All Rotorua Tours &amp; Excursions in 2026

Claybird Shooting in Rotorua

1 hourFree Cancellation

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.

Thermal Path Tour

4 hoursFree Cancellation

Mt Tarawera Helicopter Tour with Volcano Landing

40 minutesFree Cancellation

Created by the violent Volcanic Eruption of Mount Tarawera in 1886 Immerse yourself amongst the rare and unusual plants that grow on the hot earths of Waimangu, amongst the regenerating native Forests. Self Guided Walk that suits all fitness abilities. Enjoy views of the mysterious and beautiful Inferno Crater which rises and falls as it heats and cools. Home to Frying Pan Lake, one of the largest hot water springs in the World, the delicate sinter terraces growing from minerals solidifying

Rotorua to Waimangu Volcanic Valley Return Transport

4 hoursFree Cancellation

Rotorua Off-Road 4WD Buggy Adventure

2 hoursFree Cancellation

Tarawera and Rotorua Lakes Eco Tour by Boat with Guide

2 hoursFree Cancellation

Go deep into Whirinaki Forest on a bird-watching tour that explores birding sites around the Bay of Plenty, including forests, wetlands, and shore sites. Using the provided binoculars and a spotting scope will maximize your odds of spotting some of New Zealand’s rare birds in their natural habitat, and with help from a conservationist guide, you'll have the chance to identify everything from miromiro (tomtits) to yellow-crowned kakariki (parakeets).

One Day Birding Adventure

7 hoursFree Cancellation

Rotorua Eco Cultural full day tour (Wai o Tapu, Waimangu,Te puia)

8 to 9 hoursFree Cancellation

Fly above national parks, lakes, and volcanic rifts on this tour of the Rotorua district in a float plane. Fly south to enjoy unparalleled views as a professional pilot/guide takes you over sites of notable geothermal activity. See Mt. Tarawera, the colorful reserves of Waimangu and Wai-O-Tapu, and land at Orakei Korako, for a closer look at gushing geysers, hot springs, and the natural beauty of this geothermal area.

Mount Tarawera Orakei Korako Thermal Explorer

2 hours 15 minutesFree Cancellation

Explore The Lakes Tour

4 hoursFree Cancellation

Combine two activities into one day on this tour from Rotorua. Experience the adrenaline-pumping excitement of high-speed turns and spins on a jet boat ride. Then, to recover from the exhilaration of jet boating, follow up with a relaxing soak at Manupirua Thermal Springs, a stunning boat-accessible location at the edge of Lake Rotoiti. Soothe your nerves with a soak in mineral hot pools, then cool off in the lake.

Katoa Jet Boat & Lake Rotoiti Hot Pools

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Make the most of a travel day with a transfer service between Rotorua and Auckland that includes a guided tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set. Instead of heading straight to Auckland and missing the sights along the way, you’ll stop to learn more about movie-making history at the set, where parts of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit were filmed. Hotel pickup is included for added convenience.

Rotorua to Auckland via Hobbiton Tour with Lunch - One Way

7 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

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.

Eruption Trail Tour With Natural Hot Pool Bathing

2 hours 35 minutesFree Cancellation

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.

Mount Tarawera Volcanic Adventure by Helicopter

1 hourFree Cancellation

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.

Helicopter White Island / Mount Tarawera 'Volcanic Extremes'

1 hour 45 minutesFree Cancellation

Kahukiwi Experiences Luxury 4WD 3hour Guided Maori Tour

3 hoursFree Cancellation

We are New Zealand Transport Agency Licensed and Auckland Airport Approved fully insured premium passenger service business in New Zealand. Being part of New Zealand Service Trademark means we operate to a recognised national service standard focused on professionalism and genuine customer care. It reflects our commitment to delivering authentic New Zealand hospitality on every journey and beyond. Our drivers operate to a recognised New Zealand Service standard delivering professional courteous and safe service on every journey. Experienced drivers with strong local knowledge and a calm professional approach to every journey. Their understanding of routes, timing and local insights ensure a smooth comfortable and well informed travel experience. A Welcoming Trusted And Professional Service From Arrival To Destination

Premium Private Transfer From Rotorua To Auckland Airport

3 hoursFree Cancellation

Freak of Nature at Off Road NZ

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

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

Private Tour Waiotapu Geothermal Shore Excursion up to 8 passengers

5 to 6 hoursFree Cancellation

White Island & Mount Tarawera Floatplane Adventure

1 hour 25 minutesFree Cancellation

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.

Shore excursion to Rotorua including Gondola and luge rides

7 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

Admire amazing views of the Central North Island of New Zealand with this scenic helicopter flight and short walking tour. Take in spectacular aerial views of the Tarawera Falls, bubbling geothermal reserves, crater lakes and much more. After landing in the hidden valley of Orakei Korako, explore a local geothermal wonderland, including hot springs and magnificent geysers, before your return flight to Rotorua.

Mount Tarawera/Orakei Korako "Thermal Explorer" Dual Landing

Mount Tarawera/Orakei Korako "Thermal Explorer" Dual Landing

3 hoursFree Cancellation

While spending time in geothermal Rotorua, paddle across magnificent Lake Rotoiti by kayak to soak in the mineral-rich waters of the Manupirua Springs Hot Pools. The pools are only accessible on the water, but you may struggle to get there without a guide to show the way. With entry fees plus hassle-free round-trip travel from your Rotorua hotel included, enjoy a special experience in the heart of the Rotorua countryside.

Lake Rotoiti Guided Hot Pools Kayak Trip

5 hoursFree Cancellation

Active travelers wanting to experience Rotorua’s unique landscapes will love this private kayaking tour. Walk through Waimangu Volcanic Valley, one of the world’s youngest geothermal systems, to Lake Rotomahana. Paddle along its shores and admire the steaming cliffs, colorful geothermal features, and dramatic geysers, learning about Māori culture along the way. This is a fun way to get some exercise and explore some of Rotorua’s less-visited attractions.

Private Waimangu Steaming Cliffs Kayak Tour

5 hoursFree Cancellation

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Must-Dos in Rotorua

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What are people saying about Rotorua

Glow Worm Kayak Tour

Dianne_S, Oct 2026

Excellent and quality

This tour was all we had hoped for. The staff were skilled and friendly and the caves were great! This tour is very well resourced. They will provide you with the gear you need for the weather. And the jackets and shoes etc that they provided were high quality, clean and well looked after. Give this tour a try! It was a great night of exploring!

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 ❤️

Rotorua Rafting: Kaituna River White Water Rafting & Free Sauna

Wilhelmina_D, Oct 2026

Rotorua Rafting at its finest!!

Had an absolute blast on this rafting excursion led by our guide Tom with Luca as our safety kayaker. Tom and Luca gave us safety briefings before and during the activity so we felt prepared. Action packed activity which is a must do in Rotorua. You will not be disappointed!!!! Bonus were the photographs taken of us which we were able to purchase afterwards.

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!

Rotorua’s Ultimate Zipline: 6 ziplines, 400 m Tandem, Cliff Walk

renaekilby5, Sept 2026

Five Stars

Extremely safe and well structured, the guides were amazing and made you feel at ease, safe and secure. I was petrified and didn’t think I would be able to do it, but got through it and loved it. Such a great experience and amazing views and educational as well. Thank you

Rotorua based Small Group Morning Tour Waimangu and Wai O Tapu

Sharon_D, Aug 2026

Excellent tour

Our travel guide, Phil, was fantastic. He picked us up from the meeting place right on time. Throughout the drive to each spot, he kept up an informative and interesting dialogue, providing history of New Zealand and recommendations of other places to visit in New Zealand. During each walking tour, he provided more information but was also quiet so we could enjoy the peacefulness of each site. I felt well-supported as he seemed to sincerely care that we were all getting what we needed. It was an excellent tour!

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.