What to do and see in Rotorua District, North Island: The Best Things to do

Tamaki Māori Village – Evening Cultural Experience. New Zealand’s Most Awarded Cultural Experience! Experience an evening of ceremonial ritual, powerful cultural performance, storytelling & hangi feasting. Share in the Powhiri, our ancient ceremony of welcome before entering our pre-European Māori Village nestled within a native Tawa Forest. The village comes alive with sights, sounds & activity of days gone by including haka, poi, tattooing, weaving, carving and arts of warrior training. You will have the opportunity to participate in these activities. Witness the earth being scraped away from the hāngi pit to reveal baskets of food cooked beneath the ground on hot stones. Enter the ancestral meeting house and enjoy a powerful cultural performance before dining the traditional hāngi buffet feast!

With natural geothermal heat radiating from the ground, Whakarewarewa Living Māori Village is a unique cultural experience, set in a fascinating geothermal landscape, offering an authentic peek into Māori village life. Hourly guided tours give visitors a chance to learn how the geothermal resources are used in daily life, twice-daily cultural performances are filled with fun interactivity, and a network of nature trails traverse geothermal lakes, bubbling mud and explosive geysers. This will be a memorable experience for all ages. Open 8.30am – 5.00pm daily.

Te Puia spans 70 hectares within the historic Te Whakarewarewa Valley, on the edge of town. We are home to the world famous Pohutu geyser, to mud pools, hot springs, to silica formations to the Kiwi bird and the national schools of wood carving, weaving, stone and bone carving. We have shared these treasures with manuhiri (visitors) for 170 years and proudly continue that legacy today.

"One of the 20 Most Surreal Places in the World" Trip Advisor THOUSANDS OF YEARS IN THE MAKING, explore spectacular nature at New Zealand's most colourful natural volcanic area. Walk at your own pace - view the unique Champagne Pool, Sinter Terrace formations, Steaming Ground, Bubbling Mud, Expansive Vistas, Huge Volcanic Craters. The Lady Knox Geyser erupts daily at 10.15am. Excellent facilities at modern Visitor Centre. We are a cashless site, accepting all major credit and EFTPOS cards.

Explore spectacular activity in the world’s youngest geothermal system on a self-guided walking tour at Waimangu Volcanic Valley. We offer a range of options for all abilities and ambitions varying in length from our short 1.5km highlights walk to a 4.5km hike including an invigorating climb over Mount Haszard for astonishing panoramic views. Discover Frying Pan Lake, one of the largest hot water springs in the World and mysterious, beautiful Inferno Crater Lake which rises and falls as it heats and cools. See rare and unusual plants that have adapted to grow in the warm geothermal landscape and enjoy the abundance of native birdlife around Lake Rotomahana. Opt for an additional 45 minute cruise around the tranquil waters of Lake Rotomahana to see nature, birdlife and geothermal activity not accessible by foot. Relax and listen to the full historical commentary throughout cruise. Enjoy a much needed rest and take advantage of the shuttle bus at the end of your tour.

If you love the outdoors this area is for you! Escape into the beautiful Whakarewarewa Forest, one of Rotorua’s most spectacular natural assets. Famous for its magnificent stands of towering Californian Coastal Redwoods it is just five minutes drive from the city centre. Here you can experience some of the finest walking and mountain bike trails in the world. Not to mention taking in superb panoramic views of Rotorua City, Lake and surrounding district. Entry to the forest, tracks and Gift Shop & Visitor Centre is FREE. There is lots of parking and toilet facilities available. Gates open at 5.30am and close late. Maps and information is available at the Redwoods I-Site and Visitor Centre. Don't forget to also check out the Redwoods Treewalk. This is available at the Redwoods and provides an alternative way to experience the Redwoods both during the day and at night. It is a paid attraction see their listing for more details.

Welcome to Fancy Meow Cat Cafe! FANCY MEOW Cat Cafe is Rotorua's first Cat Cafe New Zealand's only Cat Cafe with beautiful purebred CATS and KITTENS! We are so excited to bring the very first Cat Cafe to Rotorua! Here we have many beautiful feline friends that will bring you joy. We will be very busy for the first few months of opening, particularly on weekends and holidays, so please make sure you pre-purchase your tickets here or call us in advance to ensure your place before arrival, as we have to limit the number of people per hour for the well-being of our cats. So, come in for a visit to relax, decompress, and enjoy our furry friends. The cats and kittens are always grateful for play and cuddle time with their human companions. We can't wait to host you at Fancy Meow!

5 themes featuring New Zealand Life and extra will never get you bored. Over 50 pieces of life-size and hyper realistic murals inspired from New Zealand Nature and life style. It stimulate your imagination and creativity. Among the diverse themes at 3D trick Art Gallery, challenge your creativity to the test and win prizes from our regular event. Find our event from facebook page.

Set among the native trees and beautiful forests of Rotorua, Rainbow Springs Nature Park offers a fun-filled and action-packed day out for the whole family. Learn about New Zealand's fascinating natural history and meet the interesting creatures who call this great land of ours home! Learn, see discover with our guided tours which allow you to get closer than ever to some of our favourite park residents including trout, reptiles, and native birds. You can also meet kiwi, New Zealand's iconic native bird! Rainbow Springs is home to the worlds most successful kiwi hatchery, and during your visit you can join a behind the scenes tour of The National Kiwi Hatchery for a unique chance to experience a working kiwi hatchery! Have endless fun discovering our awesome new Playscapes and Waterplay area and make sure to jump aboard the Big Splash for a thrilling ride!