Rotorua is a tourism hotspot in the north island of New Zealand known for its geothermal activity. I came here as part of a weekend getaway in 2022 and will be going again this year for Matariki!
Where to Stay in Rotorua
We booked an AirBnB, but take a look at other accommodation options through Booking.com below:
Sights & Activities in Rotorua
Redwoods Tree Walk
Beautiful at day and night. A basic Treewalk entry pass for $32 will get you access to both!
If you want a full experience you can also book a full combo pass below. This will allow you access to Redwoods Altitude (the full treewalk track 25 metres high in the trees that includes jungle bridges & ziplines) and a visit to a cave with glow worms.
Kuirau Park
This free park sits by the town centre, and has many boardwalks over geothermal sights Rotorua is famous for – crater lake, mud pools and hot springs.
There’s also a farmer’s market run on Saturdays from 6am – 1pm.
Okere Falls
Just 20 mins away from Rotorua, there is an easy walking track through native forest along the river and past the small waterfall.
It’s also doable at night, where you’d be able to see glow worms!
If you’re into white water rafting you can also travel down the river and waterfalls themselves! Check out available rafting tours!
Check out & book even more tourist attractions around Rotorua below through Get Your Guide!
Local Events
Aronui Indigenous Arts Festival – June / July
Matariki is a public holiday in Aotearoa New Zealand that marks the Māori New Year and the rising of the star cluster it is named after in the winter sky. Traditionally, it is a season of remembrance, celebration, and renewal, where whānau (family) and communities come together to honour loved ones who have passed, give thanks for the present, and look ahead to the future with hope.
In Rotorua, Aronui Indigenous Arts Festival is run as part of the celebration, and includes a drone show above the lakefront each night of the public holiday weekend.
Thanks for joining me on my journey!
Check out my New Zealand Pinterest board for more sights and activities around this beautiful country!
If you’re interested in more road trip content around New Zealand’s north island, see my blog post on the Bay of Islands.
I’m also planning another road trip to here for Matariki, so come back later to see an updated blog post.
