Things To Do Rotorua

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Places To Visit In Rotorua

Lake Tarawera

Known as ‘Burnt Spear’, Lake Tarawera is one of the largest lakes in New Zealand. Before the volcanic eruption of Mt. Tarawera in the late 19th century, it was home to several Maori settlements and villages. The place spreads over some 39 square kilometres, has no entry fees and is scenic too. The lake is a product of the volcanic activity of the Tarawera Volcanic Zone and has a high sulphur content, giving it an exotic yellowish green hue. The lake also has natural hot springs due to its geothermal activity in some southern and northern shores regions, which an experienced local guide will guide you. It is intense, and the water stays there for over a decade. The place also has the iconic natural wonder, Pink and White Terraces. It has walking tracks chalked out to trail you through the geothermal spaces without getting dangerously close to the volcanic boundaries. Read More

Immersed in a cultural history like no other, the Maori Villages form an integral part of Rotorua, along with several different areas of New Zealand. The extraordinary practices, habits, and lifestyles of these tribes offer a refreshing experience to the tourists who wish to look closely into these people's lives. At present, the Maori Villages have become popular tourist spots which welcome people from all over the world to get a chance to spend some time with the tribes and interact with them for a short while. Several activities are held to help the tourists explore these villages and provide them excitement and tranquility. From excellent cultural performances to unique geographical structures to people who are tattoo experts, once you enter the Maori villages, you get to take a glance at a life that we are not used to seeing every day. There are primarily four Maori Villages at this point – Whakarewarewa, Mitai, Tamaki, and Te Puia. Whether paddling across Lake Rotorua or adeptly pulling out a hangi from the hot, steaming ground, the Maori Villages have something in store for all. Read More

Mitai Maori Village in Rotorua, New Zealand, is a way into the Maori culture with an evening of cultural events and historical highlights. From warriors in traditional attires on ancient canoes to the traditional Poi dance and dining on the delicious ‘Hangi’ lifted from the ground to the display of Maori art and history, the Mitai Maori Village Experience is an event to attend if you want to experience the beauty of Maori culture. Dipped in the cultural spell of the Maoris amongst traditional music, dance and food, evenings at the Mitai Maori village in Rotorua, New Zealand, are a delight to be present. A warm reception awaits the guests right from their place of staying. Upon reaching the village, the community lays down the rules and parameters they follow, along with selecting a ‘Chief’ from the visitor group. With this, the ceremony of Pohiri begins, which is to welcome the guests to the sacred Maori lands. Read More

In the middle of Lake Rotorua in New Zealand is the beautiful island of Mokoia, which stays uninhabited but has now become a popular tourist spot in the country. It is a sacred land of the Te Arawa tribe and presents the tourists with stunning views of the island, including bird watch and guided tours. This island is also a sanctuary for New Zealand’s endangered species ranging from birds to wildlife, and is dipped in stories of the locals and the history of the place to be uncovered. Wrapped in the heart of Lake Rotorua and amidst the beautiful flora and fauna of the country of New Zealand is the Island of Mokoia. This island is sacred to the Maori tribe and is known as the green jewel of Te Takiwa Wajariki. Along with wildlife, this land is also known for its legend and history and remains an uninhabited island at present. Mokoia Island is a sanctuary for the wild and is home to many endangered species of wildlife and birds of New Zealand. It is laced with geothermal springs near the shores, one of which is the famous Hinemoa’s Pool, where visitors can enjoy a hot dip. This island is owned by the local tribes and the Department of Conservation, which has taken charge of the island’s preservation for the generations to arrive. Read More

Motion Entertainment is a must-do for any tourist visiting the region of Rotorua with family and kids, an indoor gaming centre with a licensed bar and cafe of its own. The place guarantees an excellent time for its customers with a wide range of indoor activities and fun sports. The center also has a specially designed conference room to organize any private event or occasion for their customers with prior notice to the event team. There is no entry fee; you may choose to go in and out of place anytime you want, with charges applying to only the activities you opt for. You may choose from their unique combos of moves to make the most of your day and not miss out on something fun. There is a licensed bar cum restaurant called the Refuel Cafe and Bar to enjoy a fulfilling meal at the end of your gaming session or grab a small bite between them. Read More

Mount Ngongotaha is a volcanic dome located 757 metres above sea level. Rotorua city can be viewed from this scenic reserve. Mount Ngongotaha is an iconic peak for Ngāti Whakaue (Maori tribes), who believe it was once home to patupaiarehe (fairies), whose voices and flutes can be heard on the foot of the mountain on some days. Source Located just on the outskirts of Rotorua, this scenic reserve is known for its walking tracks and views. These walking tracks start from the Paradise Valley road. According to the Maori tribes, the fairies provided Ihenga (grandson of the great Pacific explorer Tamatekapu) with a calabash of water to quench his thirst. Ihenga later combined the words ngongo (to drink) and taha (a calabash), giving rise to the name Ngongotaha. Read More

Mount Tarawera is a famous attraction in Rotorua, New Zealand. It is an active volcano where some of the country’s most significant and destructive eruptions have occurred in the past — the notable ones being those that destroyed the Pink and White Terraces of Mount Tarawera. At present, the attraction is famous for hikes and a stunning view of Rotorua from the top of the mountain. Mount Tarawera was once recognised as the eighth wonder of the world until the eruption of June 1886, which resulted in significant destruction of the terrain and the death of 120 locals nearby. Thirty high-intensity earthquakes followed the most powerful quake. An explosion around 2:00 AM accompanied it on the 10th of June, 1886. The blast affected several villages located within a radius of 6 kilometres. Volcanic ash was also seen in locations as far as 800 kilometres away. Scientists believe that a massive eruption in the 14th century resulted in temperature changes around the world and is also considered a possible reason for the Great Famine that struck Europe around the same year. Adventure freaks who know the region can come together, form a small group and head to the Peak. Tourists can contact one of the tour companies for a safe, guided and informative tour of the mountain. Locals often head to Mount Tarawera over a weekend. This attraction is usually included in the list of places that families can explore together. Read More

There is something about taking trips to new places that contradicts itself. People often seek an escape from the hustle and bustle of their daily lives, to find a spot that will take them away from the grinding reality for a while. At the same time, however, they look for a place to distract them from the humdrum of their monotonous routine, the same old machine-like activities that take the majority of their days up. The hilly landscape of Rotorua makes it best suited for adventure activities like mountain biking. As you sit on the bike and rush past the lush trails, the fresh wind blowing in your face, you enter a world of fantasy, where you don’t have to work or take responsibilities; you have to keep your eyes on the destination and move forward. Being an international hotspot for mountain biking, Rotorua is laced with numerous bike trails built by experts, ranging from the beginner level to the most challenging expert level. Read More

Bundled amidst beautiful lakeside scenery and boiling water vents is the village of Ohinemutu in Rotorua, New Zealand. Once the central area for the region of Rotorua, this Maori village is home to the Ngati Whakaue tribe with a population of less than three hundred. An attraction site with historically magnificent highlights, the places to check out in Ohinemutu are the Tamatekapua meeting house and the St. Faith’s Church. On the shores of Lake Rotorua in Rotorua, New Zealand, is the beautiful Maori village of Ohinemutu, with a small population of fewer than three hundred people. This village is home to the Ngati Whakaue tribe and was chosen as a settlement by the tribesmen for its lovely setting and geothermal wonders. Here, the sacred Maori space of Tama-te-Kapua or Te Papaiouru Meeting House and the St. Faith’s Church, a symbol of unity between the Maori and British Culture, can be found. Read More

On the shores of Lake Rotoiti in North Island, New Zealand, is the little town of Okere Falls, well known amongst the rafters and kayakers for its rapid water flow. Ingrained with Maori history, beautiful lakesides and waterfalls, Okere Falls claims to have the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world, at 7 metres. Alongside the rafting experience, this place has a popular fishing spot – the Trout Pool. It is also home to the Okere Falls Store, which hosts the annual beer fest in October. Set on the shores of Lake Rotoiti and about 21 kilometres north of the city of Rotorua in New Zealand is the town of Okere Falls. A part of the Kaituna River, this little town is well known in the circle of kayakers and rafters for its high-frequency water flow, with the rapids and waterfalls here being a popular spot for adventure sports. Okere Falls has claimed that it has the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world at 7 metres. This attracts many rafting and kayaking lovers to pump up the adrenaline. If you plan to see the Tutea Cave, you should be careful while walking on the steps as they remain moist and slippery. Read More