

Rotorua, New Zealand: Where nature and community create magic
If you want to experience something extraordinary in New Zealand, Rotorua should be firmly placed on your radar. New Zealand's geothermal playground and cultural heart, it has a unique mix of otherworldly sights and a deep-rooted community. A place like nowhere on Earth. A place that changes you.
Imagine dipping into Hell's Gate's steaming waters or catching Lady Knox Geyser's daily spectacle. But that's just the tip of the fiery iceberg. Dive into our guide to the best geothermal experiences, and you'll see why Rotorua is literally a hotbed of earthy wonders. Or get your adrenaline pumping with our roundup of 15 outdoor adventures; from whitewater rafting to a glowworm-spotting kayak trip via a treetop light show, each one is spectacularly fun.
At Te Puia, a local expert talks about the geothermal marvels, Māori traditions, and conservation programs that make it not just a must-see but a must-experience. And if you've got 72 hours to spare, a three-day itinerary is curated and ready for you, making sure no stone, mud pool, forest, or performance is left unexplored.
Ready to trade the mundane for the magical in Rotorua? Here's how.
Experience the best of Rotorua

From sacred hot springs and bubbling mud baths to subterranean pools and gravity-defying geysers, New Zealand's steamiest destination is a transformative wonderland. This guide tells you how to soak it all in.

Maori heritage at Te Puia geothermal site
Māori culture and community are at the heart of Te Puia, but its geothermal might is a big draw too. Sean Marsh, a 12-year Te Puia veteran and expert on all things Rotorua, tells us what makes this must-visit place so special.

Awesome open-air adventures
From zip-lining through ancient forests and a mountaintop Skyswing to kayaking under a sky of glowworms and the ultimate spa experience, this guide to Rotorua's best outdoor adventures covers the entire adrenaline spectrum.

How to spend 3 days in Rotorua
In just 72 hours, you can explore all the highlights of Rotorua. Think towering redwoods, nocturnal kiwi encounters, a 2,000-year-old Māori village, local lore, and the breathtaking hues of Wai-O-Tapu — this itinerary leads you to them all.