Top Rotorua Motor Sports

Go on an adrenaline-filled rafting excursion down the Kaituna River on a half-day adventure tour from Rotorua. The river tumbles past a subtropical rainforest lining a deep canyon. Raft over Tutea Falls—a thrilling experience for first-time or experienced rafters. The tour operates in all seasons and there are several departure times daily so you can choose one that suits your schedule.

While in Rotorua, take a wild and wacky ride in an inflatable ZORB ball. Enjoy the thrill of rolling downhill inside an inflatable ball with water to make things more slippery and fun. After instructions from the knowledgeable team, experience the world’s longest zig-zag Sidewinder Track and the smooth-and-fast double Straight Track.

Ride along dirt tracks and trails on a 30-minute or 1-hour 4WD adventure in Rotorua, and experience New Zealand off-roading. You’ll explore rolling farmland and scenic native forests with an professional guide who will drive you to a viewpoint overlooking Lake Rotorua and Mokoia Island. This small-group 4WD tour is limited to five participants per buggy.

Experience the Rotorua Monster 4x4 Thrill Ride, an adventure inside an all-terrain vehicle, purpose-built with a roll cage. With an expert driver at the wheel, you’ll climb and descend nearly vertical slopes and tilt over to an angle guaranteed to get your heart racing. Safety briefing and gear are provided so you don’t need to worry about a thing.

Get a true adrenaline rush with this Rotorua karting and monster 4x4 experience. Based at New Zealand’s newest and longest kart sport circuit, take the wheel of a go-kart and race around the track, reaching speeds of nearly 100km per hour. Next, jump in a monster 4x4 as your professional driver takes you on an exhilarating journey through native forest.

Learn about vibrant Māori culture on this half-day experience in Mourea, Ngāti Pikiao. Discover the heart of Aotearoa, admire stunning views, and travel in a luxury 4WD on this guided tour. Start at the Rotorua Museum to gain historic context on the region. Travel to a local whenua with included hotel pickup and drop-off. Learn the stories of whānau and immerse yourself in the spiritual essence of this land, home to Māori for generations.

Located just five minutes from downtown Rotorua, the Whakarewarewa Forest features 100 miles (160 km) of twisting mountain bike trails. Book your bike hire for a half-day ride through this redwood terrain, considered one of the region’s top trail networks. You’ll find a variety of paths for all abilities on this self-guided bike tour.

Enjoy an adrenaline rush from this 4-wheel drive adventure and kart racing experience in Rotorua. First drive a Suzuki 4WD through native New Zealand forest, with a guide at your side to help you navigate. Then enjoy racing around New Zealand’s longest karting track in a kart that can reach speeds close to 100km per hour.

Enjoy the thrill of driving a 4-wheel drive through rugged New Zealand terrain with this experience. With a professional guide at your side, take the wheel and head though unique and challenging forest routes. Following this, get an adrenaline rush from riding in a massive monster 4x4, this time with your guide in the drivers’ seat.

Explore one of New Zealand’s finest forest trails on this 7-hour hiking tour in the Whirinaki Forest from Rotorua. Travel from your accommodation in Rotorua into the Whirinaki Forest, widely considered among the world’s greatest rainforests. Follow your guide along hiking trails beneath the leafy canopy and marvel at mighty native trees such as ‘kahikatea’, ‘matai’, ‘miro’, ‘rimu’ and ‘totara’. Along the way, discover rich flora and fauna for which the forest is famous, and hear birdsong from the many different species of birds flying among the branches above.