Rotorua is a place of great significance when it comes to gaining a deep understanding of Māori culture and history.

Touch, smell, see, hear, taste and feel the wairua of Rotorua through these unique and new experiences. 

Waimangu Volcanic Valley

rotorua

Rotorua

A region of historic and cultural significance

Highlights

  • Boat cruise around Lake Rotomahana
  • Learn about the Tarawera eruption
  • Unspoilt, natural wilderness

Lake Rotomahana Boat Cruise

Enjoy the history and geothermal attractions on a boat cruise around beautiful Lake Rotomahana

Book a boat cruise

With an amazing, natural environment that has been unaltered by man since its creation in 1886, Waimangu Volcanic Valley has unique history and legacy. New Zealand's youngest naturally formed lake, Lake Rotomahana, has attracted visitors since the 19th century. It was once home to the legendary pink and white terraces destroyed in 1886. 

Enjoy the history and geothermal attractions on a boat cruise around beautiful Lake Rotomahana. Learn about the important role this Lake has in New Zealand's history.

Te Pā Tū

rotorua

Rotorua

A region of historic and cultural significance

Highlights

  • Taste Māori cuisine
  • Take in the breathtaking scenery
  • Storytelling & traditional past times

Discover Te Pā Tū

Journey back to a time of proud warriors and ancient traditions

Find out more

Journey back to a time of proud warriors and ancient traditions at Te Pā Tu(opens in new window) Located 20 minutes drive from Rotorua, Te Pā Tū is New Zealand’s most award-winning cultural attraction and was voted Top 10 in the World by TripAdvisor.

Explore the recreated traditional village under the shelter of an ancient 200-year-old native Tawa forest. Taste the exquisite Māori cuisine, hear stories and traditions of the past, and be amazed by beautifully choreographed song and dance. 

Te Puia

rotorua

Rotorua

A region of historic and cultural significance

Highlights

  • Magical geysers & mud pools
  • History of the Whakarewarewa Village
  • Māori cuisine

Geyser by Night experience

Discover one of New Zealand’s most magnificent geothermal wonderlands

Visit Te Puia

Discover one of New Zealand’s most stunning geothermal wonderlands. With its dramatic geysers, bubbling mud and beautiful native bush, Te Puia geothermal valley is a bucket list experience. 

Until now, Te Puia, after-hours has remained a secret only Mother Nature has been exposed to. Experience the geothermal valley and geyser by night, hear the stories of the past, and feel the beauty of Pōhutu in an interactive journey guided by light.

Whakarewarewa - The Living Māori Village

rotorua

Rotorua

A region of historic and cultural significance

Highlights

  • Ride through the geothermal valley
  • Discover bubbling geysers and hot pools
  • Majestic scenery and landscapes

WHAKA E-BIKE TRAIL

A unique and fun way to explore the geothermal landscape and learn the history of the Whakarewarewa village

Book an e-bike trail

Whakarewarewa, the living Māori village is the legacy and home of the Tūhourangi - Ngāti Wāhiao people, who have been sharing their stories with visitors from all around the world for over two hundred years. Experience the unique culture, heritage and eco-system of the village. See how geothermal waters were used to cook, bathe and do washing. 

Or, explore the village by E-Bike on a 3km ride stroll through the unique landscapes into previously non-accessible areas. 

Kaitiaki Adventures

rotorua

Rotorua

A region of historic and cultural significance

Highlights

  • Discover Mount Tarawera
  • Run in to the heart of the volcanic crat
  • 360 panoramic views

Explore Mount Tarawera

Discover a sacred site of significant, historic events

Book a guided tour

Tarawera maunga is the home to the people of Ngāti Rangitihi. Explore the mountain on a guided walking experience with Kaitiaki Adventures.

Learn about the unique history of Mount Tarawera, infamous for its eruption in 1886, while taking in the stunning 360 panoramic views. The eruption of Tarawera created the world’s youngest geothermal valley of Waimangu, at the same destroying the legendary Pink and White Terraces.

Hell's Gate

rotorua

Rotorua

A region of historic and cultural significance

Highlights

  • Soak in geothermal mud & sulphur waters
  • Interactive geothermal walk
  • Learn about the healing properties

HELL’S GATE MUD BATH AND SPAS

Discover the healing properties of Hell's Gate mud pools

Book now

Rotorua's geothermal baths have been providing relaxation and health benefits since the 1880s. Discover the natural healing properties of the geothermal waters and mud at Hells Gate. Once used by Māori to heal their bodies and now by visitors to ease inflammation, arthritis and rejuvenate the skin. Wander around the geothermal reserve, see erupting waters, an active mud volcano, land coral and a hot waterfall.

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