Things to do in Rotorua

In this captivating corner of New Zealand, nature has wonderfully overplayed its hand. Sitting within the evocatively named Pacific Rim of Fire on North Island, Rotorua is a geothermal wonderland; geysers shoot triumphantly into the sky, bubbling pools entice with mineral-packed mud, and natural hot springs abound. Bathe in the sacred waters of Waiotapu, marvel at the daily eruption of the Lady Knox Geyser, or explore the magnificent Waikite Valley, home to the “Living Waters” of the Te Manaroa Spring, the largest single source of pure geothermal water in New Zealand. Here, too, is where to learn more about traditional Māori culture, as you try a hangi feast cooked in the ground, or take a tour of an authentic, pre-European village. Get ready to enter a magical region of steaming pools, fumaroles, mountains, rivers, and freshwater lakes, and dive into a heady adventure discovering the best geothermal experiences in Rotorua.

Three days is all it takes for Rotorua, New Zealand, to reveal its most authentic self — a destination packed to the brim with natural drama and a deep-rooted indigenous heritage. The first 24 hours might kick off on the geological stage of Wai-O-Tapu, where Earth's saturated colors narrate eons of history beneath your feet. By the afternoon, you'll trade billowing steam for the warmth of thermal pools. Come twilight, let bioluminescent glowworms illuminate your path in an otherworldly forest trek. And in the days ahead, you'll become a participant in Māori heritage, witness to ancestral war dances and age-old tales. Or you may decide to go airborne among towering redwoods before walking among gurgling geysers in a moonlit dreamscape. No matter how you stack your days, this Rotorua itinerary, tailor-made for the adrenaline-driven and the culture-curious alike, extends an invitation to three days of unyielding wonder. Here's how to spend 72 hours in Rotorua.

There’s nowhere in New Zealand like Te Puia, Rotorua. This otherworldly location on New Zealand’s North Island claims to be “a place that changes you.” And it really is.

From its geothermal phenomena, like mud pools that bubble like cauldrons and geysers that shoot steaming jets into the sky all day long, to its kiwi conservation program that gives you a rare chance to see the famous yet elusive national bird, natural wonders abound in Te Puia. Add to that the New Zealand Māori Arts & Crafts Institute — where young Māori learn generations-old traditions like wood carving and weaving — and experiences like immersive welcome ceremonies, haka performances, and authentic dinners, and discovering Rotorua becomes just as much about embracing New Zealand’s roots and the cultures of its first peoples.

Few know the landscape better than Sean Marsh. He has worked at Te Puia for more than 12 years and has played a big part in bringing visitors to this part of the country for a lot longer. Here, he explains what makes Te Puia such an important place in Māori culture and New Zealand’s history, how it’s helping Māori arts survive and thrive, and why Rotorua's incredible landscape is really one that has to be seen to be believed.

In New Zealand, Rotorua is a gateway to Earth’s raw energies. Picture geysers erupting like nature's pyrotechnics and untouched primeval wilderness. But here, observation is merely the prologue to action. Rotorua calls out to the thrill-seeker with its mountain biking trails and zipline courses, as well as the furious pace of whitewater rapids that challenge even the most steadfast heartbeats. Yet, it's the age-old Māori ethos that anchors its soul. Here, you don't merely hear the ancestral stories; you inhabit them — even if you're just passing through. Consider this your very own curated manual: an insider's digest to the very best outdoor experiences in Rotorua, each one not just a "what" but a "how-to" in milking every moment of your trip.