Top Rotorua Nature and Wildlife Tours

Explore the picturesque countryside of Rotorua on a guided one-hour horse trek, where rolling hills meet breathtaking views of Lake Rotorua. This experience is ideal for riders of all levels, as each horse is carefully matched to your skill. Your local guide will share insights about the stunning landscape and wildlife as you ride at a relaxed pace through serene trails. Enjoy the tranquility of the foothills of Mt Ngongotaha while creating unforgettable memories in the great outdoors.

Explore the well-marked paths of Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland with this admission ticket that grants you all-day access to one of New Zealand’s most popular geothermal parks, just outside Rotorua. Stroll past gurgling mud pools, volcanic craters, and steaming lakes at your own pace. Consult your complimentary map to learn about the area’s volcanic activity, and view informative displays along the trails and at the visitor center.

Gain entry to the National Kiwi Hatchery in Rotorua with this guided tour and ticket combo. Learn about New Zealand's renowned conservation program as you take a tour of the hatchery which has successfully hatched over 2,600 kiwi chicks. After a guided experience, explore the interactive kiwi burrow where you can see the life cycle of a kiwi from egg to burrow. Children under 5 years old cannot participate in this experience.

If there's one thing people associate with New Zealand, it’s sheep, so make your trip to Rotorua complete with a visit to the Agrodome. Interact with the wooly animals during and educational and family-friendly farm tour experience that includes sheep-shearing, wool-spinning, and sheep dog demonstrations.

Discover Rotorua from a different angle on a fun “duck” tour. This sightseeing adventure takes you aboard an authentic World War II-era amphibious vehicle, able to travel on land and water. Start with a city tour before splashing down into a couple of Rotorua’s many scenic lakes. Listen to live commentary about Rotorua’s history and local landmarks along the way. A family-friendly tour that everyone will enjoy.

Enter a world of bubbling mud and powerful geysers with admission to Hell's Gate geothermal park in Rotorua. Once you’re inside the gates, follow a self-guided walkway through this active geothermal field, pausing to explore interactive exhibits along the way and listen to the native birdsong, or take one of the free guided tours, which depart regularly.

The ultimate Redwoods experience - Altitude + Nightlights Fast Pass + daytime Treewalk + Glowworms (Treewalk and Glowworm entries can be used within 3 days of your Altitude tour).

Adventurous travelers will love this glowworm-spotting tour with a difference. As the sun gets lower in the sky, paddle in a kayak on Lake Karapiro and along the Pokaiwhenua Stream. You’ll see beautiful native plants and bird life, and rock formations that have been naturally carved over centuries. Once the light disappears, you’ll see thousands of glowworms lighting your way. This tour is a fun way to experience some of New Zealand’s best natural attractions.

Treat yourself to a relaxing spa experience at adults-only Lake Rotorua hot pools, where pre-booking admission gets you access to acidic and alkaline pools, a reflexology walk, and a hot pool with views across the lake. It’s a serene and soothing alternative to the all-ages Rotorua spas, and includes plenty of spa time to ensure you never feel rushed.

Redwoods Altitude is designed to showcase even more of the spectacular Redwoods Forest. From 25 metres up, you will be guided on an exhilarating journey along 25 Indiana Jones style jungle bridges! Using a continuous safety system, our professional guides will lead you around the 650 metre loop, ensuring your safety and comfort. Join us as we share local knowledge and stories about the Redwood Forest history, native flora and fauna and Māori legends. Please allow 2-hours for the entire Altitude experience. Plus, entry to our new Redwoods Altitude eco-cave.

See the awe-inspiring Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland on a half-day tour, led by a knowledgeable guide. Follow a well-marked path alongside bubbling hot springs and volcanic craters at Rotorua’s most comprehensive geothermal site. Be amazed by the daily eruption of the Lady Knox Geyser, then take a tour around Waimangu Volcanic Valley, a young geothermal ecosystem.

Soar through the trees and experience New Zealand’s ancient native forest like never before on an incredible must-do adventure. You'll soar along several ziplines, experience New Zealand’s one-and-only volcanic cliff walk above the forest floor, incredible swing bridges, controlled descent, and an impressive tandem zipline so you can share the experience with a friend or partner.

Hop on a free shuttle bus and explore the natural wonders of Waimangu Volcanic Valley at your own pace on this self-guided tour. Combine the experience with a chance to get up close to Lake Rotomahana’s towering geysers and steaming cliffs with a boat cruise across waters infused with geothermal energy.

Learn more about Rotorua’s culture and natural history when you visit the Hell’s Gate geothermal park. Simplify your visit by pre-purchasing your entry ticket. Take advantage of the included guided tours, which includes a self-guided option if you’d prefer to go at your own pace. Try Maori carving in the carving house and soak in the geothermal waters, if you like.

Slip into steaming water and cold pools at the Rotorua Deluxe Lake Spa, where pre-booked admission gets you access to premium changing rooms, an indoor lounge, mineral pools, and heated poolside recliners. The all-ages facility is a family-friendly alternative to Lake Rotorua’s adults-only options, and with four hours of spa time, you won't feel rushed as you relax, soak, and pamper sore traveling muscles.

Discover the geothermal wonders of New Zealand's North Island on this full-day guided tour. Starting from Rotorua Central, traverse through lush forestry and farmland to reach the stunning Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland. Experience the spectacular eruption of the Lady Knox geyser and explore vibrant hot springs and bubbling mud pools. Continue to Waimangu Volcanic Valley, where you’ll learn about the dramatic landscape shaped by the Mt Tarawera eruption. Enjoy a scenic boat trip on Lake Rotomahana, taking in breathtaking views of steaming cliffs and geysers. - Full-day guided tour from Rotorua Central to geothermal sites - Explore Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland and witness Lady Knox geyser - Visit Waimangu Volcanic Valley with insights into volcanic history - Scenic boat trip on Lake Rotomahana included

Travel along scenic railway lines in a self-drive rail car, offering a unique perspective of Rotorua’s breathtaking landscapes, 1000 year old virgin native forests, rolling farmland and views over Lake Rotorua. With space for up to four passengers, these petrol-electric rail cars provide comfortable seating and clear views through waterproof sides, allowing you to savor the sights as you cruise at a leisurely 20km/h. Listen to the audio tour and delve into the rich history of New Zealand’s railways while enjoying stunning views of Lake Rotorua and Mount Tarawera. This innovative experience is perfect for families and adventurers alike, making it a must-do when in Rotorua.

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.

Tour Highlights: Begin and end your journey - iSite Rotorua tourists visitor center, 1167, Fenton Street, Rotorua. Explore the bubbling Wai-O-Tapu Mud Pool the head to Lady Knox Geyser and watch its thrilling eruption at 10:15am Next, stroll through the Wai-o-Tapu geothermal wonderland Known for its vibrant, otherworldly landscapes, it features bubbling mud pools, steaming fumaroles, and colorful hot springs such as the iconic Champagne Pool. Kindly finish the walk on or before 12:30pm, and return to the pickup point.

Get out of your comfort zone on this challenging bush safari outside Rotorua. This self-drive experience by 4-passenger 4WD vehicle takes you over steep climbs and descents, with guided instruction via 2-way radio as you navigate waterfalls, lunges, and tunnels. Safety briefing and equipment are provided so you can tackle the off-road trails confidently. This is a fun, family-friendly activity.

Get an authentic introduction to Māori culture the way few tourists do, with an evening at the Mitai Māori Village in Rotorua. See men in traditional dress paddle down the river in a waka (canoe) and be captivated by the displays of weaponry. Watch a haka war dance and poi performance, and spot glowworms in their natural habitat. This evening experience includes round-trip hotel transport and a traditional buffet hangi feast, so you don't have to worry about a thing.

While in Rotorua, the North Island’s heartland of traditional culture, attend an evening event at Te Pā Tū featuring a Māori cultural performance and a 3-course seasonal fusion feast. Learn about Māori customs tied to the lunar calendar while enjoying song, drama, and tradition in a forest village setting. Hotel pickup and return transfers from Rotorua are included for convenience.

Explore the mysterious geothermal landscape of Rotorua with this self-guided tour. After gaining access to the geothermal site, follow the well-marked trails to see colorful steaming lakes, thermal pools, geysers and more. As you wander, enjoy being immersed in native forest, with the chance to also see edible plants. This is a wonderful way to explore the fascinating geothermal world of Rotorua.