Top Rotorua Art & Culture

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.

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.

Have fun with your friends or family at the only 3D trick art gallery on New Zealand’s North Island. Explore the more than 50 trick artworks, many of which you can jump into to take convincing, lifelike photos. The gallery is conveniently located in the heart of Rotorua, so you can combine a visit with other must-see attractions and activities. This is a fun and handy activity for an exciting morning or afternoon.

Experience two of New Zealand's top attractions in one day. Travel on a small-group tour from Rotorua to Waitomo Glowworm Caves where an official guide explains the natural features. Then explore the Shire at the Hobbiton Movie Set, and hear behind-the-scenes stories from “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” trilogies. Visit Bilbo’s hobbit hole and enjoy a drink at the Green Dragon Inn.

Get an authentic introduction to Maori culture with an evening at the Mitai Maori Village of Rotorua. See warriors in traditional dress paddle in an ancient canoe, and be captivated by the displays of weaponry. You'll watch 'haka' and poi dances and view glowworms in their natural habitat. This 3-hour experience includes round-trip hotel transport and a traditional 'hangi' feast with your admission ticket.

Explore the geothermal landscape of Rotorua at your own pace on this self-guided Waimangu hiking tour. Follow winding hiking trails through Waimangu — the world’s youngest geothermal system — and marvel at the scenery you find. Admire unique geothermal features including Frying Pan Lake, Inferno Crater Lake and Lake Rotomahana, and enjoy breathtaking views over hot springs and steam vents throughout the forest and grasslands. Along the way, gain insight into the geothermal activity from your guide sheet and watch for the native plant and animal life for which Waimangu is famous. Enjoy a much needed rest and take advantage of the shuttle bus to return you to the start at the end of your hike.

Deluxe small group tour Combo from Rotorua Experience two of New Zealand's most popular & unique visitor attractions Hobbiton Movie Set & The Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Meander underground along the Waitomo River and gaze in silence at the myriad of glow worm lights that make up the Glowworm Grotto. You'll gently glide through the impressive underground caverns in silent darkness amid the beauty of twinkling glowworms overhead. From here we head to The Hobbiton Movie Set where you will enjoy an official fully guided tour of the Hobbiton movie set, which was created in impressive detail for the filming of the hobbit films! And where Bilbo Baggins and Frodo live! ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogies. Enjoy a complimentary drink in the Green Dragon at the end of your tour. This is a small group tour with your personal driver guide for the day! This allows for a more intimate and personal experience!

Visit Waitomo Glowworm Caves and the Hobbiton Movie Set on a full-day tour from Rotorua that can be customized to your interests. Choose a walking tour of the glowworm caves, enjoy independent time in Waitomo, or splash through the caverns on an adventurous rafting or caving tour. Next, head to the Hobbiton Movie Set to explore hobbit holes and sip a hobbit-themed brew at the Green Dragon Inn. This full-day tour includes pickup at selected locations in Rotorua, with drop-off in Rotorua or Auckland.

With spectacular natural beauty and rich traditional culture, New Zealand’s North Island features on many travellers’ must-visit lists. On this flexible tour, delve into the volcanic Waimangu Valley with your guide, and choose from a diverse range of adventures including Huka Falls, geothermal Wai-O-Tapu, or the Whakarewarewa Living Maori Village. With round-trip travel from central Rotorua included, see the best of New Zealand’s Rotorua region in one day.

Discover New Zealand’s geothermal hotspots on a day trip from Rotorua to Lake Taupo, stopping to explore one of two remarkable destinations. Select Orakei Korako to see terraced pools of steaming water, or opt for Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland’s otherworldly colors. Limited to 11 people for more personal service, this day trip includes pickup and drop-off at centrally-located hotels, as well as entrance fees at the geothermal site.

Step into Rotorua Thai Massage and treat your body to stress relief and rejuvenation. Rotorua Thai Massage is conveniently located in the Rotorua CBD, New Zealand near Starbuck's and Quest Rotorua Hotel. The Rotorua Thai Massage team pride itself on bringing an ancient healing technique to the residents and workers of Rotorua to facilitate muscular rehabilitation and general wellness. The Thai massage and wellness provides different massage options, including Thai massage, Foot Reflexology, Aromatherapy, Deep Tissue, Remedial, Hot Stone, and Facial treatments. Our Qualified Thai therapists have more than 10 years of experience we are one of the best massage places in Rotorua. Whether you’re feeling run down or are suffering from injury, book in at Rotorua Thai Massage today to refresh your mind, body, and spirit.

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.

Discover Rotorua on a 1.5-hour duck tour. This sightseeing adventure takes you aboard a World War II amphibious vehicle — able to travel on land and water. Start with a city tour past Government Gardens, the Blue Baths and more before splashing down into Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake) and Lake Okareka. Enjoy family fun along the way with a provided duck caller, and listen to live commentary about Rotorua’s history and local landmarks.

Discover Rotorua’s geothermal sites and Maori traditions on a full-day tour to Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland and Te Puia, where you’ll see geysers, mud pools, kiwi birds, and Maori crafts. Combining the two destinations adds a fascinating cultural twist to exploring Rotorua's simmering volcanic landscape, and free time at lunch means you’ll have the flexibility to bring a picnic or choose a restaurant that suits you.

Kahukiwi Experiences Phase One is a 3-hour, fully-guided, Māori cultural tour into the heart of Mourea, Ngāti Pikiao.  Guided by a vibrant, passionate guide, guests explore the stunning environment by luxury 4WD, stopping regularly to soak up the views, hear the stories and gain a deeper insight into the cultural and historical significance of this part of Rotorua. Feel the warm, welcoming embrace of Māori culture and discover the true essence of Aotearoa (New Zealand). • Intimate Māori experience in Rotorua • Pick-up and drop off in a luxurious Range Rover Discovery vehicle (from Rotorua accommodation) • Light refreshments • Fun and educational • Perfect for all ages (6+) – Children under 15 must be accompanied by a responsible adult • Suitable for all levels of physical ability

Experience the vibrant New Zealand bush on this unique, thrilling zipline adventure. Get right up into the otherwise-inaccessible canopy of the Bay of Plenty forest, where native birds like tui, robins and plump kereru make their homes, and zip through the native trees to the forest floor. This small-group adventure is a great way to experience New Zealand’s native forests without working up a sweat or waiting in line forever.

Happy Ewe Cycle Tours is a leisurely 3 hour cycling adventure with no hills and about 45 minutes of cycling time. It is safe to expect a little bit of everything with us, as we use science, nature, culture and history to give an educational and interactive experience highlighting the geothermal wonders within the central city. You will remember this journey as you shoot mud pools with thermometer guns, test the pH levels of hot springs and laugh at the how our guides make science exciting for you. Ranked as the best city cycling activity in New Zealand on TripAdvisor and one of the best activities in the country, this is perfect for couples, families or travellers of any age looking to discover the best of Rotorua.

Combine the top sights of Rotorua and Te Puia in a single comprehensive day tour from Auckland. Traveling with a guide and following a carefully curated itinerary means you won't miss any of the important sights. Visit the Maori cultural landmarks and geothermal spots of Te Puia, as well as the city sights in Rotorua, accompanied by insightful guided commentary. Round-trip transportation from Auckland means you can focus on the scenery and the experience instead of driving and directions.

Visit the Buried Village of Te Wairoa — New Zealand's most visited archaeological site. See historical exhibits on the 1886 Mt Tarawera eruption at the Museum of Te Wairoa, then discover the fate of the Pink and White Terraces on a walk along the Waterfall Trail. Your entrance ticket includes a guided tour that explains geothermal features and shares insight about how Maoris and early settlers lived in the village before it was devastated.

See more of New Zealand's top attractions with a small group on this full-day tour from Rotorua. Take a scenic drive to Te Puia where geysers shoot into the air, see a live Haka performance and learn about Maori culture, drive through the enchanting Redwood Forest and more. This tour is ideal for those who are short on time and want to discover the best that Rotorua has to offer.

Experience the warmth of our Legacy Guided Tours through New Zealand’s iconic Maori village. Our village guides are direct descendants of the early Māori guides who’s legacy shaped tourism in New Zealand for generations. Their insights, knowledge and legendary hospitality (manaakitanga) adds depth and richness to the experience you’ll have at Whakarewarewa.

Travel the short distance from Rotorua to Matamata, home of Hobbiton Movie Set. Upon arriving at Hobbiton, meet your guide who takes you through this working sheep farm, a prime filming location for The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings movie series with incredible views overlooking the world’s biggest outdoor movie set. Your tour group is smaller than the public tours with this tour option! Fans will love exploring the Shire, home to hobbit holes including Bilbo Baggins’s house. Stop for photos in front of the Mill, the party tree and the double-arch bridge as you’re entertained with tales about the making of the films. Then head to the Green Dragon Inn for a complimentary cider, ale or ginger beer. After your tour of Hobbiton, enjoy an included lunch at The Green Dragon marquee before your day trip ends with drop-off at your hotel in Auckland.

Explore the Rotorua lakes district and learn about its history on a 2-hour tour duck boat cruise from Rotorua. Travel on land and by water in the amphibious World War II vehicle, visiting four lakes including Lake Tarawera, located at the foot of Mt Tarawera. Hear about the devastating 1886 eruption of Mt Tarawera and other aspects of local history on this family-friendly tour.

This Rotorua zipline tour takes you soaring through a centuries-old forest canopy as you switch between the six zipline cables suspended 72 feet (22 meters) above the ground. Get a bird’s-eye view as two expert guides suit you up with safety equipment and teach you about the forest environment. Bonus: you can later download photos taken of you during your treetops adventure. Round-trip hotel transport is included on this small-group tour, limited to 10 people.