Rotorua

Mountains and a lake under a bright blue sky

Photo by Matthew Stephenson on Unsplash

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Rotorua

New Zealand · Geothermal resort city

Rotorua sits on New Zealand's North Island, where steaming geothermal fields and geysers shape both the landscape and the town's identity. Its strong Māori heritage, lakefront setting, and long tradition of thermal bathing make it a natural base for outdoor adventure and quiet relaxation, with forests and lakes close at hand.

Known for: Nature · Culture · Relaxation · Outdoors

6°/ 6°

Mainly clear

6:00 AM local time (UTC+13)

Check weather

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Featured hotels

View more hotels

On the Point - Lake Rotorua

5.0

214 Kawaha Point Road

(240 reviews)

Solitaire Lodge

5.0

16 Ronald Road Lake Tarawera

(96 reviews)

Kings on Peace

5.0

4 Peace Street

(130 reviews)

Regal Palms Resort Rotorua

4.0

350/370 Fenton Street Rotorua City Center

(666 reviews)

Sport of Kings Motel

4.0

6 Peace Street

(293 reviews)

Black Swan Lakeside Boutique Hotel

5.0

171 Kawaha Point Road Kawaha Point

(174 reviews)

Regent of Rotorua

4.0

1191 Pukaki Street, Regent of Rotorua

(599 reviews)

Silver Fern Rotorua Suites & Spa

5

326 Fenton Street Rotorua City Center

(575 reviews)

JetPark Hotel Rotorua

4.0

237 Fenton Street Rotorua City Center

(907 reviews)

BK's Rotorua Motor Lodge

4.0

16 Victoria Street Rotorua City Center

(212 reviews)

Pullman Rotorua

5.0

1135 Arawa Street Rotorua City Center

(1,095 reviews)

Executive on Fenton

4.0

285 Fenton Street

(237 reviews)

Hotel tips for you

Attentive Service: Guests consistently praise the warm, attentive service at Rotorua hotels.
Spa Pools: Many Rotorua hotels and motels include a private spa pool or hot tub.
Breakfast Quality: Travelers often say breakfast is a standout at Rotorua hotels.
Lakeside Settings: Several lakeside lodges sit away from the town center, so plan on a short drive to restaurants and shops.
Kitchen Facilities: Self-catering apartments and motels in Rotorua frequently have full kitchens or kitchenettes.

Top viewpoints

Redwoods Treewalk

1 Tītokorangi Drive, Whakarewarewa, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand

(14,286 reviews)

Te Puia - Rotorua, NZ

20 Hemo Road, Whakarewarewa, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand

(9,435 reviews)

Polynesian Spa

1000 Hinemoa Street, Lakeside, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand

(8,943 reviews)

Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland

201 Waiotapu Loop Road, Rotorua 3073, New Zealand

(8,683 reviews)

Kuirau Park

1371, Pukuatua Street, Ranolf Street, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand

(3,686 reviews)

Whakarewarewa - The Living Maori Village

17 Tryon Street, Whakarewarewa, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand

(3,587 reviews)

Rotorua Canopy Tours | Zipline into an Ancient Forest

147 Fairy Springs Road, Fairy Springs, Rotorua 3015, New Zealand

(3,296 reviews)

Skyline Rotorua

178 Fairy Springs Road, Fairy Springs, Rotorua 3015, New Zealand

(3,206 reviews)

Kuirau Park - Mud Pools

Kuirau Street, Rotorua, 3010, New Zealand

(3,129 reviews)

Agrodome

141 Western Road, Ngongotahā, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand

(2,905 reviews)

Waimangu Volcanic Valley

587 Waimangu Road, Rotorua 3073, New Zealand

(2,855 reviews)

Government Gardens

9 Queens Drive, Rotorua, 3010, New Zealand

(2,732 reviews)

Top viewpoints

When to visit

October

17° / 9°

14 days of rain

Humid

Wind: Breezy

NovemberRainiest month

20° / 11°

15 days of rain

Humid

Wind: Mild

DecemberRainiest month

22° / 13°

15 days of rain

Humid

Wind: Mild

JanuaryWarmest month

23° / 14°

13 days of rain

Humid

Wind: Mild

February

22° / 14°

13 days of rain

Humid

Wind: Mild

March

20° / 12°

9 days of rain

Humid

Wind: Mild

April

18° / 11°

11 days of rain

Humid

Wind: Mild

May

15° / 8°

10 days of rain

Humid

Wind: Mild

June

13° / 7°

12 days of rain

Humid

Wind: Mild

July

12° / 6°

12 days of rain

Humid

Wind: Breezy

AugustColdest month

13° / 5°

10 days of rain

Humid

Wind: Mild

September

14° / 7°

14 days of rain

Humid

Wind: Breezy

When to visit

Things to do

Mitai Maori Village Cultural Experience in Rotorua

3 hr

(1,443 reviews)

From $103

Cultural Experience & Seasonal Māori Cuisine at Te Pā Tū

3 hr

(1,704 reviews)

From $160

Hobbiton Day Tour from Rotorua with lunch at Hobbiton

7 hr

(600 reviews)

From $189

Rotorua Rafting: Kaituna River White Water Rafting & Free Sauna

2h 30m

(2,161 reviews)

From $77

Glow Worm Kayak Tour

3 hr

(399 reviews)

From $129

Te Puia: Te Pō Indigenous Evening Experience with Dinner

3 hr

(121 reviews)

From $116

Rotorua Canopy Tours: 2.5Hour Native Forest Zipline Adventure

2h 30m

(4,685 reviews)

From $120

Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, Rotorua, New Zealand

(551 reviews)

From $28

Rotorua based Small Group Morning Tour Waimangu and Wai O Tapu

5 hr

(390 reviews)

From $105

National Kiwi Hatchery - Kiwi Encounter Guided Tour

60 min

(349 reviews)

From $46

Rotorua Hiking: Mt Tarawera Guided Volcanic Crater Experience

4h 30m

(347 reviews)

From $112

Agrodome Farm Experience including Farm Show and Farm Tour - Rotorua

2h 30m

(242 reviews)

From $39

Things to do

Ready-to-go itineraries

2-Day Rotorua Highlights

2 days

Weekend in Rotorua

3 days

5-Day Rotorua Deep Dive

5 days

Create your own trip to Rotorua

How long are you going for?

Who's coming?

What are you into?

Anything else?

Create my itinerary

Frequently asked questions about Rotorua

Where should I stay in Rotorua?

These are some of the best-reviewed hotels in Rotorua:

On the Point - Lake Rotorua★ 4.9 · 240 reviews
Solitaire Lodge★ 4.9 · 96 reviews
Kings on Peace★ 4.8 · 130 reviews
Regal Palms Resort Rotorua★ 4.6 · 666 reviews
Sport of Kings Motel★ 4.6 · 293 reviews
Black Swan Lakeside Boutique Hotel★ 4.6 · 174 reviews

What are the best luxury hotels in Rotorua?

Top-rated 5-star hotels in Rotorua:

On the Point - Lake Rotorua★ 4.9 · 240 reviews
Solitaire Lodge★ 4.9 · 96 reviews
Kings on Peace★ 4.8 · 130 reviews
Black Swan Lakeside Boutique Hotel★ 4.6 · 174 reviews
Silver Fern Rotorua Suites & Spa★ 4.4 · 575 reviews

What are the best tours and activities in Rotorua?

Popular, well-reviewed experiences you can book in Rotorua:

Mitai Maori Village Cultural Experience in Rotorua★ 4.6 · 1,443 reviews · From $103
Cultural Experience & Seasonal Māori Cuisine at Te Pā Tū★ 4.8 · 1,704 reviews · From $160
Hobbiton Day Tour from Rotorua with lunch at Hobbiton★ 4.5 · 600 reviews · From $189
Rotorua Rafting: Kaituna River White Water Rafting & Free Sauna★ 5.0 · 2,161 reviews · From $77
Glow Worm Kayak Tour

What day trips can I take from Rotorua?

Full-day trips that start in Rotorua:

Hobbiton Day Tour from Rotorua with lunch at Hobbiton★ 4.5 · 600 reviews · 7 hr · From $189
Rotorua Highlights Tour: Waiotapu, Hot Tubs & Lunch from Auckland★ 4.7 · 132 reviews · 12 hr · From $199

What are some budget-friendly things to do in Rotorua?

Well-reviewed activities from $30 or less:

Mini Golf with Rabbits in Rotorua★ 4.4 · 64 reviews · From $13
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, Rotorua, New Zealand★ 4.4 · 551 reviews · From $28

Ask about Rotorua in chat

Top viewpoints

Redwoods Treewalk

1 Tītokorangi Drive, Whakarewarewa, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand

(14,286 reviews)

Te Puia - Rotorua, NZ

20 Hemo Road, Whakarewarewa, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand

(9,435 reviews)

Polynesian Spa

1000 Hinemoa Street, Lakeside, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand

(8,943 reviews)

Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland

201 Waiotapu Loop Road, Rotorua 3073, New Zealand

(8,683 reviews)

Kuirau Park

1371, Pukuatua Street, Ranolf Street, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand

(3,686 reviews)

Whakarewarewa - The Living Maori Village

17 Tryon Street, Whakarewarewa, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand

(3,587 reviews)

Rotorua Canopy Tours | Zipline into an Ancient Forest

147 Fairy Springs Road, Fairy Springs, Rotorua 3015, New Zealand

(3,296 reviews)

Skyline Rotorua

178 Fairy Springs Road, Fairy Springs, Rotorua 3015, New Zealand

(3,206 reviews)

Kuirau Park - Mud Pools

Kuirau Street, Rotorua, 3010, New Zealand

(3,129 reviews)

Agrodome

141 Western Road, Ngongotahā, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand

(2,905 reviews)

Waimangu Volcanic Valley

587 Waimangu Road, Rotorua 3073, New Zealand

(2,855 reviews)

Government Gardens

9 Queens Drive, Rotorua, 3010, New Zealand

(2,732 reviews)

Things to do

Mitai Maori Village Cultural Experience in Rotorua

3 hr

(1,443 reviews)

From $103

Cultural Experience & Seasonal Māori Cuisine at Te Pā Tū

3 hr

(1,704 reviews)

From $160

Hobbiton Day Tour from Rotorua with lunch at Hobbiton

7 hr

(600 reviews)

From $189

Rotorua Rafting: Kaituna River White Water Rafting & Free Sauna

2h 30m

(2,161 reviews)

From $77

Glow Worm Kayak Tour

3 hr

(399 reviews)

From $129

Te Puia: Te Pō Indigenous Evening Experience with Dinner

3 hr

(121 reviews)

From $116

Rotorua Canopy Tours: 2.5Hour Native Forest Zipline Adventure

2h 30m

(4,685 reviews)

From $120

Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, Rotorua, New Zealand

(551 reviews)

From $28

Rotorua based Small Group Morning Tour Waimangu and Wai O Tapu

5 hr

(390 reviews)

From $105

National Kiwi Hatchery - Kiwi Encounter Guided Tour

60 min

(349 reviews)

From $46

Rotorua Hiking: Mt Tarawera Guided Volcanic Crater Experience

4h 30m

(347 reviews)

From $112

Agrodome Farm Experience including Farm Show and Farm Tour - Rotorua

2h 30m

(242 reviews)

From $39

Frequently asked questions about Rotorua

Where should I stay in Rotorua?

These are some of the best-reviewed hotels in Rotorua:

On the Point - Lake Rotorua★ 4.9 · 240 reviews
Solitaire Lodge★ 4.9 · 96 reviews
Kings on Peace★ 4.8 · 130 reviews
Regal Palms Resort Rotorua★ 4.6 · 666 reviews
Sport of Kings Motel★ 4.6 · 293 reviews
Black Swan Lakeside Boutique Hotel★ 4.6 · 174 reviews

What are the best luxury hotels in Rotorua?

Top-rated 5-star hotels in Rotorua:

On the Point - Lake Rotorua★ 4.9 · 240 reviews
Solitaire Lodge★ 4.9 · 96 reviews
Kings on Peace★ 4.8 · 130 reviews
Black Swan Lakeside Boutique Hotel★ 4.6 · 174 reviews
Silver Fern Rotorua Suites & Spa★ 4.4 · 575 reviews

What are the best tours and activities in Rotorua?

Popular, well-reviewed experiences you can book in Rotorua:

Mitai Maori Village Cultural Experience in Rotorua★ 4.6 · 1,443 reviews · From $103
Cultural Experience & Seasonal Māori Cuisine at Te Pā Tū★ 4.8 · 1,704 reviews · From $160
Hobbiton Day Tour from Rotorua with lunch at Hobbiton★ 4.5 · 600 reviews · From $189
Rotorua Rafting: Kaituna River White Water Rafting & Free Sauna★ 5.0 · 2,161 reviews · From $77
Glow Worm Kayak Tour

What day trips can I take from Rotorua?

Full-day trips that start in Rotorua:

Hobbiton Day Tour from Rotorua with lunch at Hobbiton★ 4.5 · 600 reviews · 7 hr · From $189
Rotorua Highlights Tour: Waiotapu, Hot Tubs & Lunch from Auckland★ 4.7 · 132 reviews · 12 hr · From $199

What are some budget-friendly things to do in Rotorua?

Well-reviewed activities from $30 or less:

Mini Golf with Rabbits in Rotorua★ 4.4 · 64 reviews · From $13
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, Rotorua, New Zealand★ 4.4 · 551 reviews · From $28

★ 4.8 · 399 reviews · From $129

6°/ 6°

Mainly clear

6:00 AM local time (UTC+13)

Check weather

When to visit

October

17° / 9°

14 days of rain

Humid

Wind: Breezy

NovemberRainiest month

20° / 11°

15 days of rain

Humid

Wind: Mild

DecemberRainiest month

22° / 13°

15 days of rain

Humid

Wind: Mild

JanuaryWarmest month

23° / 14°

13 days of rain

Humid

Wind: Mild

February

22° / 14°

13 days of rain

Humid

Wind: Mild

March

20° / 12°

9 days of rain

Humid

Wind: Mild

April

18° / 11°

11 days of rain

Humid

Wind: Mild

May

15° / 8°

10 days of rain

Humid

Wind: Mild

June

13° / 7°

12 days of rain

Humid

Wind: Mild

July

12° / 6°

12 days of rain

Humid

Wind: Breezy

AugustColdest month

13° / 5°

10 days of rain

Humid

Wind: Mild

September

14° / 7°

14 days of rain

Humid

Wind: Breezy