New Zealand · TOURS IN ROTORUA

The 15 Best Rotorua Tours & Experiences

63 tours  ·  from $20 a head

Geothermal parks, a living Maori culture and the best white water on the North Island, all inside twenty minutes of each other. These 15 are priced and timed, with a note on which ones run after dark.

Rotorua Canopy Tours: 2.5Hour Native Forest Zipline Adventure - What happens before the first zipline
Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Rotorua, Zip Lines

Rotorua Canopy Tours: 2.5Hour Native Forest Zipline Adventure

1.Rotorua Canopy Tours: 2.5Hour Native Forest Zipline Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4,563 reviews · from $123Our pick

Spend 2.5 hours moving through Rotorua’s 1,000-year-old native forest on ziplines and canopy bridges. Two local guides, such as Josh, Dylan, Travis, or Emma, handle safety and explain the forest, birdlife, and restoration work. Expect a small group of up to 10, short walks, stairs, wet-weather gear when needed, and free digital photos.

“Such a fun and meaningful experience! I came for the thrill, but left with a deep appreciation for this ancient forest and the incredible conservation work the team is doing to protect and restore it. Highly recommend!”

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Mitai Maori Village: Cultural Experience and Dinner Buffet - The waka arrival on the Wai-o-whiro stream
Buffet Experiences, Dining Experiences, Dinner Experiences, Maori Cultural Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours in Rotorua

Mitai Maori Village: Cultural Experience and Dinner Buffet

2.Mitai Maori Village: Cultural Experience and Dinner Buffet

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 3,575 reviews · 3 hours · from $101

Spend three hours at Mitai Maori Village in Rotorua, where a guide introduces Maori customs, warriors paddle a waka along the Wai-o-whiro stream, and performers present songs, dances, and haka. You will also watch a hangi lifted from the earth, eat a generous buffet, and walk through native bush to a sacred spring and, when conditions allow, glow worms.

“Overall experience was fantastic! We were concerned because we had received an email stating that there would be no glowworms and that had been a highlight my friend had been looking forward to! Fortunately, we did get to see them and the rest of the show was fantastic. The food was great as well, especially considering it was a buffet.”

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Rotorua: Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Park Entry Ticket - Choose one loop or walk all three
Spa & Hot Springs, Tickets, Tour Reviews, Tours in Rotorua

Rotorua: Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Park Entry Ticket

3.Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Park Entry Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 2,601 reviews · 3 months · from $28

Visit Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland at your own pace, with full-day park access, three walking loops, a map in 11 languages, and the Lady Knox Geyser presentation. Arrive by 10:15 AM for the geyser, then return to the main park for Champagne Pool, Artist’s Palette, Devil’s Bath, bubbling mud, and well-marked trails through native bush.

“The commentary at Lady Knox Geyser was excellent. We also loved wandering through the park, with its amazing natural features, at our own pace.”

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Rotorua’s Ultimate Zipline: 6 ziplines, 400 m Tandem, Cliff Walk - Bridges, stairs, and the 50 m cliff walk
Tour Reviews, Tours in Rotorua, Walking Tours, Walking Tours in Rotorua, Zip Lines

Rotorua’s Ultimate Zipline: 6 ziplines, 400 m Tandem, Cliff Walk

4.Rotorua’s Ultimate Zipline: 6 ziplines, 400 m Tandem, Cliff Walk

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,557 reviews · from $166

You’ll spend about three hours flying across six ziplines in a protected Rotorua forest, including a 400 m tandem line reaching up to 80 km/h. Guides such as Jacob, Reuben, Mitch, and Nina handle the safety work while you cross swing bridges, floating stairs, and a volcanic walkway 50 m above the valley. Transport, gear, and digital photos are included.

“Had a total blast!! Whole family loved it. Incredible views, fabulous staff and guides. We rented the GoPro they offered and got some great videos. This is was so much fun.”

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Rotorua Rafting: Kaituna River White Water Rafting & Free Sauna - Why the scenery matters as much as the adrenaline
Tour Reviews, Tours in Rotorua, White Water Rafting

Rotorua Rafting: Kaituna River White Water Rafting & Free Sauna

5.Rotorua Rafting: Kaituna River White Water Rafting & Free Sauna

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,952 reviews · from $83

Raft the Kaituna River near Rotorua on a guided Grade 5 trip through native forest and three waterfalls, including the 7-meter Tutea Falls. No experience is needed. Wetsuit, booties, helmet, paddle, and buoyancy aid are supplied, and a hot sauna waits afterward. Guides such as George, Riley, Elise, Luca, and Tor are praised for clear instruction and lively river leadership.

“Amazing experience! Check-in smooth. Nervous first time rafter here, and WOW what a ride. Guides were great and gave good instruction. There wasn’t a time that I felt unsafe. Great way to celebrate my birthday.”

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Cultural Experience & Seasonal Māori Cuisine at Te Pā Tū - The pōwhiri sets the tone
Maori Cultural Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours in Rotorua

Cultural Experience & Seasonal Māori Cuisine at Te Pā Tū

6.Cultural Experience & Seasonal Māori Cuisine at Te Pā Tū

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,546 reviews · from $167

Spend three hours at Te Pā Tū near Rotorua with a traditional pōwhiri, Māori customs, interactive activities, song, dance, and a three-course seasonal fusion feast. Your evening includes return transport from central Rotorua, forest fireside settings, and guidance from hosts such as Baden. Vegetarian meals are available by request.

“Highly recommend doing this experience! It was enlightening and highlighted the Māori culture. It is interactive with lots of delicious food! We were definitely full by the end of the night. The guides were amazing, friendly, and so passionate aRead more”

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Mitai Maori Village Cultural Experience in Rotorua - Arrival at Fairy Springs Road
Maori Cultural Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours in Rotorua

Mitai Maori Village Cultural Experience in Rotorua

7.Mitai Maori Village Cultural Experience in Rotorua

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,294 reviews · from $104

At Mitai Māori Village in Rotorua, you’ll learn Māori customs, watch warriors paddle a waka along the Wai-o-whiro stream, walk through native bush to see glowworms, and enjoy a hangi buffet followed by songs, poi, and haka. Hotel pickup is offered, and the three-hour evening runs in all weather, so wear warm clothes and sturdy shoes.

“This experience was absolutely fantastic. Food was amazing. The cultural show was informative and entertaining. Absolutely loved the whole evening.”

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Rafting Rotorua: Kaituna River White Water Experience - From Rotorua hotel to the River Base
Tour Reviews, Tours in Rotorua, White Water Rafting

Rafting Rotorua: Kaituna River White Water Experience

8.Rafting Rotorua: Kaituna River White Water Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,274 reviews · 2h 30m · from $83

Join Kaitiaki Adventures for a 150-minute Kaituna River trip from Rotorua. Learn river skills from Kiwi guides such as Aoife, Jack, Kyle, and Reiya, then tackle 14 rapids and three waterfalls, including 7-metre Tutea Falls. Transport, wetsuits, helmets, life jackets, booties, and splash jackets are included.

“best rafting I've ever done, felt safe but also could have a lot of fun. going down the last fall without a raft was great fun.”

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Rotorua: Te Pa Tu Māori Cultural Experience with Dinner - A welcome among Tawa trees and firelight
Dining Experiences, Dinner Experiences, Maori Cultural Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours in Rotorua

Rotorua: Te Pa Tu Māori Cultural Experience with Dinner

9.Te Pa Tu Māori Cultural Experience with Dinner

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,193 reviews · 3h 30m · from $167

Spend 210 minutes at Te Pā Tū, 12 kilometres south of Rotorua, with Māori hosts who teach customs, songs, haka, poi, and traditional games. Your evening includes forest canapés, a four-course seasonal fusion dinner, and a powerful performance beneath Tawa trees and bonfires. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

“not just a tourist gimmick, it felt like a genuinely cultural exchange. very well done, great food too”

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Rotorua: Hell's Gate Outdoor Mud Spa & Guided Walk - Why the cultural stories matter
Guided, Spa & Hot Springs, Tour Reviews, Tours in Rotorua, Walking Tours, Walking Tours in Rotorua

Rotorua: Hell’s Gate Outdoor Mud Spa & Guided Walk

10.Hell’s Gate Outdoor Mud Spa & Guided Walk

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,140 reviews · 3 hours · from $68

At Hell’s Gate, 15 minutes from Rotorua, you can walk a marked geothermal route with a map or join an English-speaking guide such as Liam, Tee, Zia, or Nati. See steaming pools, mud vents, plants, and a waterfall, then try Māori carving, a 20-minute mud bath, sulfur spas, and a cool plunge pool.

“The experience was authentic. We started out on guided tour but ended up going out on our own halfway in so we could have a semi private mudbath. If you prefer to be in mudbath and Sulphur spa alone. If you do the guided tour, you will be in there with everyone.”

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From Rotorua: Hobbiton Movie Set Tour with Festive Lunch - Arriving at a working sheep farm
Hobbiton Movie Set Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Rotorua

From Rotorua: Hobbiton Movie Set Tour with Festive Lunch

11.Hobbiton Movie Set Tour with Festive Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 765 reviews · 6h 30m · from $182

Travel from Rotorua to Hobbiton with an entertaining English-speaking driver such as Ngata or Hannah, then join a guided walk through the 12-acre film set. See the Mill, Green Dragon Inn, Party Tree, and double arched bridge, step inside a Hobbit home, and finish with a generous buffet lunch.

“This was a very enjoyable day out, even with the rain. Many thanks to our awesome driver, Ngata.”

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Rafting Rotorua Kaituna White Water Rafting | Kaitiaki Adventures - The safety briefing is more important than the jokes
Tour Reviews, Tours in Rotorua, White Water Rafting

Rafting Rotorua Kaituna White Water Rafting | Kaitiaki Adventures

12.Rafting Rotorua Kaituna White Water Rafting | Kaitiaki Adventures

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 759 reviews · from $83

Join Kaitiaki Adventures for a guided Kaituna River run through native forest, steep volcanic gorges, 14-plus rapids, and the 7-metre Tutea Falls. Your 2-hour river trip includes wetsuit, helmet, booties, life vest, safety briefing, local Māori guides, professional photos for purchase, and central Rotorua pickup.

“Well run very friendly and professional with laid back people. Would do it again. Enjoyed respect for that Maori.”

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Nocturnal adventure Glow-worm tour - A 90-minute walk through native bush
Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Rotorua

Nocturnal adventure Glow-worm tour

13.Nocturnal adventure Glow-worm tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 675 reviews · from $77

Join Stephen from Real Rotorua for a 2.5 to 3-hour evening walk through native bush near Rotorua. A small group of up to eight follows torchlit trails to glow-worm displays, with chances to see wallabies, possums, wētā, waterfalls, and stars. Transport, equipment, photos, and a hot drink are included.

“A great experience for our family (wife, adult kids and myself). The entire adventure was informative, fun and so different from the other activities we did on our trip. The night we went was damp with a light rain, but that turned out to be a blessing because the glow worms were out in abundance. I definitely recommend the experience.”

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Rotorua: The National Kiwi Hatchery Kiwi Encounter Tour - The one-hour route through kiwi care
Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Rotorua, Wildlife

Rotorua: The National Kiwi Hatchery Kiwi Encounter Tour

14.The National Kiwi Hatchery Kiwi Encounter Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 671 reviews · 1 hour · from $44

Spend one hour with the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa at Rotorua’s Agrodome. An English-speaking guide such as Mya, Kai, Teresa, or Nico explains kiwi eggs, incubation, chick care, and release work. You may see adult kiwi in the nocturnal house all year, with eggs and chicks most likely from September to March. Your $44 ticket supports conservation.

“Theresa was a great guide! We even got to see a chicken Kiwi. It was sooo cute”

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Rotorua Duck Boat Guided City and Lakes Tour - Government Gardens, the Rotorua Lakefront, and Mokoia Island
City Tours, City Tours in Rotorua, Cruises & Boat Tours, Guided, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Rotorua

Rotorua Duck Boat Guided City and Lakes Tour

15.Rotorua Duck Boat Guided City and Lakes Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 604 reviews · from $55

Board a genuine WWII-era amphibious Duck at 1241 Fenton Street for a 90-minute tour through Rotorua, past the Government Gardens, Blue Baths, Sulphur Point, and other landmarks, then splash into Lakes Tikitapu and Okareka. Guides such as Rileigh, Matt, Ollie, and Ian add history, geology, humor, and local stories.

“Rileigh was a fantastic guide. She carried on with the humor and dad jokes even though she wasn’t getting the audience participation that she deserved. Very professional and fun.”

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New in Tours in Rotorua

★ 3.5Whaka Geothermal Trails Self-Guided TourFrom $2544 reviews
★ 5.0Mt. Tarawera Volcano Scenic Floatplane Tour from RotoruaFrom $24242 reviews
★ 5.0Mt Tarawera Helicopter Tour with Volcano LandingFrom $41740 reviews
★ 4.515-Minute Crater Lakes Flight by Floatplane from RotoruaFrom $15511 reviews
★ 4.9Scenic Flight over Mt Tarawera & Waimangu ValleyFrom $23625 reviews
★ 4.5Rotorua Highlights Inc. Te Puia & Secret Spot Hot Tubs Day TourFrom $238129 reviews
★ 5.0Mountain Jade Highlights TourFrom $2731 reviews
★ 5.0Lake Rotoiti Evening Kayak Tour including Hot Springs, Glowworm Caves and BBQ DinnerFrom $13560 reviews
★ 4.9Redwoods Altitude High Ropes AdventureFrom $86165 reviews
★ 4.5Whaka Trails and Maori Village Combo TourFrom $54180 reviews
★ 5.0Tarawera and Rotorua Lakes Eco Tour by Boat with GuideFrom $68196 reviews
★ 4.5Agrodome Farm Experience including Farm Show and Farm Tour – RotoruaFrom $40197 reviews
★ 4.9Okere Falls: Zipline over Waterfalls ExperienceFrom $80187 reviews
★ 4.9Wai-O-Tapu, Waimangu and Te Puia Full-Day TourFrom $209178 reviews
★ 4.7Māori Cultural Performance with DancingFrom $20182 reviews

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Milford Sound Cruises61Hobbiton Movie Set Tours37Wine Tours54Scenic Helicopter Flights34Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tours30Walking Tours40
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Two islands, end to end

Pick a coast, a summit or a cellar door.

The set pieces

HobbitonGlowworm CavesMaori EveningsLarnach CastleRail Journeys

On the water

Milford CruisesHole in the RockSea KayakingWhale WatchingSailing Days

In the air

Helicopter FlightsSkydiving & BungyGlacier CountryDark Sky NightsAoraki & Tekapo

Slow days

Cellar DoorsFood WalksHot SpringsWildlife ToursCycle Trails