The 10 Best Hidden Gems Things to do in Rotorua, North Island

Happy Ewe Cycle Tours provide a guided bicycle adventure around central Rotorua. We ride at a leisurely pace to 27 key historical, geothermal and cultural sights. With no hills to climb and very little traffic to navigate our beach cruisers will keep you comfortable as you enjoy the many opportunities to take photos. Then enjoy one of our amazing coffees after your adventure!

Real Rotorua offers guided sight-seeing tours of the Rotorua area. Avoid crowds and get off the beaten track with one of our carefully tailored itineraries. ours small group sizes, relaxed atmosphere and friendly driver-guides provide the perfect way to explore some of the stunning locations that locals know and love.

Embark on the ultimate Rotorua Adventure with our experienced local guides. Navigate a wildly beautiful landscape while learning about Kaitiakitanga – guardianship and protection of the land. Go rafting in Rotorua and conquer the 7m Tutea Falls, the highest commercially raftable waterfall in the world. Try your hand at sledging to explore the rain-forest clad Kaituna River. Or, venture into the heart of a volcanic crater when you hike Mount Tarawera. We blend quality adventures with Maori culture for an experience you’ll never forget.

Experience the best of the Rotorua Lakes aboard the luxury sailing catamaran Tiua on the fresh waters of Lake Rotoiti. Pure Cruise offers a genuine, personal sailing experience exploring the native bays and coves of this beautiful lake under sail. Fish for Rainbow Trout, soak in the lake edge thermal pools and hear stories & legends of the local Maori, all accompanied by fine wine and great food. Pure Cruise is an off the beaten track indulgence that is unmistakably New Zealand.

From June 2020, Bibleworld is open by appointment only. Visit our website to book an appointment - www.bibleworld.org.nz Bibleworld Museum and Discovery Centre is an enjoyable and interactive museum for adults and children to learn about the ancient world in which the Biblical events took place. We have a great range of scale models, ancient artefacts, replicas and hands on activities for all ages.

At Horse Trekking Lake Okareka you can explore 1500 acres of rolling sheep and cattle producing farmland on horseback. You will go on a guided trek through 500 acres of native bush between the volcanic Lake Okareka, Lake Tarawera and the famous Blue and Green Lakes. We have horses to suit all abilities. This is a horse rider’s paradise with stunning panoramic views. We cater for small groups of 1 – 12 people providing you with an exclusive riding experience.

Explore Rotorua and experience the thrill of an Electric Bike! Our bikes are very comfortable and have the ability to cover long distances without needing a recharge, due to our high capacity batteries. Ride around town or venture further afield to discover other attractions nearby. Our team will help you design the trip you like! We offer a range of rental options, from one hour to a full day.

We like to tailor make trips for small groups and take them mountain biking in amazing places. We do everything from half-day tours and coaching to multi-day tours around the North Island. We can also design a a trip just for you. Just let us know what your dreaming of and we will make it happen.

Opened in August 2012. Explore the ancient forest of the Mamaku Plateau 10 minutes from Rotorua on New Zealand's only native forest zipline canopy tours. In small groups of up to ten people you will be accompanied by two highly trained guides who will teach you about the rare New Zealand flora and fauna and the conservation efforts to protect them. Every plant and tree species you see, you will not see in any other country on earth!! There are two unique eco-tour experiences to choose from - the award winning 3 hour Original Canopy Tour built and opened in 2012 includes tree platforms up to 22 metres above the forest floor, 6 ziplines and 2 tree to tree swing bridges. The 3.5 hour Ultimate Canopy Tour is even longer, faster and more spectacular featuring a suspended cliff walkway, 1.2km of ziplines (the longest is 400m!), swing bridges, a controlled descent and an incredible spiral staircase.