2024 Rotorua Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in December)

11-Day Autumn Trip to New Zealand: My Thoughts

An 11-day in-depth tour of New Zealand, capturing all the beautiful scenery! Explore natural wonders, enjoy a pure paradise, and don't miss this travel guide! -------------------- 🛣️Itinerary: Day 1: Depart from Guangzhou Day 2: Fly to Auckland, start your New Zealand journey Day 3-4: In-depth tour of Auckland, visit Mount Eden, Coromandel Peninsula and Rotorua Day 5: Return to Auckland, rest and adjust Day 6: Free day in Auckland Day 7: Fly to Queenstown, visit Arrowtown Day 8-10: Queenstown to Lake Tekapo area, via Wanaka, explore Mount Cook National Park Day 11: End your New Zealand trip and return to your warm home in Guangzhou🏠 -------------------- Must-visit attractions: ✨Agrodome ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 📍141 Western Rd, Ngongotaha, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand ⏰Open from 09:00-17:00 🕰️1-2 hours There are super cute animals, fruit-laden orchards, and fields of kiwi trees waiting for you to explore! ✨Christchurch Botanic Gardens ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 📍Rolleston Ave, Christchurch City Centre, Christchurch 8013 ⏰Open all day 🕰️2-3 hours 10 gardens with different styles, colorful flowers blooming, every corner is full of life. ✨Lake Tekapo ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 📍Canterbury 7999, New Zealand ⏰Open all day 🕰️1 day A picturesque sky-blue lake with majestic snow-capped peaks behind it, breathtakingly beautiful! ✨Polynesian Spa ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 📍1000 Hinemoa Street, Rotorua 3010 ⏰Open from 09:00-23:00 🕰️1-2 hours Enjoy a century-old hot mineral spa, as if in a dream world, both body and mind are magnificently relaxed. ✨Mount Cook National Park ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 📍Canterbury 7999, New Zealand ⏰Open from 8:30-16:30 🕰️1-3 days Want to experience New Zealand's large glaciers up close? This is your best choice! -------------------- 🧳 Travel preparations: Essential checklist for traveling in New Zealand 📞 A phone card is essential, international roaming is inconvenient, and a local card is more affordable. 🔌 Bring a plug adapter, New Zealand has different socket types. 🪪 Documents should be complete: passport, visa, and translated driver's license. 👚👖 The temperature difference in New Zealand in November is large, so bring enough spring and autumn clothes, as well as rain gear. 🔋 Charger and power bank to keep your devices fully charged. 🕶️ Sunscreen is essential: sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen. 💳 Credit cards and a small amount of cash make shopping and dining easier. -------------------- Come to New Zealand and start your dream journey! Let this pure land become a treasure in your heart forever✨

🇳🇿 Rafting at Tutea Falls 📍 Rotorua

During our visit to Rotorua on New Zealand's North Island, my dad and I had an amazing time rafting with Kaituna Cascades at Kaituna River, which is often regarded as one of the best places for white-water rafting, especially for thrill-seekers. What makes the Kaituna River so unique is the presence of the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall—Tutea Falls—which boasts a 7-meter drop. Our guide, who was from the U.S., was highly experienced, though he joked that it was only his second day on the job. Despite his warning that rafts often flip going down the falls, ours didn’t, thanks to his expert instructions. Everyone in our group stayed safe and sound. #travelbloggers #100WaysOfTravel #newzealand #thrillseeker #rotorua #whitewaterrafting #tripblazers #kaituna #river #tutea #tuteafalls #okere #okerefalls #rafting

🇳🇿 Rafting at Okere Falls 📍 Rotorua

Rafting at Okere Falls is a popular adventure activity that thrill-seekers should not miss. Located near Rotorua, New Zealand, the falls are part of the Kaituna River, known for its thrilling Grade 5 white-water rapids and stunning scenery. One of the highlights of rafting at Okere Falls is Tutea Falls, the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall, standing at 7 meters. #rafting #100WaysOfTravel #newzealand #thrillseeker #rotorua #whitewaterrafting #tripblazers #kaituna #river #tutea #tuteafalls #okere #okerefalls #rafting

🇳🇿 Farm Tour @ Agrodome, Rotorua

During our visit to the Agrodome Farm in Rotorua, located on New Zealand's North Island, we had the chance to interact closely with a range of charming farm animals. The tour took us through the 350-acre working farm, where we enjoyed a guided experience, meeting animals such as sheep, cattle, deer, llamas, and alpacas. The hands-on interactions made it a memorable way to explore the farm's diverse animal life. #travellerswonderland #100WaysOfTravel #newzealand #roadtrip #farm #tripblazers #agrodome #animals

🇳🇿 Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley

One of the highlights of our visit to Rotorua on New Zealand's North Island was a trip to Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley. Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley is a geothermal wonderland known for its hot springs, geysers, and bubbling mud pools. #travellerswonderland #100WaysOfTravel #newzealand #rotorua #maori #Whakarewarewa #geothermal #kapahaka #haka #tripblazers

🇳🇿 A Fun Day @ Agrodome 📍 Rotorua

We had a fantastic time visiting the Agrodome Farm in Rotorua, located on New Zealand's North Island. We took a guided farm tour on a tractor-pulled trailer, exploring the 350-acre working farm. Along the way, we interacted with various animals such as sheep, cattle, deer, llamas, and alpacas. We also stopped by the farmyard nursery, where the smallest and most adorable animals of the Agrodome reside. #travellerswonderland #100WaysOfTravel #newzealand #roadtrip #farm #tripblazers #agrodome #animals

🇳🇿 White Water Rafting 📍 Rotorua

What better place to go white-water rafting for the first time than on the tallest commercially rafted waterfall in the world? While visiting Rotorua on New Zealand’s North Island, my dad and I had an unforgettable experience rafting with Kaituna Cascades. Our guide, an American with plenty of experience, joked that it was only his second day on the job. Even though he warned us that rafts frequently flip going down the falls, ours didn’t, thanks to his clear and skilled instructions. Everyone in the group was safe and sound. This was my first rafting adventure, and I’d love to do it again—though I’m not sure I’ll find another spot as exciting and fun as this one! #rafting #100WaysOfTravel #newzealand #thrillseeker #rotorua #whitewaterrafting #tripblazers #kaituna #river #tutea #tuteafalls #okere #okerefalls #rafting

🇳🇿 Agrodome Farm Tour

During our visit to the Agrodome Farm in Rotorua, on New Zealand's North Island, we had the opportunity to get up close to many adorable farm animals. The farm tour included a guided exploration of the 350-acre working farm, where we interacted with a variety of animals, including sheep, cattle, deer, llamas, and alpacas. #travellerswonderland #100WaysOfTravel #newzealand #roadtrip #farm #tripblazers #agrodome #animals

🇳🇿 Highest Commercially Rafted Waterfall in the World 📍Tutea Falls, Rotorua 🇳🇿

What better place to experience my first white-water rafting than on the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world? During our visit to Rotorua on New Zealand's North Island, my dad and I had an amazing time rafting with Kaituna Cascades. Our guide, who was from the U.S., was highly experienced, though he joked that it was only his second day on the job. Despite his warning that rafts often flip going down the falls, ours didn’t, thanks to his expert instructions. Everyone in our group stayed safe and sound. It was my first rafting adventure, and I’d love to do it again in the future—though I’m not sure I’ll find another place as fun and thrilling as this! #rafting #100WaysOfTravel #newzealand #thrillseeker #rotorua #whitewaterrafting #tripblazers #kaituna #river #tutea #tuteafalls #okere #okerefalls

🇳🇿 Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley

One of the highlights of our visit to Rotorua on New Zealand's North Island was a trip to Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley. Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley is a geothermal wonderland known for its hot springs, geysers, and bubbling mud pools. It is part of the larger Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley and is home to the famous Pohutu Geyser, which can erupt up to 20 times a day, reaching heights of up to 30 meters. The valley has a rich Māori history, with the Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao people having lived in the area for centuries. The village of Whakarewarewa itself is a living Māori village, where residents demonstrate traditional crafts, perform cultural ceremonies, and offer guided tours, providing visitors with a unique blend of geothermal and cultural experiences. We also had the chance to try geothermal hāngi meals during our visit. Hāngi is a traditional Māori method of cooking food using heated rocks buried in a pit oven. The food is typically placed in baskets and wrapped in leaves or foil before being placed in the earth over the hot rocks. #hotsprings #100WaysOfTravel #newzealand #rotorua #Whakarewarewa #geothermal #geyser #pohutu #tripblazers #hangi #hotspring

🇳🇿 A Fun Day @ Agrodome 📍 Rotorua

We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the Agrodome Farm in Rotorua on New Zealand's North Island. The one-hour farm show was undoubtedly a highlight of the experience. It featured a live sheep-shearing demonstration and introduced us to 19 different breeds of sheep. My child even had the chance to feed the baby lambs on stage, which was a memorable moment. After the show, we embarked on a farm tour aboard a tractor-pulled trailer. This guided tour took us through the 350-acre working farm, where we had the chance to interact with a variety of animals, including sheep, cattle, deer, llamas, and alpacas. We also visited the farmyard nursery, home to the tiniest and cutest animals at the Agrodome. #familytravel #100WaysOfTravel #newzealand #roadtrip #farm #tripblazers #agrodome #animals

🇳🇿 The Living Māori Village 📍Roturua

Māori villages in New Zealand are culturally significant sites where visitors can experience the rich heritage and traditions of the Māori people, the indigenous Polynesian inhabitants of New Zealand. Whakarewarewa, located in Rotorua, North Island, is one of the most famous Māori villages, known for its geothermal activity, including geysers, hot springs, and mud pools. Whakarewarewa offers guided tours, cultural performances, and traditional hangi meals cooked using geothermal steam. It is home to the Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao people, who have lived in the area for over 700 years. Unlike other tourist attractions, Whakarewarewa is a living village where people still reside and maintain their traditional lifestyle. This gives visitors an authentic experience of how the Māori community lives in harmony with their environment. One of the highlights of the visit is the cultural performance which includes songs, dances, and the famous haka, provide insight into Māori customs and traditions. #folkactivities #100WaysOfTravel #newzealand #rotorua #maori #Whakarewarewa #geothermal #kapahaka #haka #tripblazers

Please make sure to visit New Zealand, which is all the rage on social media

Itinerary 1 Various places - Beijing 2 Beijing - Auckland 3 Auckland - Rotorua 4 Rotorua - Auckland 5 Auckland - Christchurch 6 Christchurch - Arthur's Pass - Greymouth - Glacier Town 7 Glacier Town - Fox Glacier - Wanaka - Queenstown 8 Queenstown - Milford Sound - Queenstown 9 Queenstown - Dunedin - Oamaru 10 Oamaru - Mount Cook - Christchurch 11 Christchurch - Auckland - Beijing 12 Beijing - Various places Must-visit Attractions 🎇The five must-visit lakes in New Zealand: Lake Tekapo + Lake Wanaka + Lake Wakatipu + Lake Matheson + Lake Rotorua 🎆Check-in the famous trio of the North Island: Hobbiton, the Glowworm Caves, and Agrodome Farm 🌌Alpine Scenic Train Journey: Experience the scenery above the clouds, feel the chill at the mountain peaks, and enjoy the moving scenery as the train weaves through the mountains 🎇Witness the millennia-old glaciers - the spectacular sight of Fox Glacier, feel the grandeur of the glaciers, and unveil the mysteries of the glaciers before your eyes 🎑Glacier Helicopter: Helicopter snow descent to and from the mountain peaks, aerial photography + top-down view, the beautiful and magnificent scenery of the millennia-old glacier mountains ⛰Milford Sound is the largest and most famous fjord in New Zealand's Fiordland National Park, formed during the Ice Age, also known as the 'Eighth Wonder of the World' 🌅Light trekking on the Hooker Valley Track at the foot of Mount Cook, the best viewing point for Mount Cook 🌉Dunedin, the most Scottish-like city in New Zealand, experience the world's steepest street 🌆Steampunk capital Oamaru, watch the huge spherical Moeraki Boulders on the beach after the tide 🌃Nighttime viewing of the world's smallest blue penguins returning to their nests, these little guys adorably walk back to their homes at night

New Zealand Attractions [Government Gardens]

The [Government Garden] located on the North Island of New Zealand is located on the shores of Lake Rotorua. It has a spacious garden square and a wide view. It is quiet, elegant and very beautiful. There are also two small geothermal springs called the Government Baths, which open from time to time. Steaming hot. There is a magnificent Bath House in the Government Garden. The camel-colored building was built in 1908. It was originally a sanatorium and is now a museum and art gallery, but it is currently undergoing renovation. The beautiful Victorian building in front of the lawn, the Rotorua Museum of Art and History, is also a famous landmark of the Government Garden and is worth taking pictures.

Roturua New Zealand in 3 days

Rotorua is known for bubbling mud pools, shooting geysers and natural hot springs, as well as showcasing the fascinating Māori culture. What we can do here: to Play:  OGO ZORBING* - remember to bring your wet suit! ($85 for 2 rides)  Skyline Skyrides - Luge & Gondola + Skyswing + Zipline ** - Luge & Gondola( $118 per family) ** Half Day Adventure Pass (Gondola + 5 Luge rides + Skyswing + Zoom zipline) - $135 Child  Velocity Valley - let's do the bungy (small scale here) to See:  Agrodome Sheep Show꙳ and Farm and orchard Tour OR Rotorua Heritage Farm tour  Maori Culture experience꙳  Redwoods Treewalk꙳ ** $79 or free on ground per family (can do the night walk) b4 10pm  KUIRAU PARK or Wai-O-Tapu꙳ geothermal park * Lady Knox Geyser* 10.15am  Te Puia - Pohutu Geyser ** options for Whakarewarewa Village Tour($100 per family) or Te Puia Day Pass ($151 per family) leave by 12 noon  GO STARGAZING꙳ - Ngongotaha  Polynesian Spa / Mud Bath and Sulfur Spa ** – Family Pool ($66 per family) or Sky View Private  3D Trick Art Gallery꙳ to Eat:  Ciabatta Cafe and Bakery – nice pastry / coffee  Dinner at Pig & Whistle/ The Lava Bar & Grill  Pak n Save – food and fuel too #celebratewithtrips

Mitai Maori Village is at the town of Rotorua. Traditional Maori village offering a guided Bush walk, cultural performances and a ground cooked earth oven meal. See the fierce warriors in traditional dress paddle an ancient warrior canoe down the stream, singing their traditional song and view the glow worms in their natural environment. The show also include their people with traditional dress singing song and show telling us the story at the stage. The show begin at evening, so after the show we have a marvelous dinner, i especially like the lamb. Bus also fetching you around the town hotel and sending you back.

Whakarewarewa is the legacy and home of the Tuhourangi Ngati Wahiao people, who have been sharing their unique way of life with visitors from all around the world for over two hundred years. It is 5 kilometers 11 minutes drive from Rotorua Town, or you can take bus 11 with 5 minutes walk to your destination. Maori people have lived at the village for several centuries, taking advantage of the local geothermal activity for purposes of heating, bathing and cooking

Waitomo is around 190 km from Auckland situated on the north island of New Zealand. I had book the time slot to view some part of the places at their website with a fee. It is know as the best glow worm caves in New Zealand. Parking and dinning are easy to find and plenty at site. I book the triple cave combo that is Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Aranui Cave and Ruakuri Cave at their website for around 100+ NZD. So plan ahead your timing, it need time to travel from 1 site to another. There are guides to show you around at places. The boat trip to the Waitomo Glowworm caves is a WOW. There are also several tour companies organised tour trip to here from Auckland.

Situated at New Zealand North Island.. Lake Rotorua. Waiotapu thermal wonderland is around 27km away from Rotorua. I drive here, smooth traffic ample of parking places. There of a lot of thing to see, including Champagne Pool, Mud pool- the largest mud pool in new Zealand, the devil pool and lady knox geyser. For the lady knox geyser they got timing for the show. The staff adding some powder inside, then within few minute this geyser can reach up to 10 to 20 metres. Fantastic colourful terrain impressive landscape smoke and hot spring smell. Opening hour I think is around 0800 to 1700, admission fee needed.

Maori Cultural Village You Have to Visit!

The Maori culture is one of the most important and iconic represents in New Zealand, which is something I feel that any visitors who visit New Zealand must learn at least a thing or two about this culture! And to learn this culture, the Whakarewarewa- The living Maori Village is the perfect place to learn them! And the reason is because this place is operated by the local authentic Maori residents themselves! Book a guided tour, where the local guides will bring you to see their living experiences, trying out their cuisines and also watch them perform a real live amazing Haka! I can guarantee that you will be thrilled after the entire tour! In addition, there is also a geothermal trail within the village, where you can witness the untouched geothermal landscape, like hot spring lakes, mud pools and geysers. Located in Rotorua, this place is a must visit for those travelling in the north island of New Zealand! #momentssg #unforgettableexperiences #nationalpark #naturalwonders #newzealand

The Thermal Wonderland!

Wai o tapu is one of the the must visit tourist attraction if you are traveling in the north island of New Zealand! Located just a short drive away from the city of Taupo or Rotorua, and it will be good to have about 2 hours to visit this place. There are many unique feature which you can see over here, with one of the most iconic one to be the colorful Champagne pool(shown in cover photo). It is truly an amazing sight to watch and at times you can even watch the eruption of the Lady Knox Geyser! Other features includes steaming ground, bubbling mud, volcanic craters and many other really cool natural sights. Coming from a city country, this place has greatly increased my knowledge of geography and I never knew such things existed before! #momentssg #unforgettableexperiences #nationalpark #scenicspotguide #newzealand

The redwoods in New Zealand aren’t as big as those in California but if you’re in the area definitely go by and see them. They have built bridges in the canopy and it puts me in mind of the Ewok Village from Star Wars. You can also walk the trails or rent a bicycle and enjoy the area. This is another nice place in New Zealand where you can get outdoors and just enjoy nature! #happynewyear #happynewyear

While on the North Island of New Zealand I visited the glowworm caves and we rafted. I had whitewater rafted before and was expecting something adventurous like that. However, the water in the glowworm caves was peaceful and lacked some of the adventure I was expecting. This would be a wonderful family adventure. #happynewyear #happynewyear

Today is an alpaca breeder. The Eldondon Farm is New Zealand's largest sightseeing ranch. It can be used to feed alpaca, sheep and other animals. Since alpacas and sheep are herbivorous animals, there is only one row of teeth. Don't worry about feeding. I will be hurt in the middle.

The Whakarewa Geothermal Reserve, when it comes in, smells a faint smell of sulphur, which is the smell of rotten eggs. The geyser erupts in about an hour, just in time for the eruption of the geyser. There is a kind of apocalyptic under the backlight. Its a sense of sight, and the surrounding hot springs are very developed. Its worth trying.

Hell gate is a 30-minute drive from Rotorua. If you take a taxi for about 50NZD, Hell Gate is the same group as Wai Ora Spa. The difference is that Hell Gate is mainly a geothermal park and mud bath, while Wai Ora Spa mainly uses The hotel is predominant. The difference between Hell Gate and Polynesian Spa is that Hell Gate only accepts individual passengers, while Polynesian Spa is more convenient in the city, except for individual tourists. There are 2 hot springs in Hell Gate, one is a mud bath and the other is a geothermal hot spring. All of them are more than one hour long. Transportation: Hell Gate has a fixed shuttle bus to and from Rotorua every day. Note, not to the hotel shuttle, oh, to the fixed bus station, etc., not far from YHA there is a Bus station website: www.hellsgate.co.nz Tips: 1. mud bath regulations can not exceed 20 Minutes, because the mud has a strong cleaning effect, too long time will easily lead to skin water loss 2. All jewelry must be removed, because this is a natural geothermal hot spring, will cause oxidation of gold and silver jewelry 3. It is recommended to bring your own towels. The towels and swimsuits inside are for a single charge. It is best to bring a swimsuit with a cheap one. It is thrown once when you wear it. The bathing suit can not be washed out.

Love Gordon Farm, Love Gordon Farm is New Zealand's largest sightseeing farm. The most important thing to come here is to see the grass mud horse! ! ! The farm will drive a large tractor carrying tourists to see us, and show us all kinds of cattle and sheep ah! Grass mud horse appeared! Tractor will stop in the area where the grass mud horse appears. The grass mud horses here will be more docile, otherwise some fierce grass mud horses will spit on people. grass mud horse hair super super soft, especially good touch, I raised the idea to buy grass mud horse toy , you fence on the other side is the big red deer, looks more fierce These two hairstyles are more cool! Brother, which bridge is you cutting under? Self-timer with the grass mud horse is particularly tired, to make their attention pay attention to it, finally finally took a picture, but this hair is not cool enough tractor to drive away, bye bye grass mud horse, really like it, next time you want to go to South America Look!

Rustic Charm and Craft Brews: Okere Falls Store + Craft Beer Garden

#newzealandtrip Okere Falls Store + Craft Beer Garden in Rotorua, New Zealand, is a delightful spot that combines a cozy café, a well-stocked store, and an impressive craft beer garden. Known for its house-roasted coffee and 100% New Zealand craft beers, this venue offers a relaxed atmosphere perfect for enjoying breakfast, lunch, or a casual evening with friends. The menu features a variety of delicious options, including vegan and gluten-free dishes, ensuring there’s something for everyone. With its scenic location near the Okere Falls, it’s an ideal place to unwind and savor the local flavors.

Thrilling Adventures Await at Skyline Rotorua

#newzealandtrip Skyline Rotorua is a must-visit destination for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike. Located just minutes from central Rotorua, this iconic attraction offers a range of exciting activities, including the famous Luge rides, scenic Gondola trips, and adrenaline-pumping experiences like the Skyswing and Zoom Zipline. Visitors can also enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Rotorua, explore the beautiful nature trails, and indulge in delicious meals at the Stratosfare Restaurant and Bar. With something for everyone, Skyline Rotorua promises an unforgettable adventure for all ages.

Tranquil Lakeside Escape at Ramada Resort By Wyndham Rotorua Marama

#newzealandtrip Nestled on the serene shores of Lake Rotorua, Ramada Resort By Wyndham Rotorua Marama offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Guests can enjoy stunning views of the Ohau Channel, modern amenities, and a variety of activities such as kayaking, fishing, and exploring nearby geothermal attractions. The resort features an outdoor pool, spa, tennis court, and an onsite café, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat or an action-packed holiday, this resort caters to all your needs.