Summers in Rotorua are pleasantly warm which means you can enjoy doing any activity you want. What about the winters, though? What are the best winter activities to enjoy in Rotorua?
Just as in the rest of New Zealand, winter in Rotorua runs from June to August. You can expect temperatures during these months to be in the range of 9°C to 16°C.
In addition, there is more rain in the winter than in other months, but only slightly more. Wind shouldn’t be too much of a hassle either as Rotorua is inland so is relatively well sheltered, particularly compared to coastal areas.
So, that’s the stage set for winters in Rotorua. If you are planning on visiting during the winter months, what can you do? Here are our top picks.
Don’t let the winter months put you off booking a white-water rafting adventure. The Kaituna River is suitable for white water rafting at any time of the year. We provide you with a wet suits, fleece tops, and splash jackets to keep you nice and warm in winter! Whether it is winter, summer, autumn, or spring, the seven-metre Tutea waterfall is waiting for you.
If you are into mountain biking, head to the Whakarewarewa Forest where you will find 100 km of trails that you can ride at any time of the year. The scenery is stunning and there are trails to suit all ability levels. You could spend days here without riding the same trail twice! Mountain bike hire starts at just $35 for two hours at Planet Bike!
One of the most famous attractions of Rotorua is our hot pools. They are all natural and are a relaxing and refreshing experience. Plus, you can enjoy them whatever the weather. Hells Gate is one hot pool location you should check out.
The Buried Village is a fantastic museum in Rotorua that tells the story of what life was like for early settlers to this part of the country. The way of life for those settlers changed forever in 1886 when Mt Tarawera erupted causing devastation.
Outside the museum, you can visit archaeological sites as well as enjoying the natural scenery.
Kuirau Park offers a number of enjoyable walking tracks where you can enjoy Rotorua’s natural environment. Along the way, you will encounter steaming lakes and geothermal vents. The best part is it’s free!
There is something for everyone during the winter months in Rotorua. So much so you’ll have just as good a time as when visiting at other times of the year.
This was a great couple bonding experience that took us both to the edge of our comfort zones. Could not speak highly enough of the professionalism of the guiding team - yet making the whole experience one of such fun.
MY FAVOURITE EXPERIENCE IN NZ SO FAR. TOOK THE 9AM TOUR TODAY AND ALREADY CAN'T WAIT TO COME BACK. THE RAFTING WAS SO MUCH FUN AND THE TOUR GUIDES ARE HILARIOUS. NEVER FELT IN ANY DANGER JUST ENJOYED THE RIDE! WOULD RECOMMEND TO ANYBODY. I WENT AS A SOLO TRAVELLER AND IT WAS STILL REALLY ENJOYABLE.
Brilliant! We had heaps of fun. Guides were friendly and made us feel safe and comfortable. Highly recommended to all!
Fantastic outfit. The crew were cheeky as but super professional. We felt safe throughout the entire experience. 11/10 and a big shoutout to Rob for being a GC.
White water rafting at its best. Wonderful guides. A must do when in or around Rotorua. Felt safe, but had the best time.
Great experience! Made me feel safe when I was scared!! You the m san Owen! So glad I did it. It is beautiful!
The guide, Sam, went out of his way to make the trip as fun and exciting as possible. The whole team were friendly and inclusive.
Cole was a really good guide, talked us through everything and had a good laugh. The water was nice, not cold at all. They provide wetsuits, footwear, helmets, life jackets and polo fleeces. Worth the money and would do it again. Recommend going in a group so that you can split the cost of photos.
Unbelievable experience rafting the 7m waterfall this morning! Even more fun when the boat flipped!! Highly recommend! Great fun and great instructors!! Shout out to Pete From the Irish girls.
© 2025 | Kaituna Cascades | All Rights reserved | Designed by 
