Top Rotorua Outdoor Activities
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4WD Tours
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White Water Rafting
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Though most commonly associated with steaming sulfur pools, bubbling mud baths, and Maori heritage, Rotorua is also an adventure hub. From easygoing activities to extreme, high-adrenaline excursions, here are a few of the outdoor adventures on offer in this geothermal region of New Zealand’s North Island.
Water Activities
Rotorua is a watery playground, with more than a dozen lakes—collectively known as the Lakes of Rotorua—and several rivers within the region. The white-water rapids of the Rangitaiki, Wairoa, and Kaituna Rivers promise plenty of thrills for rafters. The truly brave can even take the plunge over the 21-foot (7-meter) Tutea Falls in a raft. Alternatively, take an exhilarating spin on a jet boat through the Waikato River’s Tutukau Gorge, or speed across Lake Rotorua to Mokoia Island, a wildlife sanctuary. For gentler water-based adventures, try kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, or even a steamboat cruise.
Cave Exploring
Just a short journey west of Rotorua lies Waitomo, an area known for its network of underground caves, some of which are accessible to the public. Tour Ruakuri Cave to encounter strange limestone formations and subterranean waterfalls, or Aranui Cave, where thousands of stalactites hang from the ceiling. Don’t miss the Glowworm Caves, where thousands of glowworms twinkle like stars in the dark cavern.
High-Flying Fun
Zipline along cables suspended above the forest canopy, or take to the skies above Lake Rotorua during a parasailing experience that sees you reach heights of up to 400 feet (120 meters). For the ultimate aerial thrill, try a tandem skydive from 15,000 feet (4,572 meters), free-falling for up to 60 seconds before releasing the parachute and floating down to the ground.
Land Adventures
For adrenaline-fueled thrills at ground-level, Rotorua offers plenty of options. Go off-road during a 4WD safari, either steering yourself along forest and farmland tracks or sitting back and letting a professional driver take the wheel. Alternatively, slow down the pace with a horseback ride through the countryside or roll down hills in a Zorb or OGO (giant inflatable balls).
67 results | All Rotorua Tours

Rotorua Rafting - Kaituna River White Water Rafting
Go on an adrenaline-filled rafting excursion down the Kaituna River during this 3-hour adventure tour from Rotorua. Here, white-water rapids flow past a subtropical rainforest lining a deep canyon. See stunning waterfalls, including rafting over Tutea Falls, and jump at the opportunity for exhilarating cliff diving. Tour operates winter and summer. Wetsuit, booties and helmet are provided. No experience necessary!
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Ziplining Forest Adventure - The Original Canopy Tour Rotorua
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.
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Nocturnal adventure Glow-worm tour
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.
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Hobbiton Day Tour from Rotorua with lunch at Hobbiton
Setting out from Rotorua, your Hobbiton Movie Set Tour starts with a scenic drive across to Matamata where your local driver guide will provide informative commentary and share stories about the region and its history. Take a guided tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set and learn how this picturesque farmland was transformed into a living, breathing piece of Middle earth. Your guide will show you Hobbit holes, the Green Dragon Inn, the Party Tree, the Mill, and many other structures from the movies. Then enjoy a tasty lunch at The Green DragonInn before making your way back to Rotorua.
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Rotorua Glow Worm Kayaking Tour
As the sun sets over the Bay of Plenty, take a kayak into the hidden glow worm caves around the Rotorua Caves on this remarkable after-dark tour. Instead of trying to find your own way out to the caves, take a kayak across the lakes with a guide by your side who can help you navigate the tunnels and keep you on course. Marvel at the clusters of glowing bugs and the way they light up these underground rock formations.
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Mitai Maori Village Cultural Experience in Rotorua
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.
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Volcanic Valley Self Guided Walking and Hiking at Waimangu
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.
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Ziplining Forest Experience - The Ultimate Canopy Tour Rotorua
Soar through the trees and experience New Zealand’s ancient native forest like never before on this incredible must-do adventure – Voted TripAdvisor’s #11 Adventure Experience in the world! You'll soar across 1200m of ziplines, experience New Zealand’s one and only cliff walk 50m above the forest floor, incredible swing bridges, controlled descent and an impressive 400m long tandem zipline so you can share the experience of our longest zipline together!
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Cultural Experience & Seasonal Māori Cuisine at Te Pā Tū
While in Rotorua, see a cultural performance and take part in a 3-course seasonal fusion feast at Te Pā Tū, featuring lesser-known delicacies. A local guide escorts you by coach to the “marae” (Māori village) for an immersive evening that begins with a welcome ceremony by New Zealand's Indigenous people. Learn about local customs based on the Māori lunar calendar and watch a powerful display of song and dance.
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Rotorua Duck Boat Guided City and Lakes Tour
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.
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Kaituna River White Water Rafting from Rotorua
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.
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Katoa Jet Boat tour on Lake Rotorua
Blast around Lake Rotorua on a jet boat tour! An expert driver spins you around on an adrenaline-infused adventure and delivers you at top-speed to all of the iconic landmarks. Experience 30 action-packed minutes of family-friendly fun as you hear live narration on the history of the area. Select from multiple departure times; spray jackets included.
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National Kiwi Hatchery - Kiwi Encounter Tour
Gain entry to the National Kiwi Hatchery in Rotorua with this guided tour and ticket combo. Learn about New Zealand's renowned conservation program as you take a tour of the hatchery which has successfully hatched over 2,100 kiwi chicks. After a guided experience, explore the interactive kiwi burrow where you can see the life cycle of a kiwi from egg to burrow.
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Twilight Kayak Glow worm Tour
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.
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The Hell's Gate Experience
Learn more about Rotorua’s culture and natural history when you visit the Hell’s Gate geothermal park. Simplify your visit by pre-purchasing your entry ticket. Take advantage of the included guided tours, which includes a self-guided option if you’d prefer to go at your own pace. Try Maori carving in the carving house and soak in the geothermal waters, if you like.
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Hell's Gate Geothermal Walk
Enter a world of bubbling mud and powerful geysers with admission to Hells Gate, a geothermal park in Rotorua. Once you’re in the Hells Gate park, you can follow a self-guided walkway through New Zealand’s most active geothermal field, pausing to explore interactive exhibits along the way. After the geothermal walk, take time to visit Hells Gate's native forest on a bush walk, listening for the sound of tropical birdcalls as you pass silver ferns and thick foliage.
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Zorb Inflatable Ball Ride from Mount Ngongotaha in New Zealand
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.
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Lake Rotoiti Evening Kayak Tour including Hot Springs, Glowworm Caves and BBQ Dinner
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.
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Guided Horse Trekking from Rotorua
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.
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Kaituna White-Water Rafting Adventure
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.
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Tarawera and Rotorua Lakes Eco Tour by Boat with Guide
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.
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Whaka Trails and Maori Village Combo Tour
Our combo offers your access to our Iconic Village Guided Tour learning of our rich history, traditions and how our people utilise the geothermal that the village sits upon, including a corn on the cob cooked in our hot pools. Hot pools and Geysers all situated in one iconic place.
Our Geothermal Trails was opened in December 2021, you will experience untouched natural landscapes, mud pools and steaming lakes, excellent photo opportunities and suitable for the entire family.
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Steaming Cliffs Kayak
Active travelers who want to experience a combination of Rotorua’s best attractions will love this kayaking tour. While paddling a kayak around the beautiful shores of Lake Rotomahana, you’ll also get the chance to stop and bathe in natural outdoor hot springs. These are not a commonly known tourist attraction, and don’t get the same crowds as hot springs in central Rotorua. As numbers are limited to six on this tour, you can enjoy a peaceful wilderness-like experience.
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Rotorua to Auckland Afternoon Transfer with Waitomo Glow Worms
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.
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things_to_do_group
- Buried Village of Te Wairoa Tours & Tickets
- Lake Okareka Tours & Tickets
- Maori Arts and Crafts Institute (Te Puia) Tours & Tickets
- Waimangu Volcanic Valley Tours & Tickets
- Blue Baths Tours & Tickets
- Hell's Gate Geothermal Park Tours & Tickets
- Government Gardens Rotorua Tours & Tickets
- Redwoods Forest Whakarewarewa Tours & Tickets
- Mt. Tarawera Tours & Tickets
- Velocity Valley Tours & Tickets
- Rainbow Springs Nature Park Tours & Tickets
- Rotorua Museum (Te Whare Taonga o Te Arawa) Tours & Tickets
- Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake) Tours & Tickets
- Lake Rotorua Tours & Tickets
- Te Puia Tours & Tickets
- Lake Rotoiti Tours & Tickets
- Paradise Valley Springs Wildlife Park Tours & Tickets
- Polynesian Spa Tours & Tickets
- Sulphur Point Tours & Tickets
- Lake Rotokakahi (Green Lake) Tours & Tickets
- Things to do in North Island
- Things to do in Tauranga
- Things to do in Tongariro National Park
- Things to do in Hastings
- Things to do in Waiheke Island
- Things to do in Auckland
- Things to do in Wellington
- Things to do in Picton
- Things to do in Akaroa
- Things to do in Queenstown
- Things to do in South Island
- Things to do in New South Wales
- Things to do in Wanaka
- Things to do in Tasmania
- Things to do in Victoria
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