Rotorua in winter – 30 incredible things to do in winter in Rotorua, New Zealand

Known for its bubbling mud pools, steaming geysers, and natural hot springs, Rotorua is a fantastic destination year round. However, winter is an especially magical time to visit this geothermal wonderland.

With the temperatures going down, the steam rises from the bubbling mud pools and hot springs, creating a mystical atmosphere, and you feel the pleasant warmth seeping out of the geothermal cracks as you walk past. There are not many places in the world, where you can experience anything like this!

Rotorua winter must-do’s

Short on time? These are the top 5, most unique things to do in Rotorua that you absolutely shouldn’t miss out on!

1. Te Puia Geothermal Valley
2. Te Pa Tu Maori Cultural Experience
3. Hell’s Gate Mud Bath
4. Secret Spot Hot Tub Soak
5. Polynesian Spa Hot Springs

Why visit Rotorua in winter

There are several benefits for visiting Rotorua in winter; fewer crowds, lower prices, and more dramatic geothermal landscapes due to the contrast between steam and the cold winter air.

Soaking in hot pools is by far my favourite activity during New Zealand Winter, and it does not get much better than the natural pools in Rotorua. On top of that, the naturally heated geothermal water gets used for central heating, which is an incredible perk since heating and proper insulation aren’t very common in New Zealand.

Read next: Rotorua itinerary – Best things to do in Rotorua in 1, 2, 3 & 5 days

Where to stay in Rotorua

Rotorua is a fairly small city and most things in town are within walking distance from each other. Still, I’d recommend you keep closer to the lakefront and Kuirau park for the best experience, you’ll save yourself some cold strolls.

Read next: Best accommodation in Rotorua

A major consideration when choosing accommodation in Rotorua could be access to a spa or a geothermally heated pool. You’re in a volcanic wonderland in the middle of winter, after all, make the most of it!

Feel like royalty at Prince’s Gate Hotel located right next to the Governors gardens. If you’re after more private accommodation, Aura Accommodation offers studios and apartments with a common pool area with a hot tub. And for those on a budget check out Rotorua Central Backpackers the location is great and it has a hot tub for you to soak in after a long day.

30-ish amazing things to do in Rotorua in winter

It’s not just the geothermal action that makes Rotorua the perfect winter destination! Known as the adventure capital of the North island, Rotorua is sure to get your adrenaline flowing any time of the year. Rotorua is also home to the vibrant and rich Maori culture, and is surrounded by beautiful nature.

Geothermal attractions in Rotorua

The heat and sulphur gasses come through the earth’s crust which heats up the ground, lakes, and streams and causes the smell of sulphur (smells a bit like rotten eggs). Luckily the big upside to this phenomenon is that these geothermal areas look awesome, and result in some great spas and relaxing natural hot springs.

I highly recommend you take some time to explore these geothermal landscapes and phenomena. This guided thermal path tour will take you through some hidden spots or you can opt for this self-guided tour if you prefer to explore at your own pace.

1. Te Puia Valley

Te Puia Valley is located just outside of town and spans over 70 hectares within the historic Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley. Here you’ll find the world-famous Pōhutu geyser, mud pools, hot springs, silica formations, and more.

Location: Te Puia

Book your tour: Te Puia Geothermal Valley

2. Kuirau Park

On a tight budget or don’t feel like spending money? Then go to Kuirau Park in Rotorua town. Entrance to the park is completely free and you’ll see plenty of bubbly mud pools and steamy lakes here.

Location: Kuirau Park

Opening times: always open

Entrance fees: free

3. Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

This big park is considered to be New Zealand’s most colourful and diverse geothermal sightseeing attraction. Witness the Lady Knox Geyser erupt to heights of 20 meters and take insta-worthy shots at the Champagne Pool.

The Geyser erupts every day at 10:15 am and if you don’t mind missing out on it, this is the best time to have the rest of the park all to yourself. Don’t worry about it too much though, the park is big and never gets very crowded.

Location: Wai-O-Tapu

Book your tour: Wai-o-tapu private tour

4. Waimangu Volcanic Valley

Waimangu Volcanic Valley claims to be the world’s youngest geothermal system. It offers a network of naive bush walks, a lake cruise on Lake Rotomahana or you can explore with the Steaming Cliffs Kayak tour. You’ve probably seen photos of the Frying Pan Lake, the world’s largest hot spring of an incredibly blue color.

Location: Waimangu Volcanic Valley

Opening times: Mon–Sun 8:30am–5pm

Book your tour: Volcanic Valley Self Guided Tour

5. Hells Gate Reserve

From bubbling pools and steaming cliffs, to Kakahi Falls, the largest hot waterfall in the Southern Hemisphere. Hell’s Gate really is a wonder of nature. Here you can witness a mud volcano eruption and unique native bushland.

Location: Hell’s Gate

Opening times: Fri–Mon, 10am–6pm

Book your tour:
The Hell’s Gate Experience | Hell’s Gate Geothermal Walk

Spas and hot pools in Rotorua

A big perk of geothermal activity is the natural hot springs it creates. What better way to pamper yourself than by sitting in a warm bath or mud bath? If you’re looking to relax, I suggest you check out (at least) one of the following options.

6. Go wild at Kerosine Creek

The free option. Drive to Kerosine Creek and walk a few minutes from the carpark into the bush to find a naturally heated stream that cascades into little hot pools. Don’t forget to bring a towel and as always with natural hot springs, avoid getting your head under water.

Location: Kerosine Creek

Opening times: Always open

Entrance fees: Free

7. Mud at Hell’s Gate

Don’t let the name put you off, more than hell, this spa is heaven! It takes mud baths to a whole new level. This therapeutic mud bath and sulfur spa package will leave your body rejuvenated, your skin smooth and nourish and your mind relaxed and calm.

Location: Hell’s Gate

Opening times: Fri–Mon, 10am–6pm

Book your spa package: Hell’s Gate Mud Bath & Spas

8. Soak at Waikite Valley Thermal Pools

Waikite Valley Thermal Pools – Thermal pools with an attached campsite where you can stay for an additional $5. Perfect if you’re traveling around in a van and still need a place to camp for the night!

9. Relax at Secret Spot Hot Tubs

Tucked away in the native bush, these hand-crafted cedar hot tubs are as relaxing as it gets. Reserve yours here and just soak as the stress and aches fade away.

Location: Secret Spot Hot Tubs

Opening times: Mon–Sun, 9am–10pm

Book your hot tub: Secret Spot Hot Tub Soak

10. Indulge at Polynesian Spa

The iconic Polynesian is situated just off the shores of Lake Rotorua and has everything you need to indulge in a day of rest and relaxation. Here you can enjoy 5 mineral hot pools overlooking Lake Rotorua, a cold plunge, geothermally heated poolside recliners and massive relaxation areas.

Location: Polynesian Spa

Opening times: Mon–Sun, 9am–10pm

Book your spa package: Polynesian Spa Hot Springs

What to do in Rotorua to experience culture and history

11. Do a Maori cultural experience

The Māori people were the first to settle in Rotorua and it is still the country’s heartland of Māori culture. There are multiple Māori villages that you can visit here and they all offer an interesting cultural experience. They sometimes sell out so make sure to book your Maori night in advance.

We went to Te Pa Tu, formerly known as Tamaki Māori Village which was voted the 7th best experience in the world by TripAdvisor in 2018 and I highly recommend booking this experience.

After an invigorating welcome (if you’re lucky you might be chosen as your tribe’s chief), you’ll be shown around the village. During the evening you’ll learn about Maori tattoos, partake in traditions like the world-famous haka and play Maori games. After the tour through the village, they will put on an incredible show for you and end the evening with with arguably the best part; a delicious hangi dinner.

Location: Te PA Tu Village

Book your tour: Cultural Experience at Te Pā Tū

12. Visit a Jade carving studio

Jade has a special place in Maori culture and jade carving is a traditional craft. Different shapes have different meanings and it is said a jade-stone should always be gifted, never bought. In Rotorua you can visit the Mountain Jade Carving Studio where you’ll learn everything about this ancient craft.

13. See the sheep show at Agrodome

There is no shortage of jokes on sheep and New Zealand. And yes, there really is plenty of sheep in this country! At Agrodome you’ll learn more about farming in New Zealand, you’ll get to pet some farm animals and end the night with the famous sheep sheering show.

Location: Riverdale Park

Opening times: Thu–Mon 9am–2pm

Book your tour: Agrodome Farm Experience

Things to do in Rotorua for thrill seekers

There is no shortage of adventures in Rotorua, the Adventure Capital of the North Island. Officially Queenstown still claims the crown as Adventure Capital of New Zealand, but it’s a tight win as you’ll see from the vast list of thrilling, adrenaline-pumping activities listed below.

14. Hit the slopes

While you can’t ski directly in Rotorua, there are several ski fields within driving distance from the city, including Mt. Ruapehu.

Ruapehu is the biggest ski field in New Zealand and it is actually made up of two ski areas, Whakapapa and Turoa on two opposite sides of this majestic volcano. Yes, it’s a ski field on top of an active volcano, how cool is that? On a clear day the views from up here are to die for. Just imagine gliding down the slopes with Mt Doom and the sparkling Lake Taupo in the distance.

Mt. Ruapehu offers some of the best off piste rides in the country, including bowls, chutes, natural half pipes, gullies and drops. It also has some of the most modern lifts in New Zealand. If it wasn’t for the unreliable and often bad weather, this would be the perfect ski field!

Location: Whakapapa Ski Field, Turoa Ski field

Available infrastructure: 550 hectares of terrain, 11 lifts, a gondola and a high speed quad chair lift at Whakapapa and 500 hectares and 5 chair lifts at Turoa

15. Become a human bubble in a Zorb

Roll down a hill inside a plastic ball. You can choose from three different runs — a straight slope, a multipoint harness or a curvy water ride.

Book your adventure: Rotorua Zorbing

16. Zip through the forest

Just a few minutes out of town, Rotorua canopy tours runs zipline adventures through (arguably) the most beautiful forest in Rotorua. They offer two different tours for you to choose from – The Original Canopy Tour runs for 600m over six ziplines while the Ultimate Canopy Tour is double that!

Book your adventure: Canopy ZipLine

17. Go rafting and drop off a waterfall

Rotorua is home to the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall and if going down it wasn’t on your bucket list yet, you should add it now. I know getting wet in the cold water in the middle of winter oesn’t sound like much fun, but when else will you have a chance to raft off a 7-meter high waterfall?!

Book your adventure: Rotorua White Water Rafting

18. Get your adrenaline fix Mountain Biking

All this wild and unspoiled nature make Rotorua great for another thing; mountain biking! With over 350 km of mountain bike trails, Rotorua really is a world class destination for MTB & downhill holidays.

The Redwood Forest track has been voted best mountain biking track on the Southern Hemisphere by RedBull, and those guys know what they’re talking about when it comes to extreme sports. And if you’re not big on the uphill part (altho, that’s what’s gonna warm you up in winter!), take advantage of the gondola at Skyline MTB gravity park or opt for e-mountain bikes.

Book your adventure: Rent a MTB

19. Try Swoop, the giant sky swing

This bungy swing takes things to the next level and puts your faith into your own hands. You have to release the cord yourself to swoop from 0 to 130kmph in 1 second. Then bounce back. Would you dare?

Book your adventure: Swoop bungy swing

20. Take your pick at Velocity Valley

Still haven’t got your adrenalin pumping? Then visit Velocity Valley. This adventure park has everything to still your hunger for action. Take a ride on a jet boat, feel the rush of a bungy jump, swing over the valley in the super swing, or go shweeb racing; pedal-powered monorail pods that go up to 50 km/h. If all of that isn’t enough, then I don’t know what is.

Book your adventure:
Agroventures | Rotorua Bungy

Rotorua activities for nature lovers

21. Visit the National Kiwi Hatchery

Have you ever seen a kiwi bird? We got super lucky to spot two on Ulva island but the harsh reality is that they’re so rare that most people never see one in the wild. That’s why institutions like the National Kiwi Hatchery are so important in the conservation of this species. The National Kiwi Hatchery Tour is a special opportunity to gain insight in kiwi hatching process and see kiwi birds in the purpose-built nocturnal enclosure.

Location: National Kiwi Hatchery

Book your tour: National Kiwi Hatchery

22. Feel small in the redwood forest

On the outskirts of Rotorua, you’ll find the Whakarewarewa Forest. Within this forest, 6 hectares of Californian Redwood trees were planted over 100 years ago. Now, these trees have grown to heights of 75 meters!

Redwoods Treewalk created a walkway up in the trees consisting of platforms connected by 28 swing bridges to show you the forest from a whole new perspective. In the evening the whole walk is illuminated and lanterns light up the forest to make it look truly magical.

You don’t have to do the tree walk to explore the forest, but I highly recommend you do as it’s gonna give you a completely different perspective.

Location: Whakarewarewa Forest

23. Stroll down Lake Rotorua

Lake Rotorua is beautiful and offers a mix of pedicured lakeside reserves, native bushes and geothermal areas. There is even a free hot water beach for you to explore! So wrap up in your warmest clothes and and go exploring.

Location: Rotorua Lakefront Boardwalk

Opening times: Always open

Entrance fees: Free

24. Walk into the crater of a volcano at Mt Tarawera

On the outskirts of Rotorua stands Mt. Tarawera, a 1.111 m tall volcano, where you can enter the crater! Since it belongs to a Maori tribe (and for safety reasons) it is closed to the public and you can only explore it with a guided tour.

Depending on your fitness level, budget and time available, you can choose to do a guided hike the top of the volcano or do a helicopter landing at the top.

Location: Mt. Tarawera

Book your tour:
Guided Hike | Helicopter with Volcano Landing

Indoor activities in Rotorua

25. Indulge in the flavors on Eat Street

With a name like this, Eat street is certain to pack some of the best restaurants in Rotorua. In my opinion, this is one of the best places to eat in Rotorua and there is no shortage of bars, pubs and live music either.

Location: Eat Street

Opening times: Vary by restaurand and bar

26. Enjoy dinner with a view at Rotorua Skyline

If you’re looking to turn dinner into an experience then check out Stratosfare Restaurant at the top of the Skyline gondola. The food is delicious and it boosts 360 views overlooking lake Rotorua and the surrounding snow covered mountain peeks..

Location: Stratosfare Restaurant & Bar

Opening times: Thu & Fri 5–8:30pm, Sat & Sun 11:30am–2:30pm

27. Go wine tasting at the Volcanic Hills Winery

Also located at the top of the Skyline is the Volcanic Hills Winery Tasting Room. Made from grapes from the best wine-growing regions around New Zealand Volcanic Hills Winery offers a selection of kiwi favorites, all paired with swooping views.

Location: Skyline Rotorua

Opening times: Thu–Mon, 12–5pm

28. Motion Entertainment

29. 3D Trick Art Gallery

30. Pet a cat at Fancy Meow Cat Cafe

Best day trips from Rotorua

Rotorua is a fantastic place to base yourself, especially if visiting New Zealand in Winter and do day trips from. Some of the more popular destinations include Waitomo Glow Worm caves, Hobiton movie set, Lake Taupo and the Maori Carvings as well as the Blue Springs, Tauranga and Mount Manganui.

I highly recommend this Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Glowworm Caves day trip.

Rotorua winter temperature and weather

While it can be chilly and wet, Rotorua’s geothermal activity means that the city’s hot springs, mud pools, and geysers are especially appealing in the winter months.

Winter in New Zealand starts at the end of June and lasts till the end of September, making July, August and September the official New Zealand winter months. June is the month with the shortest days and it often sees the most rainfall while July is generally the coldest month in New Zealand. 

The average day time temperature during winter in Rotorua ranges from 10°C (50°F) to 15°C (59°F), while the nighttime temperatures can drop to 3°C (37°F) to 8°C (46°F).

Does it snow in Rotorua

It does not snow in Rotorua, and in the rare occasions when there’s a light dusting of snow, it melts as soon as it hits the geothermally heated floor. There is however plenty of snow on the surrounding mountains.

What to pack for Rotorua in winter

Make sure to pack some good quality waterproof boots, warm socks, a (preferably long) winter coat, a compact umbrella, gloves, scarf and hat, warm layers, but also your beach towel and swimwear to enjoy the hot pools.

Shop these Winter essentials:

HUNTER Tall Boots

Columbia Long Down Jacket

Merino Socks

Columbia Winter Jacket

Wool Blend Wrap Coat

Windproof Travel Umbrella

USB Hand Warmer

Chelsea Boots

Hat Scarf & Gloves Set

How many days in winter in Rotorua

Two to three days is the perfect amount of time to spend in Rotorua for first-timers. This will allow you to get acquainted with the geothermal landscapes, experience Maori culture, relax at the spas and get your adrenaline pumping in one of the many adventures Rotorua has to offer.

But if you’re after a more relaxing holiday you could easily spend a week getting pampered in the many spas and discovering the geothermal parks. Similarly, if you’re a mountain biker or adrenaline junkie, there’s no limit to how much time you could spend in Rotorua. If you wish to hit the slopes, make sure you account for a full day just for this.

Considering the days are shorter in winter, make sure to schedule your activities accordingly and do the ones that require daylight earlier in the day

Where to eat and drink in Rotorua

A lot of the activities I suggested above include lunch or dinner so I didn’t get a chance to try as many restaurants in Rotorua as I hoped for. But the ones I did go to were all pretty good.

Eat Street packs some of the best restaurants in Rotorua. In my opinion, this is one of the best places to eat in Rotorua and there is no shortage of bars, pubs, and live music either. Just see what catches your attention and enjoy.

Rotorua Night Market is a street food event that fills up Tutanekai Street every Thursday from 5pm to 8:30pm.

Is Rotorua worth visiting in winter?

Absolutely! Rotorua is the perfect destination for a winter trip in New Zealand and you get o experience this magical geothermal land in a completely different light.