Fun Things to Do in Rotorua, New Zealand

The hardest thing about listing the best fun things to do in Rotorua is deciding what to leave out. There is simply so much to experience, see, and do that you’ll want to come back again and again, whether you’re after things to do in Rotorua with kids, a romantic weekend for two, or an adrenaline hit with the adults.

We’ve put our own backyard adventure, white-water rafting the Kaituna River, first on this list, because it’s the experience most visitors rave about. Then we’ve rounded up four more brilliant things to do in Rotorua for families, couples and thrill-seekers alike, so you can build out the rest of your trip. Here’s our pick of the top 5 things to do in Rotorua, starting with the one we know best.

1. White-Water Rafting the Kaituna River

When it comes to things to do in Rotorua, white-water rafting the awesome Kaituna River tops the list for most people. It’s a grade-5 river, but it’s most famous among white-water rafting enthusiasts for having the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world. When you raft the Kaituna River, you’ll go down the seven-metre Tutea Falls in addition to multiple high-speed rapids, all in warm water through a genuinely beautiful canyon. You can also try another rafting experience: the grade-5 Wairoa River. Heck, you should try them both; you won’t be disappointed. 

It’s one of the more unusual things to do in Rotorua, and it’s backed by serious safety credentials. Kaituna Cascades is independently audited under the Adventure Mark scheme and gold Qualmark endorsed, so the fun is always paired with proper safety systems and guide expertise. We’re proud to run it sustainably too, from trapping predators and planting natives along the river to tracking our landfill diversion and emissions. 

Fancy pairing it with something else? Add on a soak at Hell’s Gate’s geothermal mud baths for a classic Rotorua combo.

2. Soak Up Rotorua’s Geothermal Wonders

Geothermal attractions are another mainstay on every top-things-to-do in Rotorua list, thanks to its volcanic landscape. Try the mud baths at Hell’s Gate and the champagne pools at Wai-O-Tapu, or wander Kuirau Park, where you can see bubbling mud and steam right in town. It’s a relaxed, scenic pick if you’re after things to do in Rotorua for couples, or easy things to do in Rotorua this weekend without lacing up a pair of hiking boots.

3. Explore Ancient Glowworm Caves

Head into one of Rotorua’s fantastic and ancient caves, where it really is a venture into the unknown. Many organised trips go by paddleboard, making the experience even more unique, and in several of the caves you’ll see the stunning sight of glow worms. It’s a genuinely cool thing to do in Rotorua if you’re after something a bit different from the usual tourist trail.

4. Hike or Bike Through Native Forest

Hiking is one of the most-loved things to do in NZ, and if it’s your thing, you’ll be spoilt for choice in Rotorua. Even if you’re not usually a hiker, get your walking boots on anyway — there’s so much to see on foot, with several beautiful forests to explore whether you want a guided tour or to go it alone, and options for every ability. 

Try hiking up Rainbow Mountain, as the views from the top are utterly spectacular, and the Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest is special too. Prefer two wheels? There are 140km of purpose-built mountain bike tracks through native forest to explore, making this one of the more popular things to do in Rotorua for adults wanting to get outdoors.

5. Discover Rotorua’s Culture, Wildlife and Local Flavour

Round out your trip with a few more of our favourite family things to do in Rotorua: eat your way through the Rotorua night market, visit the Māori village of Ohinemutu, and see the stunning birds of prey at Wingspan, New Zealand’s National Bird of Prey Centre. Fish for rainbow and brown trout on one of the 14 fishable lakes in the area, or play golf at one of our fantastic courses, or mini-golf with the kids. 

Craving more hot water? There are also private and public natural hot springs throughout the area, including Kerosene Creek, Hot & Cold, Hamurana Spring and Te Manaroa in the Waikite Valley, plus off-road adventures through remote, stunning terrain for something a little more unusual. 

Visit Rotorua Today!

Didn’t we tell you it would be hard to narrow down the best things to do in Rotorua, New Zealand? Whatever you’re planning, a family weekend away or a bucket-list trip with mates, start with the big one: book your white-water rafting trip with the original Kaituna crew, and build the rest of your Rotorua itinerary around it. You’d better get started sooner rather than later!