand’s one and only cliff walk 50m above the forest floor, incredible swing bridges, controlled descent and an impressive 400m long tandem zipline so you can share the experience of our longest zipline together!

Experience the must-see geothermal wonders of Rotorua at the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland. This convenient tour is fully customizable, and you can add on a number of other interesting natural and cultural attractions, such as other geothermal sites, the Hobbiton movie set, a Maori cultural village, or waterfalls. Make the most of your time in the Rotorua area by mixing and matching the best options for you.

Hover above Mt Tarawera on a helicopter tour with a landing that includes a short, guided exploration of the volcanic terrain on foot. View the geothermal landscape of crater lakes and domes from the air, then get up close to the volcanic scenery as you learn about its geologic history from your guide. Soar above the Northern Lakes district as you take off from Rotorua.

This action-packed Rotorua tour will give you access to incredible outdoor beauty, teach you about Maori culture, and allow you to taste a delicious Hangi feast too. By going on a guided 4WD tour—you’ll be able to visit remote places you wouldn’t discover alone and spot native wildlife. Conveniently, all entrance tickets are included, and you’ll enjoy Maori performances at Maori Village. When you’ve worked up an appetite, you’ll be treated to a delicious Hangi feast served from a buffet.

Combine the top sights of Rotorua and Te Puia in a single comprehensive day tour from Auckland. Traveling with a guide and following a carefully curated itinerary means you won't miss any of the important sights. Visit the Maori cultural landmarks and geothermal spots of Te Puia, as well as the city sights in Rotorua, accompanied by insightful guided commentary. Round-trip transportation from Auckland means you can focus on the scenery and the experience instead of driving and directions.

Make the most of your trip from Rotorua to Auckland with a tour of Waitomo Glowworm Caves, a fascinating network of flooded caverns lit by bioluminescent glowworms. You’ll travel by comfortable minibus from your hotel in Rotorua to your centrally-located Auckland hotel, pausing in Waitomo for a boat tour of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. This 6-hour tour includes all transport and entrance fees, and it’s limited to 15 people for a more personal experience.