New Zealand · ROTORUA TOURS
Geothermal parks, a Māori cultural programme with real depth, and the country’s best rafting all inside twenty minutes. These 15 sort out which geothermal park is worth the entry and which evening to book first, from $28.
Fly through Rotorua native forest canopy on a 2.5-hour zipline tour, with small groups, wet-weather gear, and free digital photos.
“This was so much fun. Josh and Dylan were our guides - very informative, funny and entertaining. Patient with us and very accommodating. Highly recommend this fun day out!”
Mitai Maori Village Rotorua: canoe paddles, haka, ta moko, sacred spring and a 3-hour hangi buffet with dessert for $101 pp.
“A wonderful and thought provoking experience. The MC took us through how the mighty Māori culture and how it evolved over the centuries to modern day. Loved the warriors and women, the canoe, dances and warrior threats and weapons. Delicious food and a fantastic evening thanks to the special people of Aotearoa”
Full-day Wai-O-Tapu entry near Rotorua, including Lady Knox Geyser around 10:30am, plus self-guided geothermal walks.
“What a fantastic place to visit. really enjoyed the experience. Easy to book on the app, overall we highly recommend a visit.”
Six ziplines, a 400m tandem run, and a volcanic cliff walk in Rotorua’s ancient forest, with gear, shuttle, and free photos.
“Being on the zip line for the first time. The guides were very knowledgeable and nice people. Great experience overall.”
Kaituna River rafting to Tutea Falls plus a free sauna from Rotorua. Grade 5 rapids, gear included, about 2.5 hours.
“Me and my partner (who can't swim) decided to to take the plunge (pun intended) and it was something we will never forget! We couldn't wipe the smiles of our faces. The guides were fun, experienced and true rafting professionals. We never once felt uneasy and were felt safe in their hands. A MUST DO!”
Te Pā Tū in Rotorua pairs a powhiri welcome and Māori song and dance with a 3-course seasonal fusion feast.
“The food was delicious and the songs the tribe sang in at least 15 different languages were very impressive! Highly recommend visiting.”
Mitai Maori Village in Rotorua: bush walk for glowworms, waka canoe, haka and poi, plus a hangi buffet and pickup.
“Good shows and very informative. Funny and very family friendly. Food is amazing and dessert amazing”
Thrilling Kaituna River rafting near Rotorua with 14 rapids and world-famous Tutea Falls, plus Māori culture and convenient door-to-door transport.
“This was the most fun rafting I’ve ever had!! My guides were so awesome (Nixie and Ben) and it was such a good time and very thrilling. Felt very safe during the entire ride. Highly recommend this experience if near Rotorua!”
A 3.5-hour Māori cultural night at Te Pā Tū in Rotorua, with forest performances and a 4-course fusion feast, plus pickup.
“A deeply moving and unforgettable cultural experience This evening was absolutely incredible — a true highlight of our journey in New Zealand. The Māori culture shared with us was powerful, authentic, and beautifully presented. We felt genuinely welcomed by a warm and generous host family. The forest setting was magical, and the ceremony created an atmosphere of deep respect and connection. The food was delicious — every course was thoughtfully prepared and full of flavor, and the experience as a whole was so well-orchestrated. It was a meaningful cultural immersion that left us both inspired and grateful. Highly recommended to anyone visiting Rotorua who wants to feel something real, not…”
Hell’s Gate combo in Rotorua: geothermal walk plus mud bath, sulfur spa, Māori carving, and a cool plunge pool. 3 hours, map included.
“Had a great time here! You can do the geothermal walk first. We skipped the guided tour and explored ourselves by the time we got back the guided tour had been on for 20mins but only at the fist sign post so make sure you have plenty of time if you want to do that! Mud baths were amazing and felt quite private plus the mud helped get rid of most blackheads on my nose! 20 mins doesn’t seem like much but once you are in it’s the perfect amount of time!”
Rotorua to Hobbiton by coach for a guided set walk, skip-the-line entry, and a festive buffet lunch in the Shire.
“It was wonderful! Our tour guide was very kind and shared lots of interesting details about the surroundings and Hobbiton.”
Kaituna white-water rafting from Rotorua with pickup, wetsuits, 14 rapids and Tutea Falls, plus pro photos from Kaitiaki Adventures.
“A thrill a minute. The guides make something that could be very dangerous almost completely safe. The big waterfall is white knuckle and the highlight of the experience. There are a few different companies but I would recommend Kaitiaki.”
Guided glow-worm night walk near Rotorua with small group, return hotel pickup, a 2 km trail, and glowworms on the forest walls.
“Stephen was very knowledgeable of the area and entertaining. He showed us much more than glo-worms. He took some great photos and had them delivered to our email by the time we woke up in the morning. Served us hot chocolate and a cookie at the end of the tour.”
Rotorua National Kiwi Hatchery Kiwi Encounter tour. See eggs and chicks, nocturnal kiwi, and conservation work in one hour for $44.
“Learning about kiwi evolution and development. So great to see the ecological work they’re doing there.”
Ride a WWII duck across Rotorua lakes Tikitapu and Okareka, with live city stories, views of Mt Tarawera, and easy 1.5-hour timing.
“We thoroughly enjoyed this experience and along the way we learnt a lot about the history and geology of the region as well as the provenance of the Duk.”
From the fiords to the geothermal belt, sorted by what you want to do with the day.
