All Rotorua Tours &amp; Excursions in 2026

Te Puia: Te Pō Indigenous Evening Experience Combo

Relax and unwind on the tranquil shores of Lake Rotorua at Polynesian Spa - a world-leading, natural mineral bathing and luxury day spa retreat. Channelling geothermal marvels in its backyard, the 28 mineral pools are fed from two natural springs for a combination that both nourishes the skin and relieves tired muscles, aches and pains. Specialising in a range of health and wellness treatments, Polynesian Spa has a decadent spa therapy menu. Wellness rituals ensure maximum rejuvenation and relaxation featuring hydrotherapy pools and a reflexology walk. Combining ancient healing practices with modern techniques, Polynesian Spa is frequently recognised as one of the top 10 spas in the world.

Polynesian Spa Rotorua: Family Hot Pools and Freshwater Pool

3 hoursFree Cancellation

Special Offer

Experience the majesty of volcanic Mt. Tarawera and gain insight into New Zealand’s rich geology on this half-day guided hike from Rotorua. Travel off-road into the central North Island wilderness and follow winding hiking trails from the base of Mt. Tarawera up to the crater’s edge. Learn about its destructive 1886 eruption. Admire panoramic views over the geothermal Waimangu Valley. Enjoy free hotel pickup and drop-off for added convenience.

Rotorua Hiking: Mt Tarawera Guided Volcanic Crater Experience

4 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Polynesian Spa Rotorua: Pavilion (12+ yrs) Hot Pool Bathing

1 to 4 hoursFree Cancellation

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.

Te Puia: Te Rā Guided Experience

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Agrodome Farm Experience including Farm Show and Farm Tour - Rotorua

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Many travelers are interested in New Zealand’s Māori culture but don’t know how to enjoy an authentic experience. Learn more about Māori culture on this combo tour combining a guided tour of a geothermal valley in Rotorua with a performance in a traditional meeting house. Listen to your guide’s stories as you walk between steaming geysers and bubbling mud pools, and be amazed by the haka war dance.

Rotorua: Te Rā Guided Experience + Haka

2 hoursFree Cancellation

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.

Scenic Horse Trekking Adventure in Rotorua

Whakarewarewa Village Guided Tour

Challenge yourself against the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall and enjoy outdoor adventure on this Kaituna River white-water rafting trip from Rotorua. Hop into your raft in the Kahikitea Forest and take to the waves with a guide. Navigate steep canyons through native forest and test your nerve over 14 challenging rapids. Splash, paddle, and roll through New Zealand’s spectacular scenery with all safety equipment and hotel transfers included.

Rotorua White Water Rafting | Kaitiaki Adventures + Transport

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

More than mini-golf—it's a magical Rotorua experience! Friendly Giant Rabbits: Pat and feed our free-roaming bunnies (like Cinnabon!) as you play. Home of RotovegasNightGolf: Experience the course illuminated under thousands of fairy lights and vibrant night displays every evening in summer and winter. Unique Course Features: Walk through an 80-year-old kiwifruit vine tunnel, hunt for hidden fairy doors, and dodge overhead bubbles. Atmospheric Vibe: Set in lush native gardens with feel-good music and a warm, memorable welcome from start to finish.

Mini Golf with Rabbits in Rotorua

Explore the extraordinary geothermal landscapes of Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, one of Rotorua’s most fascinating natural attractions. Wander along scenic trails through a colorful volcanic landscape filled with bubbling mud pools, steaming vents, vibrant mineral terraces, and striking geothermal lakes. Marvel at the famous Champagne Pool, known for its vivid colors and dramatic steaming surface, and discover the Artist’s Palette, where mineral-rich waters create a stunning display of natural hues. Visit the impressive Lady Knox Geyser and watch its spectacular eruption, a memorable highlight of the experience. Along the walking trails, learn about New Zealand’s volcanic activity and discover how heat and minerals have shaped this remarkable environment. With unique scenery, fascinating geology, and incredible photo opportunities, Wai-O-Tapu offers an unforgettable adventure for nature lovers, families, and curious travelers exploring Rotorua.

Rotorua Wai O Tapu Thermal Wonderland Ticket

2 to 3 hoursFree Cancellation

3Mirage 360 Degree Immersion Virtual Experience

10 to 45 minutesFree Cancellation

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.

Redwoods Altitude High Ropes & Ziplines + Glowworms, Rotorua

2 hoursFree Cancellation

Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa Restorative Journey (2hrs)

2 hoursFree Cancellation

While Rotorua’s natural geothermal attractions are amazing in the daylight, they glow after dark in the Te Puia geothermal park. Get tickets to the Mārama (meaning moon) geyser light trail and enjoy a self-guided walk along the paths, punctuated with colorful light installations and original music at various points. Stop for a drink at the Pōhutu Geyser (own expense). The trail is about 0.9 miles (1.5 kilometres).

Mārama: Geyser Light Trail at Te Puia

Full Waimangu Experience - Walk & Cruise

4 hoursFree Cancellation

Enjoy a dose of adrenaline and take in amazing views of native forest with this zip lining experience. For approximately 2.5 hours, fly through the air on ziplines, traverse swing bridges and wander along boardwalks as you get closer to the environment. This operation exists in partnership with a local Māori tribe, Ngāti Hinerangi. As part of their conservation efforts, plant a tree in your name on departure.

Rotorua Ziplines - Zipline Over Waterfalls - Free Sauna

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Rotorua is famous for its boiling geysers, boiling mud pools, and Māori culture. But if you’re seeking a fun family-friendly activity to fit in between the highlights, head to the Wonderworld Amazement Park in Rotorua with this handy admission ticket. Guarantee your admission, even on busy summer days. The whole family will love the mazes, playgrounds, and glow-in-the-dark cave, among other attractions.

Wonderworld Rotorua - New Zealand's leading maze park

1 to 2 hoursFree Cancellation

Enjoy a morning journey in the Wai-o-Tapu Scenic Reserve. Starting with the fascinating Mud Pool and Lady Knox Geyser. Take your time to wonder through New Zealand's most colourful and diverse geothermal park where you are introduced to a uniquely different natural landscape. The key to what you see lie below the surface. We are local Maori whanau (family) owned business, who love sharing history and stories of our homeland.

Rotorua to Wai-o-Tapu Thermal Wonderland Shuttle

4 hoursFree Cancellation

White-water rafting is a thrilling adventure activity but roaring rapids can be scary. Enjoy a scenic rafting tour on Grade 2 rapids on the Rangitaiki River during a laid-back tour from Rotorua. Ride past tumbling waterfalls, sheer rock cliffs, and forest-clad river gorges. The rolling rapids make this an ideal trip for families and those looking for a more relaxed experience. Includes lunch, a hot shower, and hotel transfers.

Rangitaiki River White Water Scenic Rafting from Rotorua

6 hoursFree Cancellation

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.

Nocturnal adventure Glow-worm tour

3 hoursFree Cancellation

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.

Half-Day Tour - Ex Rotorua: WAI-O-TAPU Thermal Wonderland

4 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

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.

Rotorua Duck Boat Guided City and Lakes Tour

1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutesFree Cancellation

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Must-Dos in Rotorua

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What are people saying about Rotorua

Glow Worm Kayak Tour

Jacqueline_P, Nov 2026

Go and glow with the glow worms!

This was one of the best tours that we went on during our trip to New Zealand. The guides, Keisha, and Kayla,, were absolutely outstanding. They did such a great job explaining information about the glowworms and were meticulous in taking us to five different caves and finished up with hot chocolate and fancy marshmallows, it was very, very cool. I highly recommend taking this tour..

Rotorua Rafting: Kaituna River White Water Rafting & Free Sauna

Brittany_R, Nov 2026

Our favorite adventure

What an incredible experience! We spent 2 weeks trying everything in the Rotorua area and this was our favorite experience! We had 3 kids in our group. You have to be 13 to ride down the large waterfalls so our 14 year old was able to do that. Then we have two eleven year olds that had to join the raft about halfway down the journey. Ruby took really good care of them and made sure they could see us going down the waterfall. Then our guide Jack helped them into the raft and we finished the rest of the journey. Everyone had an absolute blast. Jack was fun, knowledgeable and extremely competent. We felt very safe the entire time. One of my eleven year olds asked if we could come back the next day and he’s insistent we fly back out when he turns 13 so he can do the waterfall. I have several friends visiting the north island in the next year and I’ve told them all, if they only do one excursion, this is it!!

Rotorua based Small Group Morning Tour Waimangu and Wai O Tapu

Wendy_G, Nov 2026

Shawn our tour guide was amazing

Whether you’re a solo traveller or a couple this your is for you! Our tour guide was truly amazing and made everyone welcome Being a small group you make friends from all over the world. The fauna information Shaun gave us was excellent I would recommend this tour to everyone Well done

Hobbiton Day Tour from Rotorua with lunch at Hobbiton

Dianne_S, Oct 2026

More than just a bus ride..

This tour was excellent. Our bus driver Natta was entertaining and helpful for all our needs. The travel goes fast with such a joyful and wonderful driver! He cared for the elderly on our bus, and was gracious and helpful to those who did not speak English very well. Hobbiton itself was amazing as expected. It feels professional and special without being commercial. And that would explain the whole day! It felt like a family day out from the moment we met our bus driver. Would highly recommend this tour to everyone.

Rotorua Ziplines - Zipline Over Waterfalls - Free Sauna

Kathy_d, Oct 2026

Johnny and Ellie were...

Johnny and Ellie were absolutely amazing! They made the whole experience so much fun, sharing a few laughs and jokes along the way while clearly explaining all the safety requirements and what to expect on each zipline. Even though I was absolutely terrified of the zipline, Johnny did a fantastic job of easing my nerves and making me feel more comfortable. When we got to the bridge, I was seriously scared, but Ellie helped me through the entire experience, holding my hand the whole way. Sorry, Ellie, I may have temporarily stopped the circulation in your wrist! 😢😂 I honestly couldn't have done it without you. I have absolutely no regrets! I faced my fears, stepped outside my comfort zone and loved every moment of it. I highly recommend this experience to anyone, and if you're lucky enough to have Johnny and Ellie as your guides, you're in for an amazing time! Thank you both so much for making this such a memorable experience. Kathy ❤️

Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, Rotorua, New Zealand

Kim_T, Oct 2026

Great afternoon. Very different. A definite "we're not in UK anymore" experience!!

Wonderful to walk amongst the thermals and to enjoy the scenery, near and far. The paths are well marked. They say allow 90 mins but we took double that just because we wanted to enjoy it, take photos and try to spot the birds. We were not in a rush! We spotted a member of staff discretely sitting on a bench watching the boardwalk and paths. He had a radio - so guess he was there in case anyone got into difficulty. There was a delay at the entrance as others had difficulty with their pre booked tickets. Ours with Viator got us through with no issues! The person taking tickets apologised for the delay, put ours through and said " that's how its supposed to work!" There were steps on the third loop and the paths were dusty....so if youre precious about your shoes... I wouldn't take toddlers or children who can't reliably do what they're told!

Rotorua Canopy Tours: 2.5Hour Native Forest Zipline Adventure

Jay_H, Oct 2026

A great time for all ages.

You get to walk through the jungle and the hiking isn't much, very reasonable and mucj, much less than other zip lines like in Kauai, Hawaii. The two guides are very helpful and patient. It was a lot of fun. This is my 4th time doing a zip line. My first time in New Zealand.

National Kiwi Hatchery - Kiwi Encounter Guided Tour

Jennafer_R, Oct 2026

Support the Kiwi birds by taking this tour!!

One of the many things we HAD to do when coming to NZ was see a Kiwi bird. Definitely not a good chance of seeing these cute birds in the wild, being noctornal. Fascinating little birds for sure so we booked our tour. Showed up and in a small group of about 12 we were in a van and onto the farm towards the Kiwi. We got to see them all! (Bear in mind they are nocturnal and are in as natural an enclosure as they could manage- you are in the dark with red lights on- there is a chance they could hide/sleep where you won't get a chance to see them). We learned so much. The employees were kind and informative. They are doing hard work trying to conserve this lovely little bird and just touring helps even if you don't get to see a live kiwi (try and remember that!). Since we came in spring we were even more privelegded to see quite a few baby Kiwi, one that was even not sponsored yet! Wish we could have done that! (Cost is somehwere around 1500-1700 American I believe) Every bit counts, we got some lovely items in the gift shop and were very happy to have done this tour.

Cultural Experience & Seasonal Māori Cuisine at Te Pā Tū

Erin_R, Oct 2026

You have to do this!! 5 stars isn't enough.

Exceeded expectations on all levels. Friendly literally from the confirmation phone call to the very end. Every step of the evening was seamless. The family running the night were informative, friendly, caring, funny, knowledgeable & love their culture & sharing it. I smiled from start to finish. It was really interactive & oh my goodness ..... the FOOD!!!! the chef was 5 star .... up with the best meal I've had!

Hell's Gate Mud Bath & Spas

Deb_V, Sep 2026

Messy and magnificent

In the package that we had, we had probably an hour to an hour and a half very gentle walk around the geothermal sites. Our guides were exceedingly knowledgeable and educated us well on both plant and thermal information as well as Māori culture. We felt we learned more about Maori culture here than at the more formal Māori village site.

Voyages of Maori at Mitai Maori Village

Derek_V, Mar 2026

Perfect experience... really could not have been better!

We now understand why this is the top-rated experience of this kind in Rotorua. We had the morning experience including lunch buffet. We couldn't have asked for a better and more satisfying time - the staff and performers were all top notch. We could really tell they care about conveying their culture and pride in it to others. The buffet lunch was great. Even had time for Q&A with our host after lunch.