Top Rotorua Fun & Games

To us, It’s about an experience. It’s about the welcome on arrival and departure, it’s about the unexpected joys, the feel good music, finding the fairy doors, walking under an 80 year old kiwifruit vine tunnel, patting a friendly giant rabbit while you putt around it, a sudden explosion of bubbles flying overhead, the world class native garden, the light shows, tranquil and serene in parts, and swarm techno lights in others, it’s a journey of experiences. It’s about standing on large volcanic rocks and admiring the 2,000 year old Rata stump from which water cascades into the pond as smoke billows out from within. This is why it is not unusual to have repeat visits of up & over 3 times while visiting, each experience is different and people leave feeling good!

Get a true adrenaline rush with this Rotorua karting and monster 4x4 experience. Based at New Zealand’s newest and longest kart sport circuit, take the wheel of a go-kart and race around the track, reaching speeds of nearly 100km per hour. Next, jump in a monster 4x4 as your professional driver takes you on an exhilarating journey through native forest.

Perfect for those who love an adrenaline rush, hop in a kart and race around New Zealand’s newest and longest karting track. Set yourself up in a French-made 390cc kart that can reach speeds of nearly 100km per hour and then take off, navigating straights, corners and hairpins. Race your friends, family, colleagues or just go against the clock for a personal best.

See the sights of Rotorua while having fun with your family or friends on this fun outdoor scavenger hunt activity. You’ll be given a series of clues that you’ll need to follow and solve before moving on to the next. Explore the gardens, the lakeside and more along the way. Use your problem-solving skills and teamwork to solve the mystery.

Experience the majesty of Mt Tarawera and gain insight into New Zealand’s rich geology on this 4-hour hike from Rotorua. Travel by off-road 4x4 vehicle into the North Island wilderness with a guide. Follow winding hiking trails from the base of Mt Tarawera up to the crater’s edge, and learn all about the mighty volcano’s 1886 eruption. From your vantage point near the crater, admire panoramic views over the geothermal valley of Waimangu. This exciting hiking tour is suited to adventurers of all ages.

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.

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.

Hover above Mt Tarawera on a helicopter tour with a landing that includes a short, guided exploration of the volcanic terrain on foot. View the geothermal landscape of crater lakes and domes from the air, then get up close to the volcanic scenery as you learn about its geologic history from your guide. Soar above the Northern Lakes district as you take off from Rotorua.

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.

Explore the New Zealand countryside on horseback on this 1-hour horse trekking tour from Rotorua. Climb onto your horse and head into the foothills of Mt Ngongotaha with a guide. Follow winding trails over working farmland and through native bush, and admire beautiful views over Lake Rotorua. Stop along the way to capture the views on camera, then descend back through the green paddocks to base. This horse trek is suitable for beginners and experienced riders alike, with horses and ponies to match all riding abilities.

Treat yourself to a 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. You also have the option to cool off with a dip in waterfall pools after your treatment.

Enjoy an adrenaline rush from this 4-wheel drive adventure and kart racing experience in Rotorua. First drive a Suzuki 4WD through native New Zealand forest, with a guide at your side to help you navigate. Then enjoy racing around New Zealand’s longest karting track in a kart that can reach speeds close to 100km per hour.