The Top Things To Do In Rotorua For The Adventurous Vacationer
By: New Zealand Visa Online
Rotorua is a special place that is unlike anyplace else in the world, whether you are an adrenaline junkie, want to get your cultural dose, want to explore the geothermal marvels, or just want to unwind from the strains of everyday life in the midst of gorgeous natural surroundings. It provides something for everyone and is situated in the centre of the North Island of New Zealand.
Since the 1800s, the region has been a well-liked travel destination. The picturesque landscape and locations of remarkable geothermal activity have drawn tourists.
With so many things to do, Rotorua, known as the Adventure Capital of the North Island and Queenstown's northern counterpart, is a fantastic addition to any New Zealand itinerary.
Rotorua is the ideal destination for a mini vacation or a longer international adventure because it has easy access to lakes, rivers, and mountain peaks, an amazing and unique scenery created by underground magma chambers, and a nearly unending selection of exhilarating activities to suit all budgets and travel styles.
But before you start packing your bags, read our article to know the places to ought to go and activities that you must participate in o make your stay at Rotorua worthwhile!
New Zealand Visa (NZeTA)
New Zealand Visa Application Form now allows visitors from all nationalities to obtain New Zealand eTA (NZETA) by email without visiting New Zealand Embassy. Government of New Zealand now officially recommends New Zealand Visa or New Zealand ETA online rather than sending paper documents. You can obtain NZETA by filling out a form in under three minutes on this website. The only requirement is to have a Debit or Credit Card and email id. You do not need to send your passport for Visa stamping. If you are arriving to New Zealand by the Cruise Ship route, you should check the New Zealand ETA eligibility conditions for Cruise Ship arrival to New Zealand.
1. Wonderland of the Thermal Wai-O-Tapu
In the native Maori tongue of New Zealand, Wai-O-Tapu translates to "Sacred Waters." The product is true to its name. One of the major attractions in Rotorua, the park is rife with the geothermal activity that occurs spontaneously.
When you first glance at Wai-O-Tapu on Instagram, you might believe the greens, yellows, reds, and oranges are too vivid to be genuine. Well, filters are not necessary. Here in this strange land, seeing is believing.
To visit Wai-O-Tapu, set aside half a day. Exploring the thermal and mud pools while meandering along the thoughtfully constructed walkways will take at least 3 hours.
Two of the most impressive locations are the Champagne Pool and Devil's Bath. Every morning at 10:15, you may watch the Lady Knox Geyser explode to heights of about 20 metres. The pools are heated (some are above 100C or 210F), and many of them contain hazardous gases, so be cautious to stay on the walkways.
Additionally, a thin crust that seems solid over some of the pools may be present.
- How to Get There: State Highway 5 takes you 31 kilometres south of Rotorua to the park. It should take between 25 and 30 minutes to get there from the city's centre.
- Prices: Tickets cost $32.50 for adults and $11 for kids between the ages of 5 and 15. Kids under 5 are not charged. You may enter the Thermal Park and view the Lady Knox Geyser with these tickets.
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2. Visit the Living Maori Village at Whakarewarewa
The Thourangi Ngti Whiao culture and way of life are fascinatingly revealed through this living museum in Whakarewarewa. These people are a Maori tribe, and they can trace their roots to the 14th century in this region.
Since the 19th century, they have welcomed guests and travellers. You may visit the village today to observe several facets of their everyday lives.
Learn about their homes, how they use the thermal heat from below to prepare wonderful meals, and even how they designed the common baths to use the most naturally heated water possible.
The hamlet is the ideal illustration of how to combine conventional communal living with the modern day. The tour guides are fantastic since they all reside in Whakarewarewa and provide their own distinct, engaging, and genuine viewpoint on village life.
Additionally, there are excellent cultural performances every day at 11:15 and 2:00. (with an extra show in the summer at 12:30 pm). It is also well worth the effort to do the self-guided nature hikes into the stunning New Zealand wilderness to view mud pools and coloured lakes.
If you have a company of 10 or more, you can choose to spend the night on the marae (traditional Maori village) for those of you who want an even more immersive experience. You will get the opportunity to discover even more about the tradition, culture, and cuisine of the locals through this.
- How to Get There: The southernmost part of the city, Whakarewarewa, is roughly a 5-minute drive from the city centre.
- Prices: Adult prices begin at $45 and children's prices begin at $20. You have the opportunity to upgrade your tickets to include on-site prepared meals.
3. Go Mountain Biking in Whakarewarewa Forest's Redwoods
If you are looking for daring things to do in Rotorua, you must visit the mountain biking haven that is Whakarewarewa Forest! It may be reached by a ride from the city's centre from its location on the south-east fringe.
Once you arrive, the forest is really well designed, with fantastic and enjoyable trails that are suitable for people of all skill and fitness levels. The surroundings are amazing if you take the time to gaze around and take it all in.
Whakarewarewa Forest is a particularly wonderful spot to be, with Californian Redwoods towering above and beautiful native New Zealand flora all around. An astounding 160 kilometres of properly tended trails are present in this wonderful region.
Additionally, the site has excellent natural drainage, so it may be used year-round. According to Red Bull TV, "there is a fair probability that mountain bike paradise will probably look like Rotorua when we die and get there" This region even received recognition from the International Mountain Biking Association as a gold-level riding centre (IMBA).
As a result, Whakarewarewa Forest is among the top 12 locations for mountain biking.
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4. Compete Against Your Buddies On The Luge
A luge is a hybrid of a toboggan and a go-cart. Because it is driven by gravity, the rider has complete control over steering and speed. Additionally, you have three options to choose from based on your expertise and degree of confidence.
This allows you to become comfortable with the tools before attempting to use the sophisticated starting gate. Children under 110 cm can ride in parallel with adults if they have any.
As a result, everyone in the family can enjoy the activities on our list of things to do in Rotorua, New Zealand! And while riding the luge down the mountain is a lot of fun, returning to the start of the courses in the gondola is a memorable experience. Simply breathtaking are the views of the city and Lake Rotorua!
There are several different package choices offered by Skyline Luge Rotorua. These include luge rides for adults, kids, and families as well as several gondolas. Additionally, there are alternatives for lunch, supper, and even night luging.
Mountain bike trails, a zip line, and a sky swing are all on the property. Everyone can find something here! Taking a selfie next to the recognisable "Rotovegas" sign at the top of the luge course is a must-do!
- How to Get There: On the west side of Lake Rotorua, only ten (10) minutes drive north of the city centre, on State Highway 5, is where you will find Skyline.
- Price: Adult gondola and luge rides start at $47 ($31 for children aged 5 to 14). One ride is typically insufficient, so if your money permits, we advise buying at least three rides.
5. Visit the Polynesian Spa
The Polynesian Spa is a beautiful location to sit in the delightful warm (or hot) pools, take in the sights, and reflect on life. It has a really pleasant aspect facing over an inlet on the southern beaches of Lake Rotorua.
The Spa has a total of 28 pools. The Priest Spring and The Rachel Spring, two natural springs that each have their own advantages, are the sources of the water.
The Priest Spring is supposed to ease sore muscles and aches and pains since it has a mildly acidic pH. Whatever the short-term advantages, going there is undoubtedly a tranquillizing experience.
There are several pool alternatives available to meet your needs. Pools come in a variety of styles, including private, family, pavilion, and lake view. Another choice is a day spa, where a selection of massages and cosmetic procedures are offered.
The Rachel Spring, on the other hand, is alkaline and excellent for your skin. Without a doubt, Polynesian Spa offers the greatest massages we have ever had anywhere on the globe. So investing in one is definitely worthwhile!
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6. Go on a Hike
Several hiking paths and tracks may be found close to Rotorua if you want to go exploring on foot. Some of the top walking destinations are Lake Okareka, Okere Falls, Lake Tikitapu, and Hamurana Springs; you can learn more about them in this DOC guide.
A hiking trip is an alternative if you would like to take a stroll while getting information about the area and unusual geothermal activity. You may choose between a full-day hike through the Whirinaki Forest's tall native trees or a half-day guided trek to Mount Tarawera's top to take in the breathtaking vistas.
7. Take A Tour Through The Splendid Scenes
Local Rotorua tour company Volcano Air provides helicopter and floatplane rides over thermal valleys, over waterfalls, and around volcanic craters. Bring a camera, pick an aircraft (the heli allows you to land on the mountain), and take to the skies to enjoy Rotorua.
8. Whitewater raft (and cross a waterfall while doing so)
Do you think you are up for a challenge? With a white water rafting experience from Kaituna Cascades, you can cross that item off your bucket list: "float the world's tallest commercially rafted waterfall."
They have more than 500 reviews on Google with a flawless 5-star rating. They have an excellent staff, and they will give you a thorough introduction to rafting. After navigating 14 Grade 4 and Grade 5 raging rapids, you will scale a 7-meter waterfall.
9. Go Bungee Jumping
To experience the exhilaration of leaping off something while holding a rope around your ankles, you do not even need to travel all the way to Queenstown or Taupo. The only bungee jump in Rotorua, which is 43 metres high, the famed Agrojet jet boat, a zero gravity wind chamber, and other thrilling sports are all offered in Velocity Valley in Rotorua.
10. Take a ZORB Ride Down A Hill
A ZORB, which was created right here in New Zealand, is an inflated ball that you leap into before rolling down a slope. There are offers for many rides and tracks, and there are four different courses to pick from (the regular courses, a Big Air course with a drop, the Mega Track, and the Sidewinder).
Hot tubs are located at the top or bottom, and if you do not want to get wet, you may choose a DRYGO ride outside of the summer. They also include restrooms.
11. Fly Past Massive Native Trees
A staggering 950+ reviews have given Rotorua Canopy Tours a 4.9/5 rating on Google, and they well merit it. Depending on your budget and selected degree of excitement, they offer two (2) distinct eco-friendly canopy excursions.
The six (6) ziplines on the Original Canopy Tour, totalling 600m in length, take three (3) hours. The Ultimate Canopy Tour, however, takes 3.5 hours and has 1200m of ziplines.
You may discover more about the native forest and the efforts Rotorua Canopy Tours is doing to preserve it on your zip line trip. Very, very strongly advised for any active adventure, family vacation, or couples' holiday adventure!
Final word
An absolute tourist haven, Rotorua encapsulates everything special about New Zealand. You will leave Rotorua with a greater understanding of the spectacular nature and culture that have shaped this region. There is a tonne of things to do there. So pack your bags, grab your evisa, and get going!
Ensure that you have checked the eligibility for your New Zealand eTA. If you are from a Visa Waiver country then you can apply for an eTA regardless of the mode of travel (Air / Cruise). United States citizens, Canadian citizens, German citizens, and United Kingdom citizens can apply online for New Zealand eTA. United Kingdom residents can stay on New Zealand eTA for 6 months while others for 90 days.
Please apply for a New Zealand eTA 72 hours in advance of your flight.