Top Hot Springs in Rotorua
You don’t have to look far to experience Rotorua’s geothermal wonders—hissing geyers and bubbling mud pools can be found all around the city. Visits to Rotorua’s natural hot springs are also a popular pastime. Here are some of the best options.
Te Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley
Located in Te Puia, just south of Rotorua, the Te Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley is renowned for its steaming vents, boiling mud pools, and Pohutu and Te Horu geysers. While you’re there, spot Kiwi birds, enjoy a cultural performance at the Te Puia Maori Arts and Culture Institute, and sample some traditional food cooked in the steaming hot springs.
Wai-o-Tapu
Drive along the Thermal Highway and enjoy views of Tarawera Volcano; marvel at the Lady Knox Geyser and mud pools in the Wai-o-Tapu Thermal Wonderland; then stop at Wai-o-Tapu Bridge to take a dip in the steamy thermal waters. Half- and full-day tours of Wai-o-Tapu from Rotorua are often combined with a tour of the Hobbiton movie set or a visit to the Waimangu Volcanic Rift Valley.
Waikite Valley
En route to Taupo, the Waikite Valley thermal pools are a top spot for families with private pools and facilities, a campground, eco-trail, and 100 percent natural geothermal waters, renowned for their high mineral content. Nearby, the warm waters of Kerosene Creek are also a popular spot for swimming and bathing.
Lake Rotorua
The shores of Lake Rotorua are teeming with natural hot springs and thermal spas. After enjoying a cruise around the lake, head to the Te Kohanga area, soak in the hot springs at Kuirau Park, or pamper yourself at a luxurious spa like the Polynesian Spa or Hell’s Gate, set in the Tikitere geothermal area between Lake Rotorua and Lake Rotoiti.
13 Tours and Activities | All Rotorua Tours
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Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland Admission Ticket
Explore the well-marked paths of Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland and witness Lady Knox Geyser erupt. Your admission ticket grants you all-day access to one of New Zealand’s most popular geothermal parks, located just outside of Rotorua. Stroll past gurgling mud pools, volcanic craters and steaming lakes at your own pace. Consult your complimentary guidebook to learn about the area’s volcanic activity, and view informative displays along the trails and at the visitor center.
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From
$22.05
From
$22.05
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons
2 Day Waitomo Caves, Hobbiton Movie Set and Rotorua Tour from Auckland
Discover the otherworldly beauty of New Zealand’s North Island, from Rotorua’s geothermal pools and the Waitomo Glowworm Caves to the Shire at the Hobbiton Movie Set. On this 2-day coach tour from Auckland, you’ll experience ancient Maori traditions with a ‘hangi’ dinner, the filmmaking history of ‘The Lord of the Rings,’ a duck tour and a visit to the Agrodome. Enjoy standard (3 star hotel) or superior (4 star hotel) overnight accommodation in Rotorua.
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From
$786.43
Price varies by group size
From
$786.43
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Rotorua Small Group Morning Tour Waimangu and Wai O Tapu
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. Hear a morning presentation about the Lady Knox Geyser and observe the daily eruption before a short drive through the Waimangu Volcanic Valley. Numbers are limited to 12 people, providing a more personalized experience with a small group.
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From
$111.96
From
$111.96
Te Puia Day Pass - Geysers, Mud Pools, Kiwi, Culture, History & more
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.
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From
$30.53
From
$30.53
Hell's Gate Mud Bath & Spas
Treat yourself to a 1-hour 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. Have the option to cool off with a dip in waterfall pools after your treatment, and enjoy the ease of round-trip hotel transfers.
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From
$53.60
From
$53.60
5-Day Bay of Islands Rotorua Waitomo Caves and Hobbiton Tour from Auckland
Soak up all the North Island highlights on this 5-day journey from Auckland by coach, including a Bay of Islands cruise to see the Hole in the Rock. Your itinerary includes a drive along Ninety Mile Beach at Cape Reinga; enjoy an overnight stay near the bubbling hot springs of Rotorua; a visit to Waitomo Caves for a boat ride through Glowworm Grotto; and a Hobbiton Movie Set tour to see filming locations for ‘The Lord of the Rings.’ Listen to informative commentary on board.
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From
$1,268.20
Price varies by group size
From
$1,268.20
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
Rotorua full-day tour, Wai O Tapu, Waimangu, Buried Village, Whakarewarewa
Tour Wai-O-Tapu with a naturalist guide and discover the bubbling mud pools and hot springs of Rotorua’s most popular geothermal park. This full-day tour with a small group delivers you to the shores of several volcanic lakes and includes a bush walk to a waterfall and the Lake Tarawera lookout. Learn about Maori history, volcanology and New Zealand’s native flora and fauna along the way. Numbers are limited to a maximum 12 people to ensure an intimate experience.
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From
$213.74
From
$213.74
3-Day Waitomo Caves, Rotorua and Taupo Tour from Auckland
Discover the North Island on a 3-day guided coach tour, traveling round-trip from Auckland. Experience the magical luminescence of thousands of glowworms during an underground boat ride at Waitomo Glowworm Caves. In Rotorua, visit the Agrodome and experience geothermal wonders like Pohutu Geyser at Te Puia, then learn about Maori traditions with a cultural performance. Enjoy sightseeing at the picturesque lakeside setting of Taupo including its top attraction: Huka Falls. Two nights’ accommodation with hotel pickup and drop-off are included.
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From
$834.44
From
$834.44
Combo Day Tour Rotorua: Wai-O-Tapu, Lady Knox Geyser, Champagne Lake, Polynesian
Some of New Zealand’s most impressive natural sights are just a short drive out of Rotorua, but navigating the back-roads of the Bay of Plenty can be difficult for the unfamiliar. On this day trip to the Lady Knox Geyser and Wai-O-Tapu, two of the most popular and active geothermal zones in New Zealand, your guide will drive you. Visit Lady Knox, Wai-O-Tapu, and the relaxing Polynesian Spa hot pools all in one day.
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From
$126.66
From
$126.66
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Private Tour: 8-Day North Island Tour from Auckland Including Rotorua and Wellington
Venture around the North Island in your very own luxury vehicle on this 8-day private tour from Auckland. You’ll visit Coromandel, Whitianga, Rotorua, Tongariro National Park and Wellington, with sightseeing tours, nature walks, natural hot springs and beach strolls sprinkled into your itinerary, plus plenty of free time for you to explore on your own. Learn about New Zealand wildlife and Maori culture from a knowledgeable private guide who takes you to hot spots as well as hidden gems. Enjoy seven nights’ accommodation in your choice of 3- to 5-star hotels including breakfast.
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From
$5,595.94
Price varies by group size
From
$5,595.94
Price varies by group size
Hell's Gate Geothermal Walk
Enter a world of bubbling mud and powerful geysers with admission to Hells Gate, a geothermal park in Rotorua. Once you’re in the Hells Gate park, you can follow a self-guided walkway through New Zealand’s most active geothermal field, pausing to explore interactive exhibits along the way. After the geothermal walk, take time to visit Hells Gate's native forest on a bush walk, listening for the sound of tropical birdcalls as you pass silver ferns and thick foliage.
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From
$26.46
From
$26.46
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour and Te Puia Geysers in Rotorua
Take in two of the North Island's top attractions in one day on a combination tour that visits Wai-o-tapu and the Hobbiton Movie Set. Booking this package ensures your admission to these popular attractions, and the full-day tour includes all entrance fees, hotel pickup and drop-off, and insightful commentary from your driver-guide.
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From
$264.18
From
$264.18
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
Lake Rotorua Paddle Boat Cruise
Harken back to the bygone era of steamboats and luxury travel with a 1-hour breakfast or lunch cruise aboard the only paddlewheel boat on Lake Rotorua. This authentic replica of a Mississippi River paddle boat takes you to notable sights such as Sulfur Bay, Kawaha Point and Mokoia Island while you enjoy a buffet meal. A glass of wine, beer or juice is included with lunch.
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From
$13.23
From
$13.23