Rotorua Tours

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.

This Kaituna River rafting adventure in the Okere Falls Scenic Reserve promises plenty of thrills! With an expert guide at the helm, you’ll paddle through Class 5 white-water rapids of the Kaituna River, including an awesome 21-foot (7-meter) drop down Tutea Falls, the worlds highest commercially rafted waterfall. Accessible to adventurous beginners, this 3-hour tour includes a safety briefing with paddling instruction, all necessary equipment and round-trip hotel transport from 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.

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.

While in Rotorua, take a wild and wacky ride in a ZORB ball. You’ll love ‘orbing’ downhill as you slide around inside an inflatable ball. Choose from three different runs — a straight slope, a multipoint harness or a curvy water ride — and get instruction before enjoying twists and turns. Document the latest thrill with a provided hand-held go pro, and relax between rides in the on-site hot tubs.

Spend a magical evening kayaking on Lake Rotoiti, where you visit glowworm caves and have plenty of time to soak in natural hot springs before a barbecue picnic dinner. Paddle with an expert guide into lakeside caves only accessed by boat to see glowworms and crayfish, then revel in the sunset reflected on the tranquil waters. Instruction, equipment and round-trip hotel transport from Rotorua are all included.

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.

Make the most of your trip from Rotorua to Auckland with a tour of Waitomo Glowworm Caves, a fascinating network of flooded caverns lit by bioluminescent glowworms. You’ll travel by comfortable minibus from your hotel in Rotorua to your centrally-located Auckland hotel, pausing in Waitomo for a boat tour of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. This 6-hour tour includes all transport and entrance fees, and it’s limited to 15 people for a more personal experience.

Even on the cloudiest night, the New Zealand glowworm lights up the darkness in a lucky few spots across the country. This short evening bush-walk departing from Rotorua involves a short drive, a walk through picturesque native bush and the chance to see these increasingly rare creatures. Tack this tour onto the end of a thrilling day in Rotorua instead of hiring a car for an almost two-hour drive west to visit the exceedingly popular Waitomo Caves. This is one of the easiest ways to experience Aotearoa’s unique glowworm habitats.

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.

Rotorua’s volcanic history has created a landscape of lakes. See some of the most spectacular ones 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 which have shaped this land of fire and water.

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.

Soar above the otherworldly volcanic landscapes of Mt. Tarawera on seaplane flight from Rotorua. The expert pilot-guide navigates over the Steaming Cliffs and the 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 Rotorua Lake, with a convenient hotel pickup and drop-off.

Located just five minutes from downtown Rotorua, the Whakarewarewa Forest features 100 miles (160 km) of twisting mountain bike trails. Book your bike hire for a half-day ride through this redwood terrain, considered one of the region’s top trail networks. You’ll find a variety of paths for all abilities on this self-guided bike tour.

Explore one of New Zealand’s finest forest trails on this 7-hour hiking tour in the Whirinaki Forest from Rotorua. Travel from your accommodation in Rotorua into the Whirinaki Forest, widely considered among the world’s greatest rainforests. Follow your guide along hiking trails beneath the leafy canopy and marvel at mighty native trees such as ‘kahikatea’, ‘matai’, ‘miro’, ‘rimu’ and ‘totara’. Along the way, discover rich flora and fauna for which the forest is famous, and hear birdsong from the many different species of birds flying among the branches above.

Take a scenic excursion through the New Zealand wilderness on this 3-hour white-water sledging adventure from Rotorua. Listen as a guide explains the challenges ahead, then — with your helmet and life vest clipped on — take to the Okere River on your floating sledge. Twist and turn through swirling river rapids, float gracefully along relaxing flats, and admire views over the mighty Kahikatea Forest. This family-friendly tour is suitable for thrill-seekers of all ages and skill levels.

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.

Challenge yourself against the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall and enjoy outdoor adventure in New Zealand on this 3.5-hour Kaituna white-water rafting adventure from Rotorua. Hop into your raft in the Kahikitea Forest and take to the waves with a guide. During your tour, navigate steep canyons through native forest, and test your nerve over 14 challenging rapids. Splash, paddle and roll through New Zealand’s spectacular scenery and make the most of this North Island outdoor adventure. A full briefing and all safety equipment are included.

Get unbeatable aerial views of the New Zealand's crater lakes on this 15-minute helicopter flight from Rotorua. With commentary from your pilot about the area's history, ecosystem, and geology, fly over the hidden lakes and get views of distant volcanoes. Highlights include the lakes of Tikitapu (Blue Lake) , Rotokakahi (Green Lake), Okareka, Tarawera and Okataina, as well as city views of Rotorua.

Ride a jet boat to Mokoia Island on an hour-long excursion to the forested wildlife sanctuary, speeding across Lake Rotorua at 53 mph (85 kph). You'll step off the boat for a 30-minute hiking tour of the island, which is home to kiwi birds, pukeko, papango, and many more, including endangered species that thrive in the predator-free environment. Wind to the island's summit for gorgeous views across Lake Rotorua, pausing by a simmering hot pool before the high-speed trip back to shore.

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.

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.

Get out of your comfort zone on this challenging Bush Safari from Rotorua. This self-drive experience by 4-passenger 4WD vehicle takes you over steep climbs and descents, with guided instruction via two-way radio as you navigate waterfalls, lunges and tunnels. Upgrade to include a 4x4 Monster Thrill Ride or Raceline Karting, or do all three. Safety briefing and equipment are provided.

See the rolling hills and sprawling rainforest of the Rotorua Lakes region from the lakes themselves on this unique paddle-board tour. Paddle around Lake Tikitapu, Lake Tarawera or Lake Okareka – your guide chooses the best lake on the day. See ancient volcanoes, old Māori pa and impressive caves and forests without having to pack for a sweaty multi-day hike. When you get tired on the boards, swim in the lakes or explore the shoreline at your own speed.