Top Rotorua Sightseeing Tours

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.

Travelers in Rotorua don’t need to travel all the way to Waitomo to see twinkling glow-worms: there are groves in forests near the city, but you have to know where to look. Take an evening bush walk to see these increasingly rare creatures, and avoid getting lost as your guide leads the way. The evening timing means you can easily fit the tour into other daytime activities in and around Rotorua.

Gain entry to the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute at Te Puia on a guided tour of this geothermal hot spot. Take a walking path up to steaming vents, boiling mud pools and erupting Pohutu Geyser at Te Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley; observe the emblematic kiwi bird; and discover Maori traditions at the cultural center. Upgrade to include a cultural performance of Maori song and dance, including the warlike ‘haka.’ Showtimes are available several times a day during admittance.

Ride in your own self-drive RailCruiser through Rotorua’s hidden forest — a gentle adventure on a historic railway line brought back to life.” Travel along scenic railway tracks 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.

After exploring Rotorua’s volcanic attractions, hover above Mt. Tarawera for a different perspective on a helicopter tour. Soar above the Northern Lakes district as you take off from Rotorua. View the geothermal landscape of crater lakes and domes from the air and learn about geologic history from your guide. Land for a short, guided exploration of the volcanic terrain on foot.

Treat yourself to a therapeutic mud bath and sulfur spa package at Hells Gate Geothermal Park. Located in one of Rotorua’s most active geothermal zones, Hells Gate features mud bath treatments that leave your body rejuvenated and skin smooth. You also have the option to cool off with a dip in waterfall pools after your treatment.

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.

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.

See the central North Island from an angle that many travelers miss as you soar above the otherworldly volcanic landscapes of Mt. Tarawera on a seaplane flight from Rotorua. Your pilot–guide navigates over the Steaming Cliffs and Waimangu Volcanic Valley, then returns via the Blue and Green Lakes and the bubbling geysers of Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve. Experience the thrill of a water take-off and landing on Lake Rotorua.

Rotorua’s volcanic history has created a landscape of lakes, hot springs, and waterfalls. See some of the most spectacular on this half-day tour, traveling in a small group with a knowledgeable guide. Exercise your legs with a bushwalk, watch springs bubble, and learn about the natural processes that have shaped this land of fire and water.

Soar through a 1,000-year-old native New Zealand forest on six ziplines reaching speeds up to 37 miles (60 kilometers) per hour. Cross suspended swing bridges and explore treetop platforms while looking out for native birds such as toutouwai and kererū. This half-day guided eco-adventure includes free digital photos, wet-weather gear, and return transport, with every booking supporting forest restoration. Suitable for families and groups of all ages.

Get a bird’s-eye view of Rotorua’s Mt. Tarawera on a thrilling helicopter tour. After catching sight of the dramatic crater lakes, Tarawera Falls, and Rotorua’s geothermal reserves, land on the mountain and enjoy a short guided walk for a close-up look. Personal headsets allow you to hear your pilot–guide clearly. This short tour leaves plenty of time in your schedule for other sightseeing activities in Rotorua.

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

Make the most of your time on land in the North Island and discover Rotorua's highlights on this small-group full-day shore excursion from Tauranga. Pass through Mt. Maunganui and visit a kiwifruit orchard before exploring Rotorua's Government Gardens and Skyline Gondola, where three thrilling luge rides are included. Relax with a foot soak at the geothermal Kuirau Park and enjoy round-trip port transport by minivan for a comfy ride.

View Rotorua’s network of lakes from above with this flight. Float over a landscape wrought large and dramatic by millions of years of eruptions. A pilot–guide tells you what you’re seeing—gain greater knowledge of geothermal activity in the air. Gain an aerial perspective on a spectacular region of New Zealand’s North Island.

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.

Explore the Karapiro section of the Waikato River Trail from Arapuni Dam or the Arapuni Swing Bridge to the northern end of the trail on this guided half-day bike tour. Ride alongside the Waikato River through peaceful farmland, native bush, and wetland boardwalks while taking in beautiful river views along the way. Your local guide shares stories about the region and its hydro-power history, making this a memorable experience for nature lovers, active travellers, and riders looking to experience one of the Waikato’s most iconic cycling trails.

Take a tour in your own private minivan with an experienced local guide. This Private tour is for a group of up to 8 people. Your day will include amazing scenery from stunning white sandy beaches, to boiling mud pools and beautiful forests. The main attraction is a visit to Waiotapu There is so much to see and experience in this stunning part of New Zealand. Choose an attraction to visit or enjoy all the "Freebies" this area offers. I can customise your day. Do as much or as little as you choose. Its "Your Day Your Way". Have a great day out with your own Private guide. "FREEBIES": - Sandy Beaches and beautiful countryside - Lake Rotorua and the Redwood Forest (time permitting) - Rotorua City Government Gardens (time permitting) EXTRAS - Waiotapu Geothermal Reserve - Entry Fee additional. You are required to pay using your card as it is a cash less premises. - Lunch

Fly over the site of the largest eruption in New Zealand’s living memory, Mount Tarawera, and gain an appreciation of how the 1886 eruption changed this stunning landscape. From Mount Tarawera to the Waimangu Volcanic Valley, view the eruption trail and surrounding Lakes district whilst enjoying informed commentary from your experienced local pilot/guide, continuing your experience on your floatplane scenic flight, fly towards lake Rotoiti. Landing on the lake we’ll taxi to the pier where you disembark, your Eden awaiting. Only accessible by water, the hot pools are in a secluded bay on the shores of Lake Rotoiti. Seemingly disconnected from the world, this is where you’ll spend 90 minutes, with your only concerns being which pool to experience next. Take your time soaking, cool off in the lake, rest a bit on a lounger and repeat before returning to the Rotorua City Lakefront.

Discover the hidden gems of Lake Rotoiti aboard "The Airstream Project," a one-of-a-kind, handcrafted vessel built for intimate, small-group exploration. This Rotorua boat tour combines active adventure with scenic relaxation. Twist your feet into the hot sand stream, swim in crystal-clear waters, leap from overhanging trees, wade into glowworm caves to catch their gentle daytime glow or simply unwind amid scenery so close you can almost touch it. Savor complimentary morning tea as you glide past ancient Māori food storage caves and breathtaking landscapes.

Rotorua is known for its hot springs and geothermal activity, but without local knowledge, it can be tricky to know the best off the beaten path mud pools and thermal springs to visit. This small-group guided tour is the perfect solution. Travel in an air-conditioned minivan, and visit a selection of outdoor thermal sites—such as Te Manaroa Spring, Waikite Valley Thermal Pools, and Waiotapu Mud Pool.

Unveil the enchanting private journey from Auckland to Rotorua's geothermal marvels. Witness Auckland's sunrise, traverse scenic countryside. Delve into the surreal landscapes of Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland New Zealand's premier geothermal wonderland! Explore vibrant hot springs, bubbling mud pools, and erupting geysers. Learn about Maori legends and geological wonders in this immersive and unforgettable journey. Indulge in a delicious lunch in Rotorua before rejuvenating at the renowned Polynesian Spa for ultimate relaxation. Immerse yourself in therapeutic hot springs overlooking Lake Rotorua, and rejuvenate your body and mind. Bid farewell to Rotorua's charm as we return to Auckland, hearts filled with cherished memories. Join us on this captivating full-day private tour inclusive of transport, guided tours, and entrance fees. Reserve your spot now and immerse yourself in New Zealand's geothermal wonders!

Experience “Volcanic Extremes” flying over the active crater of “Whakaari” White Island before landing on the now dormant but extremely spectacular summit of Mount Tarawera. Both of these volcanoes are of significance, Whakaari more recently for the devastating 2019 eruption and Mount Tarawera for the much larger 1886 eruption considered to be the largest in New Zealand’s living memory. Different in the extreme, Whakaari is an active marine volcano and changes its activity on a daily basis while far inland Mount Tarawera stands impressively above its central North Island landscape. The mountains now dormant but no less impressive craters and domes are evidence of the massive eruption that shaped this area. Views from the Mountains summit are breathtaking, not only for the volcanoes deep craters but also for commanding vistas of the surrounding region.