10 recommended tourist spots in Rotorua, New Zealand’s hot spring destination

Located on New Zealand’s North Island, Rotorua is the country’s largest geothermal area and is known as one of the world’s top hot spring towns. It is also one of the most popular tourist destinations on the North Island.

Rotorua is famous for preserving the traditional culture and language of the Indigenous Māori people of New Zealand. Many areas where Māori people still reside are also home to popular tourist attractions. Additionally, Rotorua’s rich natural environment makes outdoor activities particularly popular, attracting visitors from around the world. With numerous natural hot springs considered power spots, here are 10 recommended tourist attractions in Rotorua.

1. Lake Rotorua

The first place you should visit when sightseeing in Rotorua is Lake Rotorua, which is located at the center of the city. The name “Rotorua” comes from the Māori language, meaning “second lake.” As its name suggests, Lake Rotorua is the second-largest lake in New Zealand, covering approximately 7,878 hectares, with an average depth of only 11 meters, making it relatively shallow. It was formed from the caldera of a massive volcano in the Taupo Volcanic Zone. The lake is also a popular tourist attraction due to its beautiful color, which comes from the presence of sulfur.

Surrounding the lake is a vast War Memorial Park, which serves as a relaxing spot not only for tourists but also for locals. A well-maintained walkway runs along the lakeside, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll. You can also sit on a bench by the lake and enjoy the peaceful scenery. The breathtaking natural landscapes of New Zealand will surely provide a calming experience.

When visiting Rotorua, why not start by exploring Lake Rotorua, the namesake of the city?

2. Government Gardens (Rotorua Museum)

The Government Gardens is a beautifully maintained English-style garden located within walking distance from the city center, making it an easily accessible tourist attraction. This large public park is meticulously maintained, making it a pleasant place to walk around. Despite being a popular tourist spot, it offers a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.

The most prominent structure in the park is the Rotorua Museum, housed in a grand historic building. Originally built in 1908 as a thermal spa facility, it was part of a government initiative to invest in tourism. Inside the museum, visitors can learn about Rotorua’s history and its famous hot springs.

In addition to the museum, the Government Gardens feature a renowned hot spring facility, a rose garden, and various other attractions, making it worth a visit. Since it's located near the city center, you can easily drop by for a casual sightseeing stroll.

3. Polynesian Spa

The Polynesian Spa is a world-renowned hot spring complex that attracts visitors from all over the globe. It is located within the Government Gardens, so it is highly recommended to visit both on the same trip. As Rotorua is known as a "hot spring town," this is one of its most famous attractions.

The Polynesian Spa has a total of 26 thermal pools, divided into four areas. Since this is a New Zealand-style hot spring, visitors wear swimsuits and bathe in mixed-gender pools. Instead of a classic hot spring experience, it feels more like a warm water pool with mineral benefits.

One of the highlights of the Polynesian Spa is that you can soak in the thermal waters while enjoying a stunning view of Lake Rotorua. Taking a relaxing bath in a natural hot spring while admiring the scenic landscape is an unforgettable experience!

This is a must-visit destination in one of the world’s most famous hot spring towns. Enjoy the natural hot springs to the fullest and relieve your daily stress!

4. Te Puia

Te Puia is a cultural and geothermal attraction located in the Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley. It was established to preserve and showcase the traditional culture of the indigenous Māori people of New Zealand.

Rotorua is well known for its geothermal activity, and Te Puia features some of the region’s most impressive geysers. One of its most famous attractions is the Pōhutu Geyser, making it a must-visit tourist spot in Rotorua.

The name “Pōhutu” means “explosion” in Māori. As its name suggests, this is one of the world’s most powerful geysers, reaching heights of up to 30 meters. It erupts around 20 times a day, but catching an eruption depends on luck. If you’re eager to see it, it’s best to plan your visit carefully and hope for good timing!

The facility also includes a recreated Māori village, which gives visitors a glimpse into how the Māori people once lived. Located less than an hour’s walk from the city center, this is an attraction well worth visiting.

5. Skyline Rotorua

Skyline Rotorua is a gondola ride that takes visitors to the summit of Mount Ngongotaha, located northwest of Rotorua. It is easily accessible from the city center, making it a convenient attraction.

Mount Ngongotaha stands at an elevation of 487 meters, and the gondola ride to the top takes about five minutes. At the summit, visitors are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Rotorua, making it a favorite spot among tourists.

But the Skyline Rotorua experience isn’t just about the gondola ride. The facility also features exciting attractions, such as the Luge: A unique gravity-powered ride that lets you slide down the mountainside, and Sky Swing: A thrilling giant swing ride that offers an adrenaline rush.
Both activities are incredibly popular with visitors seeking adventure!

At the summit, you’ll also find cafés and restaurants, where you can relax while taking in the stunning Lake Rotorua views. Enjoying afternoon tea or a leisurely lunch with this spectacular scenery is a fantastic experience.

For an unforgettable moment, consider visiting at night to enjoy a delicious dinner while admiring the night views of Rotorua!

6. Agrodome

New Zealand is known for having more sheep than people. When visiting the country, it's almost impossible to leave without seeing sheep! Agrodome is one of Rotorua's most popular tourist attractions and is known as one of the largest agricultural tourism farms in New Zealand.

At Agrodome, visitors can enter the sheep enclosures and interact with the animals up close. One of the most popular attractions is the Sheep Show and Farm Show, where visitors can watch sheep shearing demonstrations and even bottle-feed baby lambs. There are also audio guide headsets, so even those who are not fluent in English can enjoy the experience comfortably!

The Farm Tour is another popular attraction, where visitors ride in a vehicle around the farm and have the chance to interact with various animals. This tour is a favorite among tourists.

For an authentic New Zealand experience, be sure to visit Agrodome in Rotorua! Adorable sheep are waiting to meet you!

7. Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland is a famous geothermal attraction where visitors can see colorful pools and unique landscapes formed by geothermal activity. It is one of Rotorua's top tourist spots, attracting many visitors every year. Since 1931, the area has been protected as a scenic reserve.

Located in the Taupo Volcanic Zone, Wai-O-Tapu is known for its vividly colored hot springs formed by mineral deposits such as sulfur. The attraction features several well-known spots, including Devil’s Home, Champagne Pool, and Artist’s Palette. These names add to the intrigue of the area!

Another must-see attraction in Wai-O-Tapu is the Lady Knox Geyser, which erupts once a day, shooting hot water up to 20 meters high. It is an impressive sight!

Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland offers an otherworldly experience, allowing visitors to see colors and landscapes they have never encountered before. Witness the incredible natural wonders of the Earth and enjoy one of the most unique sightseeing experiences in Rotorua!

8. Redwood Whakarewarewa Forest

Located just 5 km from central Rotorua, The Redwoods – Whakarewarewa Forest is an easily accessible forest park. Locals often refer to it simply as "The Redwoods." It is one of Rotorua’s most popular attractions, attracting visitors from around the world who come to enjoy forest bathing and hiking.

The Redwoods are Sequoia trees, and walking among them feels like stepping into a magical forest straight out of a movie. The towering trees and peaceful atmosphere make this place perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation.

There are walking trails for all levels, ranging from a 30-minute beginner-friendly walk to an 8-hour advanced hiking route. Visitors can choose a trail that matches their preferences and fitness level.

If you’ve ever seen pictures of New Zealand’s breathtaking nature, this forest is exactly the kind of place you’d expect! Whether you’re looking for an active adventure or a peaceful forest retreat, The Redwoods is an ideal destination.

9. Ohinemutu Maori Village

Ohinemutu Māori Village is a traditional Māori village that visitors can explore during their trip to Rotorua. This area was once the largest Māori settlement in the region, and Māori people still live here today.

Due to its natural hot springs, the village is often surrounded by rising steam, creating a mystical and atmospheric scene. The distinct scent of sulfur in the air also reminds visitors that they are in one of New Zealand’s famous hot spring regions.

One of the village’s main attractions is the St. Faith’s Anglican Church, a unique blend of European Christianity and traditional Māori culture. Built by early European settlers and influenced by Māori art and traditions, this church offers a fascinating contrast between its exterior and interior.

Visitors can also admire Māori wood carvings inside the village, which are intricately designed and culturally significant. Traditional Māori crafts and souvenirs are also available for purchase. Since Ohinemutu is located near Lake Rotorua, it’s a great place to visit while exploring the lakefront area.

10. Kuirau Park

Kuirau Park is just a 10-minute walk from central Rotorua, making it one of the most accessible geothermal attractions in the area. It’s a perfect place for a morning walk or a quick sightseeing stop if you have extra time in your itinerary.

As expected from a geothermal hotspot like Rotorua, Kuirau Park features numerous bubbling hot springs and steaming vents scattered throughout the park. White steam rises from various spots, creating a dramatic and surreal atmosphere.

Several fenced-off areas allow visitors to observe geothermal activity up close, where boiling mud pools and hot springs can be seen bubbling from the ground. Being able to experience such intense geothermal activity up close is part of what makes Rotorua a truly unique destination!

Another highlight of Kuirau Park is the free foot bath area, where visitors can soak their feet in naturally heated thermal water. It’s a great way to relax after a day of sightseeing. If you plan to visit, bringing a towel is recommended to dry your feet after the soak.

Whether you're looking for a peaceful rest spot or a place to experience Rotorua’s geothermal wonders up close, Kuirau Park is a must-visit destination!

◎ Summary of recommended sightseeing spots in Rotorua

What do you think? This list covered 10 must-visit tourist spots in Rotorua, a famous hot spring town in New Zealand’s North Island. As one of the world's most renowned geothermal regions, Rotorua offers extraordinary natural wonders that can only be experienced in this area. From stunning geothermal landscapes to cultural Māori attractions, Rotorua is filled with fascinating places that are worth visiting at least once in a lifetime.

Many of these attractions also reflect the rich Māori culture and traditions, making them even more historically and culturally significant. Rotorua is just a 40-minute flight from Auckland, making it an easily accessible destination. If you're traveling to New Zealand’s North Island, be sure to include Rotorua in your itinerary! Hope this guide helps with your Rotorua travel planning!