If there’s one place in New Zealand that completely surprised us, it was Rotorua.
After spending much of our time on the South Island dealing with rain and changing our plans almost daily, arriving in Rotorua felt like a fresh start. The sun finally came out, the days became longer thanks to daylight saving time, and we were ready to make up for all the outdoor adventures we’d been missing.
Rotorua quickly became one of our favorite destinations in New Zealand. Between its fascinating geothermal landscapes, rich Māori culture, ancient forests, thrilling family activities, and beautiful lakes, there was something exciting around every corner.
In fact, there was so much to do that we wished we had planned a few extra days here.
Whether you’re traveling with toddlers, teenagers, or somewhere in between, here are our favorite things to do in Rotorua with kids.
About Rotorua
Located on the southern shores of Lake Rotorua, in New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty, Rotorua is one of the country’s most unique destinations.
The city is famous for two things: its incredible geothermal activity and its deep connection to Māori culture.
Long before European settlers arrived, Māori communities were already living here, making use of the area’s natural hot springs, steaming vents, and boiling pools for cooking, heating, and bathing. Today, many of those traditions are still part of everyday life and can be experienced by visitors.
The name Rotorua comes from the Māori language. The original name, Te Rotorua-nui-a-Kahumatamomoe, means “The Second Lake.” “Roto” means lake, while “rua” means two, referring to it being the second lake discovered by the explorer Ihenga.
As soon as you arrive, you’ll notice something else Rotorua is famous for: the unmistakable smell of sulfur!
It may take a little while to get used to, but it’s simply a reminder that the earth beneath your feet is very much alive.
1. Walk Among the Giants at Redwoods Treewalk
One of our absolute favorite experiences in Rotorua was visiting the beautiful Whakarewarewa Forest, better known as the Redwoods Forest.
Just a few minutes from downtown Rotorua, this peaceful forest is home to towering Californian Coast Redwoods, planted here in 1901. Today, many of them reach heights of over 60 metres (200 feet), creating one of the most magical forests we’ve ever explored. There are walking trails for every fitness level, ranging from short 30-minute strolls to much longer hikes through the forest.
We actually visited twice. Our first visit was at night to experience the famous Redwoods Treewalk. High above the forest floor, a series of 23 suspension bridges connects 22 platforms, allowing visitors to walk among the giant trees without needing any harnesses or special equipment. The walkway stretches for more than 700 metres, reaching heights of around 12 metres above the ground. Walking through the forest after dark was unlike anything we had ever experienced.
Thirty enormous lanterns, designed by renowned New Zealand artist David Trubridge, softly illuminated the trees, creating an atmosphere that felt almost magical.
Everything was incredibly peaceful. The sounds of the forest, the gentle lights, and the towering trees made it feel like we had stepped into another world.
A couple of days later, we returned during daylight to experience the forest from a completely different perspective. Without the lanterns, we noticed details we had completely missed the first time. Towering ferns covered the forest floor, birds filled the air with song, and the enormous redwoods seemed even more impressive in the daylight.
The kids spent part of the walk pretending fallen branches were swords while we paused every now and then simply to admire the beauty around us.
By the time we left, we all felt calmer. Sometimes nature has a wonderful way of slowing life down.
2. Ride the Skyline Gondola and Luge
If you’re looking for an activity the whole family will enjoy, don’t miss Skyline Rotorua.
The adventure begins with a scenic gondola ride to the top of Mount Ngongotahā, where you’re rewarded with incredible views over Rotorua, Lake Rotorua, and the surrounding countryside. We could have easily spent the entire day up there. Besides the panoramic views, Skyline offers mountain biking, ziplining, scenic walking trails, a sky swing, restaurants, and one attraction we had been looking forward to for weeks: the Luge.
If you’ve never tried one before, think of it as a gravity-powered cart that lets you race down winding tracks while controlling your own speed.
There are several tracks to choose from, ranging from beginner-friendly rides to more adventurous routes. Since we were traveling with Luca, we stuck to the family-friendly tracks, where younger children can ride together with an adult.
To say the kids loved it would be an understatement. Luca rode first with Mass and then with me, happily telling us when to go faster and when to slow down around the corners. Cosimo and Emma quickly became more confident and challenged each other down the tracks.
We had originally purchased a package that included three luge rides. That lasted about five minutes…
As soon as we finished, everyone wanted another turn, so we ended up buying an extra ride before leaving.
If you’re planning a visit, we’d definitely recommend purchasing one of the family packages. Not only does it save a little money, but chances are you’ll want more than one ride anyway!
It ended up being one of the most fun family activities of our entire time in Rotorua.
3. Experience Māori Culture at Whakarewarewa Living Māori Village
One of the things that makes Rotorua so unique is the opportunity to learn about Māori culture. As we drove into town, we knew we wanted to visit a traditional Māori village. We had also been told that trying a hāngī meal, traditionally cooked using the earth’s natural geothermal heat, was something we shouldn’t miss.
We chose to visit Whakarewarewa – The Living Māori Village, and we’re so glad we did.
I’ll be honest…Whenever a cultural experience is designed for visitors, I sometimes wonder how authentic it will feel. But what made Whakarewarewa different is that it isn’t simply a tourist attraction. People still live here.
Members of the Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao people have called this geothermal valley home for generations, and our guide shared personal stories about growing up in the village and what daily life is like surrounded by steaming vents, bubbling mud pools, and boiling water.
As we walked through the village, the strong smell of sulfur reminded us just how active this landscape really is. We learned how the community has used the geothermal activity for centuries, not only for warmth but also for cooking. Watching food being prepared in naturally boiling pools was fascinating and something we had never seen before.
One of the highlights of the visit was seeing Pōhutu Geyser, New Zealand’s largest active geyser, which regularly shoots boiling water up to 30 metres (100 feet) into the air. Combined with the cultural performances, storytelling, and geothermal landscape, it gave us a much deeper appreciation for both the Māori people and their connection to this remarkable place. After the guided tour, we spent some extra time walking around on our own, taking in the unique landscape and imagining what it must be like to grow up in such an extraordinary environment.
4. Go Jet Boating on Lake Rotorua
For almost a year, our kids had been asking to try jet boating. They had watched videos online and couldn’t wait for the chance to experience one themselves.
When we discovered that even Luca was old enough to join the ride, there was no question…We had to do it.
We headed down to the shores of Lake Rotorua, where we booked a 30-minute jet boat ride. It turned out to be the perfect length for a first experience. Within seconds of leaving the dock, we understood why this activity is so popular in New Zealand.
The boat accelerated across the lake at incredible speed before suddenly spinning 360 degrees, spraying water everywhere while everyone screamed with excitement.
Between the thrilling turns, our guide slowed down to tell us a little about Mokoia Island, the sacred island that sits in the middle of Lake Rotorua and is famous in Māori legend as the setting for the love story of Hinemoa and Tūtānekai. It was the perfect balance between adrenaline and local history.
Did you know that New Zealand is actually the birthplace of the modern jet boat? In the 1950s, inventor Sir William Hamilton developed the first practical jet boat so he could safely navigate New Zealand’s shallow, fast-flowing rivers without damaging a traditional propeller.
Today, jet boating has become one of the country’s most iconic adventure activities. Watching our kids’ faces after every spin was priceless. As soon as we got off the boat, they were already asking if we could do it again!
For families looking for a fun adventure that everyone can enjoy, this was definitely one of the highlights of our time in Rotorua. We did our jet boating experince with Kawarau Jet.
Amazing Day Trips from Rotorua
One of the reasons we loved staying in Rotorua was its central location. Not only is there plenty to do in the city itself, but some of New Zealand’s most famous attractions are just a short drive away. We used Rotorua as our base for several day trips, and it worked out perfectly.
Whether you’re interested in geothermal landscapes, natural hot springs, glowworm caves, or even stepping into Middle-earth, these are some fantastic places to add to your itinerary.
5. Relax at Lake Taupō and the Hot Springs
Just about 1½ hours south of Rotorua lies Lake Taupō, New Zealand’s largest lake and one of the country’s most spectacular natural areas.
Surrounded by mountains and ancient volcanic landscapes, Lake Taupō is a paradise for anyone who enjoys the outdoors. Visitors can go kayaking, fishing, sailing, paddleboarding, hiking, or simply relax by the water and admire the scenery.
What many people don’t realize is that the lake itself was created by one of the largest volcanic eruptions ever recorded.
Around 26,500 years ago, a massive eruption formed the enormous crater that later filled with water, creating the beautiful lake we see today.
After weeks of cooler temperatures on New Zealand’s South Island, our kids had one thing on their minds…Swimming!
So instead of heading straight to the lake, we found a campsite Taupo DeBretts that had hot springs and hydro slides and spent the afternoon at Taupō DeBretts Hot Springs, a family-friendly complex with naturally heated mineral pools, hydro slides, and plenty of space to relax.
The kids wasted no time. Cosimo and Emma spent what felt like hours racing down the hydro slides, while Luca happily moved from one warm pool to another.
Meanwhile, Mass and I finally had a chance to slow down and simply soak in the naturally heated pools.
After several busy weeks of sightseeing, it was exactly what we all needed. Whether you’re traveling with kids or simply looking for a relaxing afternoon, spending some time in the hot springs is a wonderful addition to any Rotorua itinerary.
For hot springs pricing and times check their website here.
6. Visit Craters of the Moon and Huka Falls
Thanks to the volcanic activity beneath this region, you’ll find geothermal landscapes almost everywhere around Rotorua and Taupō.
One of the easiest places to experience this is Craters of the Moon, a fascinating geothermal reserve filled with steaming vents, bubbling craters, colorful mineral deposits, and clouds of steam rising from the earth. A series of well-maintained boardwalks takes visitors on an easy 45-minute walk, making it a great activity for families.
Our kids were amazed by the steam pouring out of the ground. Until they noticed the smell. Let’s just say the strong sulfur odor quickly became the main topic of conversation! For the next few days, every time we caught even the slightest hint of sulfur, someone would immediately announce,
“It smells like rotten eggs again!”
Luckily, the fascinating landscape more than made up for it.
Before leaving, we climbed to the lookout overlooking the valley, where we could really appreciate the scale of the geothermal activity below.
Just a few minutes away is another natural wonder you absolutely shouldn’t miss: Huka Falls.
Unlike many waterfalls that spread out over a wide cliff, the Waikato River suddenly squeezes through a narrow rock channel before plunging over an 11-metre waterfall.
Every second, around 250,000 litres of crystal-clear water rush through the gorge, creating one of the most powerful waterfalls in New Zealand. The incredible turquoise color of the water almost looked unreal.
We spent quite a while simply standing on the bridge watching the force of the river below.
Best of all? Visiting Huka Falls is completely free, making it one of the easiest, and most impressive, stops to include during a day trip from Rotorua.
7. Explore Orakei Korako – The Hidden Geothermal Valley
On our drive between Taupō and Rotorua, we discovered one of New Zealand’s best-kept secrets: Orakei Korako.
Its Māori name means “The Place of Adorning,” and after visiting, we completely understood why.
Unlike some of New Zealand’s more famous geothermal parks, Orakei Korako feels peaceful and untouched. It’s one of the few geothermal areas that has remained largely unchanged, allowing visitors to experience this extraordinary landscape much as nature created it.
Getting there is part of the adventure. Before you can even begin exploring, you take a short ferry ride across the Waikato River, setting the tone for a unique visit. Once on the other side, a network of well-maintained boardwalks leads you through a fascinating world of steaming vents, bubbling mud pools, colorful silica terraces, active geysers, and crystal-clear geothermal pools. Every turn seemed to reveal something new.
One of the most impressive sights is the series of beautiful silica terraces, created by around 20 million litres of geothermal water flowing through the valley every day. The constantly changing colors and mineral formations make the landscape feel almost otherworldly.
Our visit turned out a little differently than expected. Luca had fallen asleep in the car, and Emma had already decided she had smelled enough sulfur for one day!
So Cosimo and I explored the valley together while Mass stayed behind with the younger two.
It ended up being a lovely mother-and-son adventure. Without rushing, we wandered through the boardwalks, stopping every few minutes to admire another incredible geothermal feature. Sometimes the quieter moments become the most memorable ones.
If you’re looking for a geothermal park that’s less crowded than some of the more famous attractions around Rotorua, Orakei Korako is well worth adding to your itinerary.
8. Visit the Magical Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Before arriving in New Zealand, there was one experience we kept hearing about over and over again: the Waitomo Glowworm Caves.
We had already seen glowworms during a couple of free evening walks elsewhere in New Zealand, but everyone told us that Waitomo was something completely different. So we decided to see it for ourselves.
I’ll admit, though, Waitomo isn’t exactly on the way to anywhere. For us, it meant about a two-hour drive from Rotorua, making it quite a commitment for a relatively short visit.
The caves themselves are incredible. Formed over 30 million years ago, they’re filled with dramatic limestone formations, underground rivers, and thousands upon thousands of tiny glowworms lighting up the darkness above. The guided tour begins by explaining how the caves formed and how the glowworms live. Along the way, you walk through spectacular underground chambers before reaching the highlight of the visit. A silent boat ride. As the lights are turned off, your guide gently rows the boat through complete darkness. Slowly, thousands of tiny blue lights appear overhead.
For a moment, it feels as though you’re floating beneath a sky full of stars. It’s undeniably beautiful. Unfortunately, it also ends far too quickly.
Photography isn’t allowed inside the caves, so it’s one of those rare travel experiences you’ll simply have to remember rather than capture.
Looking back, we’re glad we experienced Waitomo. However, if we’re completely honest, it didn’t quite live up to the expectations we had built after hearing so much about it. By then, we had already discovered glowworms in several free locations around New Zealand, where we could spend as much time as we wanted without crowds or strict schedules.
Would we still recommend it? Yes, especially if you’ve never seen glowworms before. But if you’re trying to decide whether it’s worth a long detour, it’s worth knowing that New Zealand offers plenty of other opportunities to experience these magical little creatures.
9. Step Into Middle-earth at Hobbiton
Our final day trip from Rotorua took us somewhere completely different…
Middle-earth.
Even if you’re not a huge Lord of the Rings fan, Hobbiton is one of those places that’s hard not to enjoy. Located about an hour from Rotorua (depending on your route), the movie set welcomes thousands of visitors every year, and after seeing it ourselves, it’s easy to understand why.
One piece of advice: book your tour well in advance. Tours often sell out, especially during the busiest travel seasons, and they leave every 30 minutes throughout the day.
Our children had never even seen The Lord of the Rings or The Hobbit movies, yet they absolutely loved the experience. The guided tour lasts around two hours and takes you through the beautifully preserved movie set, including the famous Hobbit Holes, the Party Tree, and, of course, the Green Dragon Inn, where every visitor receives a complimentary drink. The adults can choose from locally brewed beers or cider, while children are served delicious ginger beer.
As we wandered through the tiny colorful doors built into the hillsides, our guide shared fascinating behind-the-scenes stories about how Peter Jackson discovered this farm. While scouting locations by helicopter, he spotted the rolling green hills of the Alexander family sheep farm and immediately knew he had found the perfect location for the Shire.
Today, the movie set covers around 12 acres, and it’s incredible to see just how much detail went into creating this fictional world.
Our kids loved peeking through the tiny Hobbit doors, imagining who might live inside each one. Luca especially enjoyed discovering that some Hobbit homes were much smaller than he was!
Even without knowing all the movie references, the set itself feels magical. Beautiful gardens, winding pathways, peaceful ponds, and charming little houses make it feel more like visiting a storybook village than a film set. It was the perfect way to end our time exploring the Rotorua region.
Our Thoughts on Rotorua
Rotorua quickly became one of our favorite destinations in New Zealand.
There are very few places where you can spend the morning walking through an ancient forest, the afternoon racing down a luge track, and the evening learning about Māori traditions while watching a geyser erupt. Add bubbling mud pools, crystal-clear lakes, natural hot springs, and incredible day trips, and it’s easy to see why so many people recommend spending a few days here.
What we loved most about Rotorua was its diversity. Every day felt completely different from the one before. One moment we were surrounded by towering redwoods, the next we were soaking in hot springs, exploring geothermal valleys, or stepping into the magical world of Hobbiton.
It was also one of the places where our kids had the most fun. Whether they were flying across Lake Rotorua on a jet boat, racing each other on the luge, or pretending to be Hobbits, every day brought a new adventure.
Beyond the activities, Rotorua gave us a deeper appreciation for New Zealand’s unique landscapes and Māori culture. Learning how local communities have lived alongside geothermal activity for centuries added another layer to our visit that we hadn’t expected.
Looking back, we only wish we had planned a little more time here. There is so much to see and do in Rotorua and the surrounding region that you could easily spend four or five days exploring without running out of things to discover.
If you’re planning a family trip around New Zealand, make sure Rotorua is high on your list.
For us, it wasn’t just another stop on our itinerary. It became one of the highlights of our entire journey.
If you’re planning a trip to Australia or New Zealand, you might also enjoy these family travel guides:
- 8 Unforgettable Things to Do in Christchurch with Kids
- 17 Valuable Tips for Traveling Australia & New Zealand by Campervan
- 10 Tips for Visiting a Museum with Kids
- How to Travel with Books: Our Favorite Book Exchange Tradition
We’ll continue adding more New Zealand guides as we revisit and update our travel stories!
