Rotorua itinerary – How to spend 1, 2, 3 or 5 days in Rotorua New Zealand

Rotorua is known for three things: the smell of sulfur (and accompanying geothermal landscapes), Maori culture, and as the Adventure Capital of the North Island.

I’ve been to this magical town at least 5 times and I just can’t get enough of it! Rotorua is the perfect mix of nature, culture, adventure, cuisine, and otherworldly landscapes. It offers enough unique attractions and activities to keep you wanting more.

Below I’m sharing my insider knowledge and carefully crafted itineraries and recommendations for 1, 2, 3, and 5 days in Rotorua.

Rotorua must-do’s

In a rush? Book your Rotorua essentials ahead of time for a seamless holiday!

Maori Cultural Experience & hangi
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
Hobbiton Day Tour
White water rafting over a waterfall
Rotorua Canopy ZipLine
Hell’s Gate Mud Bath

Stay at:
Prince’s Gate Hotel
Aura Accommodation

Rotorua itinerary overview

I have to admit, putting together this itinerary was no easy feat. Rotorua attracts a very diverse crowd from all walks of life and is the dream destination for avid mountain bikers, thrill seekers, foodies, spa-goers, bird watchers, history nerds, culture geeks, and nature enthusiasts.

At first, I was considering creating a few different itineraries for people with different interests but in the end, I decided to combine different activities together for a more balanced escapade.

The itineraries below will let you experience a bit of everything and hopefully challenge you to step outside of your comfort zone and try something new, no matter how long you have in Rotorua; 1, 2, 3, or 5 days.

How many days in Rotorua?

Two days in Rotorua is the perfect amount of time for first-time visitors. 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.

If you can, spare three days in Rotorua. This will allow you to slow down and visit Hobbiton as well, or spend more time in the geothermal bliss Rotorua is known for.

But if you’re after a more relaxing holiday you could easily spend 5 days to 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.

Read next: Best things to do in Rotorua

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.

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 after all, make the most of it!

Read next: Where to stay in Rotorua

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.

5 day itinerary

Day 1 – Geothermal and Cultural Exploration

Start your adventure in Rotorua by exploring its geothermal wonders. Witness the impressive geysers and steaming vents at Te Puia Valley, stroll through Rotorua Town, taking in the unique volcanic landscape and the serene beauty of Lake Rotorua. Feel small at the Redwoods forest before ending the day with a hangi dinner at a Maori village.

This day blends the raw power of nature with rich cultural experiences, setting the tone for an unforgettable journey.

Te Puia Valley

Start the day at Te Puia Valley and take your time to explore the geothermal wonders as well as the cultural sights.

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 Pohutu geyser, mud pools, hot springs, silica formations, and more.

The valley also offers guided tours led by knowledgeable Maori guides who share stories passed down through generations, giving context to the spiritual significance of the geothermal landscape and its surrounding areas. 

One of the highlights of the cultural experience in Te Puia Valley is the Te Puia New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, which is dedicated to preserving and promoting Maori arts and crafts. 

Book your Te Puia Geothermal Valley Experience

Rotorua Town and Lake Rotorua

Next up, you’ll be exploring Rotorua town. Take a stroll through Kuirau Park for more volcanic and geothermal landscapes. Then make your way to Ohinemutu Maori Village before continuing your walk to Rotorua lakefront. Here you’ll find a boardwalk path, discover a hot water beach and you can make your way to Sulphur point before looping back through Government Gardens. Finally, make your way to Eat Street and grab some lunch.

National Kiwi Hatchery

The National Kiwi Hatchery Tour is a special opportunity to gain insight in the kiwi hatching process and see kiwi birds in the purpose-built nocturnal enclosure. Institutions like the National Kiwi Hatchery are incredibly important in the conservation of this species.

Book your National Kiwi Hatchery tickets

Redwoods

Continue the afternoon in the Whakarewarewa Forest. These incredible Redwood trees reach heights of 75 meters and just walking among them will make you feel small and humble.

For a relaxing afternoon, you can climb up the suspension bridges at Redwoods Treewalk. You can also explore the forest by bike. There are several biking trails that cater to beginners all the way to pros and you can rent a bike here.

For a more exciting way to spend the afternoon, book this zipline adventure among the giant trees with Canopy Rotorua.

Maori Cultural Evening

Rotorua has the most concentrated Maori population in New Zealand and there is no better place to experience Maori culture than here! There are multiple Maori villages that you can visit and they all offer an interesting cultural experience with performances and traditional hangi dinner.

My favorite was this cultural evening experience. at Te Pa Tu, formerly known as Tamaki Māori Village.

Book your cultural evening at Te Pa Tu

Day 2 – Geothermal Wonders, Thrills and Relaxation

Today is all about balancing excitement with relaxation and geothermal activity. Begin with the stunning geothermal colors of Wai-o-tapu, known for its vibrant pools and the famous Lady Knox Geyser. Get your adrenaline pumping with adventurous white-water rafting and afterward, unwind at the Polynesian Spa.

Wai-o-tapu Thermal Wonderland

Wai-o-tapu is New Zealand’s most colourful and diverse geothermal sightseeing attraction. Every day at 10:15 AM you can witness the Lady Knox Geyser erupt to heights of 20 meters and take insta-worthy shots at the Champagne Pool.

Book your Wai-O-Tapu & Waimagu tour

White water Rafting

Rotorua is home to the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall so book this rafting adventure and prove you’ve got some balls!

After instructions and a safety briefing, you’ll experience a 50-minute ride down 14 rapids and ultimately the big waterfall. We’ve been told that 1 in 3 rafts flip down the falls, but don’t worry, it is perfectly safe. We flipped and had even more fun for it.

Book your white water rafting adventure

Polynesian Spa

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

Book your Polynesian Spa tickets

Day 3 – Fantasy and Adventure

Step into a fantasy world at the Hobbiton Movie Set and experience the quaint charm of the Shire from the Lord of the Rings. Continue the day with high-energy fun at Velocity Valley before calming down for the evening with a kayak trip on Lake Rotoiti, exploring glowworm caves for a magical touch.

Hobbiton Movie Set

If you are LOTR a fan, then the Hobbiton movie set is most definitely already high up on your NZ bucket list. To enter Hobbiton you need to pre-book tickets, so make sure that’s covered before heading there or join this group tour from Rotorua for peace of mind.

You can choose to combine Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves on this day tour from Rotorua. This is ideal if your arrival and departure times don’t allow for 5 full days. Otherwise it’s best to follow this itinerary and visit Waitomo on day 4 as part of a bigger road trip.

The Hobbiton film set is the only film set from the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies that hasn’t been broken down after filming. Instead, it has been turned into an open-air museum and during the two-hour long tour through The Shire, you get a chance to see 37 hobbit holes.

Read Next: Lord of the Rings filming locations

Velocity Valley

This adventure park has everything to still your hunger for action. Take a ride on a jet boat, feel the rush swinging over the valley in the swoop swing, go shweeb racing; pedal-powered monorail pods that go up to 50 km/h.

Book your Velocity Valley tickets

Glowworms at Lake Rotoiti

The next lake over from Lake Rotorua is called Lake Rotoiti. The two are connected with a stream and here you’ll find beautiful bays, beaches, thermal springs and even glowworms!

This kayaking tour is the perfect way to explore and the knowledgable guide will take you to the nicest springs and several glow worm caves that are only accessible by water.

If kayaking isn’t your thing you can explore some caves by foot so join this Nocturnal adventure Glow-worm tour.

Day 4 – Natural Wonders and Serenity

Today you’ll be going on a road trip and I recommend you rent a car for the day. Start at the stunning Waitomo Glowworm Caves, home to stunning glowworm displays, visit the impressive Marakopa Falls and the crystal-clear Blue Springs. End the day with a soak at Secret Spot Hot Tubs amongst native bushland for the perfect ending.

Waitomo Caves

There are over 300 known caves in the Waitomo area, and countless glowworms that live in them. Sure, you’ve seen glowworms last night at Rotoiti, but trust me, this is a completely different experience!

You could do the classic boat tour (included in this Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves on this day tour) but where’s the fun in that? Instead I recommend you rent a car and book this black water rafting tour for the ultimate experience.

Black water rafting is not as thrilling as the rafting in Rotorua, but it’s so damn beautiful! The raft is actually an inflatable donut and you’ll be leisurely floating down an underground stream while looking up at a stary sky of glowworms. Trust me, it’s magical!

Marakopa Falls

This 35-meter high waterfall is incredibly wide and arguably the most impressive waterfall on New Zealand’s North Island. The amount of water and the force the water comes down with is so big that you can feel the spray on the viewing platform, more than 100 meters away.

Blue Springs

The Putaruru Blue Springs are one of the purest water sources in the world and supply about 70 % of New Zealand’s bottled water. You can reach them via the Te Waihou Walkway. It is a 15-minute walk from Leslie road carpark to the springs but the full track is almost 2 hours.

Secret Spot Hot Tubs

Another packed day in Rotorua so you deserve to treat yourself to some hot tubs! Tucked away in the native bush, these hand-crafted cedar hot tubs are as relaxing as it gets. Reserve your hot tub here and just soak as the stress and aches fade away.

Reserve your hot tub at the Secret Spot

Day 5 – Adventure and Indulgence

Conclude your Rotorua experience with a blend of adventure and indulgence. Scale the heights of Mt. Tarawera for panoramic views, then dive into the unique experience of zorbing—rolling downhill in a giant inflatable ball. Make the most of the geothermal mud baths and finish with a luxurious dinner with breathtaking views at the Stratosphere Restaurant.

Mt Tarawera Volcano

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 book a helicopter landing at the top.

Zorbing

Zorbing was actually invented in New Zealand, not to far from Rotorua so it’s only fitting you give it a try while here. You can choose from three different runs — a straight slope, a multipoint harness or a curvy water ride as you roll down a hill in a plastic ball.

Book your Zorb Ride

Hell’s Gate

Hell’s Gate Reserve is a true wonder of nature. Take this Geothermal Walk to see bubbling mud pools, steaming cliffs, the Kakahi Falls, the largest hot water waterfall in the Southern Hemisphere, witness a mud volcano eruption and walk among unique native bushland.

But want to know the best part? It is also has a spa and this spa and 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 nourished, and your mind relaxed and calm.

Stratosphere Restaurant at the Skyline

End your holiday in Rotorua in style. The Stratosfare Restaurant is located at the top of the Skyline gondola and it boosts 360 views overlooking Lake Rotorua and the surroundings. The food is delicious and you can also do a wine tasting at the Volcanic Hills Winery.

3 day itinerary

The three day itinerary packs in all the Rotorua highlights and combines geothermal parks with nature and adventure. On the third day you can choose between Hell’s Gate or Velocity Valley, but if you don’t mind hurrying up a little you should be able to squeeze them both in, as long as you get strategic about times.

Day 1 – Geothermal Landscapes and Maori Culture

Te Puia Valley

Start your adventure in Rotorua with a visit to Te Puia Valley, a hub of geothermal activity and Maori culture. Witness the Pohutu Geyser eruption and explore spectacular mud pools. End by exporing cultural exhibitions that tell the stories of the local Maori.

Book a guided tour to gain insights from knowledgeable Maori guides, adding depth to your experience.

Book your Te Puia Geothermal Valley Experience

Rotorua Town and Lake Rotorua

Explore Rotorua Town, where the air carries hints of sulfur. Stroll through Kuirau Park with its steaming vents and bubbling mud pools. Head to Lake Rotorua, where the serene waters provide a perfect backdrop for relaxation. Along the lakefront, stop by Ohinemutu Maori Village for a glimpse into the community’s living traditions. Grab lunch on Eat Street.

National Kiwi Hatchery

Visit the National Kiwi Hatchery to learn about the conservation efforts to protect New Zealand’s iconic bird. Booking your tickets in advance is recommended to secure a spot.

Book your National Kiwi Hatchery tickets

Redwoods

Experience towering beauty of the Redwoods in Whakarewarewa Forest. Walk along the majestic treewalk suspension bridges or rent a bike to explore the numerous trails. If you’re up for something more adventurous, book this zipline tour for a thrilling experience high up among the trees.

Maori evening

Cap off the day with an evening of Maori culture. Attend a cultural experience at Te Pa Tu Maori village, where you’ll enjoy traditional performances, storytelling, and a hangi feast—a meal cooked using heated rocks in a pit oven.

This was one of my favorite experiences in Rotorua and I highly recommend it.

Book your cultural evening at Te Pa Tu

Day 2 – Geothermal Wonders, Thrills and Indulgence

Wai-o-tapu Thermal Wonderland

Start the day with the vibrant geothermal spectacle of Wai-o-tapu Thermal Wonderland. Marvel at the otherworldly colors of the Champagne Pool and the dramatic eruptions of the Lady Knox Geyser.

Book your Wai-O-Tapu & Waimagu tour

White Water Rafting

For a heart-pounding adventure, book a white-water rafting experience on the Kaituna River. Conquer the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall, Tutea Falls, and navigate 14 sets of rapids.

Book your white water rafting adventure

Polynesian Spa

After the adrenaline rush, unwind at the Polynesian Spa, set on the picturesque shores of Lake Rotorua. Enjoy the soothing mineral baths overlooking the lake and renowned for their therapeutic properties.

Book your Polynesian Spa tickets

Stratosphere Restaurant at the Skyline

End your day at the Skyline complex, enjoy the views, and dine at the Stratosphere Restaurant. Accessible by gondola, the restaurant offers stunning panoramic views of the city and lake, serving a buffet dinner that combines local flavors with international cuisine.

Day 3 – Fantasy and Adventure

Hobbiton Movie Set

Begin your day at the Hobbiton Movie Set. Traverse the lush hills of the Shire, exploring iconic sites like Bilbo Baggins’ home and the Green Dragon Inn. This meticulously preserved film set is a magical experience for fans of Middle-earth.

Hell’s Gate or Velocity Valley

In the afternoon, choose between relaxation or adrenaline. Head to Hell’s Gate, a geothermal park and spa known for its unique mud baths and hot springs.

Alternatively, if you crave more thrills, Velocity Valley is the place to be. This adventure park offers activities like jet boating and swoop swinging.

If you rent a car and visit Hobbiton on your own accord you can probably make it back in time to do both, Hell’s Gate and Velocity Valley before your evening Glow Worm tour.

Glowworms at Lake Rotoiti

Wrap up the day with a serene experience at Lake Rotoiti. Book this kayak tour to explore the hidden glowworm caves for a peaceful and magical end to your Rotorua adventure.

2 day itinerary

Two days are enough to see the highlights of Rotorua, but you might need to make some compromises and choose between a few activities.

Day 1 – Maori Culture and Nature

Te Puia Valley or Hobbiton

Kick off your adventure in Rotorua with either a visit to Te Puia Valley or the enchanting Hobbiton Movie Set.

Choose Te Puia to immerse yourself in Maori culture and geothermal wonders. If you’re a fan of Middle-earth and have your own wheels, hop over to Hobbiton, home to the iconic Shrine with Hobbit holes and the Green Dragon Inn. Just make to get there early

Velocity Valley or Zorb (optional)

Depending on how early or late you finish your visit to Te Puia or Hobbiton you might have the time for an adrenaline rush. Choose between Velocity Valley or try Zorbing.

Velocity Valley offers activities like swoop swings, and shweeb racing, while zorbing involves rolling down a hill inside a giant inflatable ball.

Redwoods

Next, head to the Redwoods in Whakarewarewa Forest. Enjoy a serene walk in the forest, climb up the Treewalk suspension bridges or opt for a more thrilling experience with this zipline tour through the towering Redwoods.

Maori evening

Conclude your day with a Maori evening at experience. Enjoy traditional performances and a hangi dinner, which will deepen your understanding of Maori culture and traditions.

Book your cultural evening at Te Pa Tu

Day 2 – Geothermal Wonderland, Thrills and Indulgence

Wai-o-tapu Thermal Wonderland

Start your second day with the vivid colors and dramatic landscapes of Wai-o-tapu Thermal Wonderland. Don’t miss the vibrant hues of the Champagne Pool and watch the impressive Lady Knox Geyser erupt.

Book your Wai-O-Tapu & Waimagu tour

Rotorua Town and Lake Rotorua

Later, explore Rotorua Town. Take a leisurely walk through Kuirau Park, where you can see geothermal activity amidst gardens. Continue to the picturesque Lake Rotorua, and visit Ohinemutu Maori Village for a glimpse into the community’s living traditions. Grab lunch on Eat Street.

White Water Rafting

Next, get your adrenaline pumping with a white-water rafting adventure and tackle the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall on the Kaituna River. And if you’re anything like me, you’ll agree that tipping over is half the fun!

Book your white water rafting adventure

Hell’s Gate or Polynesian Spa

After the thrills, choose your relaxing afternoon at either Hell’s Gate or the Polynesian Spa. Hell’s Gate offers therapeutic mud baths and geothermal walks, while the Polynesian Spa provides soothing hot pools overlooking Lake Rotorua.

Stratosphere Restaurant at the Skyline

End your day at the Skyline, and enjoy a buffet dinner at Stratosphere Restaurant with panoramic views of Rotorua.

1 day Rotorua itinerary

If you only have one day in Rotorua you’ll most likely want to make the most of it. That’s why this one-day itinerary is so packed!

Make sure to get a good breakfast at your accommodation and start the day early. It’s gonna be an eventful one!

Rotorua at its finest

Wai-o-tapu or Te Puia geothermal area

There are several geothermal parks in and around Rotorua but Wai-o-tapu and Te Puia take the crown. Pick one.

Rotorua town and Lake Rotorua

Next up, you’ll be exploring Rotorua town and the lakefront. Take a shorter stroll through Kuirau Park, Ohinemutu Maori Village, Rotorua lakefront boardwalk and make your way to Eat Street to grab some lunch.

Redwoods or Rafting

It’s choice time again! Depending on your preferences and budget you have several choices on how to spend your afternoon.

My top recommendation is to go rafting. Rotorua is home to the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall so book this rafting tour and prove you’ve got some balls!

If falling out of a raft isn’t your idea of fun then head over to the Redwoods at the outskirts of town and choose between the Redwoods Treewalk, mountain biking or Canopy ZipLine.

Hell’s Gate or Polynesian Spa

After an adventure-filled afternoon, it’s time to relax and recharge. Pick hell’s Gate for mud baths surrounded by native bush or the Polynesian Spa for mineral hot pools overlooking Lake Rotorua.

Maori evening experience

I highly recommend you book this cultural experience at Te Pa Tu, formerly known as Tamaki Māori Village. The cultural performances and hangi dinner are among the best I’ve experienced.

Book your cultural evening at Te Pa Tu

Where to eat 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.

Best time to visit Rotorua

Rotorua is a great destination year-round. In summer you will get warmer weather perfect for outdoor activities and longer days that allow you to see more things in a day. And in winter the geothermal activity makes this the area even more special.

But I really love Rotorua in winter! Thick steam rises up from the geothermal areas creating a mity layer over town and there is central heating everywhere (and you don’t find this often in New Zealand!).

Read next: Rotorua in winter

Is Rotorua worth visiting?

Rotorua is a must-visit destination in New Zealand because of its beautiful scenery, rich cultural heritage and wide tourist offerings.

Known for its geothermal activity, Rotorua offers unique sights like geysers, bubbling mud pools, and hot springs. Adventure enthusiasts can enjoy activities such as mountain biking, white-water rafting, and zip-lining.

Rotorua is a key cultural hub in New Zealand, where you can experience Maori performances and enjoy traditional meals. Additionally, there are also lovely walking trails and lake activities like fishing and kayaking. And Rotorua’s spa facilities are perfect for relaxing.

Planning a trip to Rotorua?

From relaxing hot pools to the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world to colorful thermal parks and Maori culture to walking high up in the trees and rolling down hills in an inflatable ball.

Rotorua really packs in a punch and certainly deserves a place on your New Zealand bucket list!

Find out more about Rotorua in the articles below.