Rotorua Travel Guide

The Buried Village of the Te Wairoa is one of the most popular attractions in Rotorua and one of New Zealand’s most historic sites. Whether you want to check out the relics and interactive stories of the Buried Village Museum or you want to get more hands on with a visit to the archaeological site or waterfall trail, there is something for all ages, tastes and preferences. This is the place where stories of the 1886 Mt Tarawera eruption come to life. Learn more about the world-famous Pink and White terraces, often referred to as the eighth wonder of the world. You can also learn more about one of New Zealand’s most famous ghost stories. The Buried Village is a GO Play partner so you can also score a 10% discount – result!

Show Less

This has got to be one of our favourite attractions on New Zealand and a must-do for anyone visiting Rotorua. As we have already mentioned, there are heaps of geothermal activities to choose from when you visit Rotorua and each offer something a bit different. For us, Wai-O-Tapu stands out because of the amazing and vivid colours captured by the famous Champagne pools. Grab your postcard perfect snap on your way around this volcanic wonderland as you check out the bubbling mud pools and stunning water colours. The walk is well set out and accessible for all ages. As a GO Play partner, you can also get a 10% discount off your entry fee.

Show Less

Rotorua is the birthplace of zorbing so if you’re going to try it, this is the place to get involved. These guys have been rolling people down hills in inflatable balls since 2000 so they know what they’re doing. This purpose built facility is ‘cranking’ all year round and as well as the chance to get stuck into some zorbing, they also have an onsite hotpool, covered decks and a picnic area making it an ideal place to spend a few hours burning off some energy then kicking back and relaxing. Rotorua is one of our most popular places in terms of GO Play partners; we love to hook up with companies who share our same values of adventure and new experiences so you can help yourself to a 5% discount of zorbing with your GO Play card.

Show Less

If you are looking for somewhere to get all your kicks in one place, Velocity Valley is a pretty cool place with lots of awesome activities to get stuck into. Rotorua is the North Island’s adventure capital and Velocity Valley is packed full of adrenaline-inducing activities including bungy, swoop, Agrojet, Shweeb and Freefall Xtreme which simulates the experience of skydiving. This place is all-action adventure and you could easily spend the day here going from activity to activity. Best off all, Agroventures is another GO Play partner so here’s another 10% off!

Show Less

Rotorua is New Zealand’s mountain biking capital and home to some major international events including Crankworx – the world’s largest mountain biking festival. There are so many cool locations to go mountain biking in Rotorua from the MTB Gravity Park which is located at the top of the Skyline Gondola to the Redwoods in the Whakarewarewa Forest. If you choose to head to the MTB Gravity Park, you get all the fun with none of the uphill climb – the gondola will take you to the top of the park where you can access 10.5 kilometres of trail. If you have your own bike or want to hire one when you get here, the Whakarewarewa Forest is home to over 130 kms of mountain biking trail and it’s free to use! All the trails are graded from easy rides for kids to extreme which feature obstacles and big drop offs. A must visit destination for all mountain bikers.

Show Less

The Tamaki Maori Village is another opportunity to delve into New Zealand rich history at New Zealand’s most awarded tourist attraction. At the village, you can journey back in time and experience ceremonial rituals powerful performances and indulge in a traditional Maori hangi feast. Learn about the customs, protocols and stories at this authentic Maori village experience. There are a number of options available from the 3.5 hour Maori Cultural Experience to the overnight stay. Free transport is on offer to and from all Rotorua accommodation and the traditional hangi meal; where the food is cooked on hot rocks buried underground is an absolute winner.

Show Less

Jet boating is one of New Zealand’s favourite past times and ever since 1960 when the world’s first commercial jet was launched in Queenstown, everyone has been rushing to try and keep up but Kawarau Jet was the original and best! Following the success in the South Island, Kawarau Jet decided to move north and picked Rotorua as the location for their North Island operation. There are a number of experiences you can get involved with. The Mokoia Island experience is pretty cool. Jet out to the famous island located in the middle of Lake Rotorua where you can find out more about Maori culture, take walk and visit the hot pools. Kawarau Jet Boats are yet another GO Play partner so you can score a 10% discount.

Show Less

As relaxing experiences go, there are few better in New Zealand than the Polynesian Spa in Rotorua. This place is a world-leading, natural hot mineral bathing and luxury spa retreat and is the perfect way to relax and unwind after throwing yourself into the variety of all-action, adventure activities in Rotorua. The geothermal waters that surround Rotorua will nourish skin and revive tired muscles, aches and pains. As well as the relaxing hot pools there are also a range of treatments and therapies that will leave you feeling relaxed and ready to tackle the rest of your adventure around New Zealand.

Show Less

This one is a bit more extravagant but if you have the budget, taking a scenic helicopter flight out of Rotorua is an amazing experience. Not only is the landscape around Rotorua pretty amazing, you also have the opportunity to fly out to White Island, an active volcano off the east coast which also involves a landing on the island which is something unforgettable. Alternatively, take a flight over Mt Tarawera and see from above the damage caused by the 1886 eruption. The tour also includes a landing on Mt Tarawera which gives you a truly unique view looking across the spectacular landscape and lake district. Volcanic Air run a number of tours so make sure you check them out.

Show Less