Rotorua Travel Guide, Hotels & Things to Do

Where to stay

Hotels in Rotorua

Book direct on our own Rotorua hotel pages — no booking fee and instant confirmation.

Tihi Retreat

24 Henare Place | Rotorua, 3010, NZ

View Deal

Inn Sophia

14 Sophia Street | Rotorua, 3010, NZ

View Deal

The Fairlady

46b Koutu Road | Rotorua, 3010, NZ

View Deal

Secret Garden House

44 Selwyn Road | Rotorua, 3010, NZ

View Deal

Lakefront Luxury - Lake Rotoiti Holiday Home

30 Okawa Bay Road Rd 4 | Rotorua, 3074, NZ

View Deal

Highfield on High - 50m to the Redwoods Forest with Spa Pool

Highfield Place 4 | Rotorua, 3010, NZ

View Deal

Farm Homestead just 10min from the City

22 Diamond Street | Rotorua, 3015, NZ

View Deal

Kawaha Corner - Minutes from Skyline Zorb & more

Matthew Place 12 | Rotorua, 3010, NZ

View Deal

Swipe for more Rotorua hotels

View all properties in Rotorua

At a glance

Climate

Temperate

Languages

English and Māori

Local currency

NZD (NZD)

Local time

17:54 (GMT+13)

Ideal trip length

2–4 days

Cost level

3 of 5 · our research

Suggested area to stay

Lakefront

Tap water

Generally described as safe to drink

Tipping

Not customary

What this place is for

History

95 · Outstanding

Culture

90 · Outstanding

Food

90 · Outstanding

Family 88 · Very good

Our own 0–100 ratings for this one destination. They describe a city; they are not a league table of cities.

Food to try

Hāngī Māori bread Kumara Pavlova

When to visit Rotorua

How good each month is here, on this destination's own scale. It compares months within this city, never one city against another.

Best months: January, December Busiest: Dec-Feb

Jan

90

Warm, sunny, busy
Feb

88

Warm, sunny, pleasant
Mar

80

Mild, pleasant, calm
Apr

70

Cooler, crisp, clear
May

60

Cool, increasing rain
Jun

55

Cold, wet, quiet
Jul

50

Coldest, wettest
Aug

55

Cold, wet, improving
Sept

65

Mild, fresh, blooming
Oct

75

Mild, pleasant, sunny
Nov

85

Warm, pleasant, vibrant
Dec

90

Warm, sunny, festive

90

Jan Warm, sunny, busy

88

Feb Warm, sunny, pleasant

80

Mar Mild, pleasant, calm

70

Apr Cooler, crisp, clear

60

May Cool, increasing rain

55

Jun Cold, wet, quiet

50

Jul Coldest, wettest

55

Aug Cold, wet, improving

65

Sept Mild, fresh, blooming

75

Oct Mild, pleasant, sunny

85

Nov Warm, pleasant, vibrant

90

Dec Warm, sunny, festive

Things to do in Rotorua

7 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.

Best in the morning

2 places

Redwoods Treewalk

Whakarewarewa Forest 1.5 hrs

Walk among ancient redwood trees on an elevated suspension bridge path.

Outdoors Good for children

Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

South of Rotorua 2.5 hrs

Explore vibrant geothermal pools, mud pools, and the Lady Knox Geyser.

Outdoors Good for children

Best in the afternoon

2 places

Polynesian Spa

Lakefront 2.5 hrs

Relax in mineral-rich geothermal pools overlooking Lake Rotorua.

Indoors Good for children

Skyline Rotorua

Mt Ngongotaha 3 hrs

Ride the gondola for panoramic views, luge rides, and mountain biking.

Outdoors Good for children

Best in the evening

1 place

Tamaki Māori Village Experience

Outskirts 3.5 hrs

Experience an authentic Māori cultural performance, hāngī feast, and traditions.

Indoors Good for children

Any time of day

2 places

Te Puia Geothermal Valley & Māori Arts

Whakarewarewa 3.5 hrs

Witness the powerful Pōhutu Geyser and learn about Māori arts and crafts.

Indoors Good for children

Government Gardens

Lakefront 1 hr

Stroll through historic gardens and admire the iconic bathhouse building.

Outdoors Good for children

Rotorua itineraries

View All itineraries

First-timer highlights

3 Days in Rotorua — First-Timer Highlights

Discover the heart of Māori culture, bubbling geothermal wonders, and thrilling adventures in New Zealand's cultural capital.

This 3-day itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors eager to experience Rotorua's unique blend of Māori heritage, dramatic geothermal landscapes, and outdoor activities. From traditional Hāngi feasts to exhilarating luge rides, it offers a comprehensive taste of the city's most iconic attractions.

3 Days 12 Stops

See the full plan