Guidebook for Rotorua
Drinks & Nightlife
Brew is our local craft brewery and home of Croucher Brewing. They do a great range of food and also support other New Zealand breweries with a range of beers on tap. Located on Eat Street, Brew is the place to go for a casual meal and drink.
44 íbúar mæla með
BREW | Craft Beer Pub
1103 Tutanekai StBrew is our local craft brewery and home of Croucher Brewing. They do a great range of food and also support other New Zealand breweries with a range of beers on tap. Located on Eat Street, Brew is the place to go for a casual meal and drink.
Food Scene
Eat Street is an aptly named mall of approximately 20 restaurants with a range of cuisines. For a tapas style menu head to Atticus Finch; for cocktails you'll want to head to Ponsonby Road and if craft beers are your scene, we highly recommend Brew.
Eat Street is a covered mall with ample outdoor seating and indoor warmth for wet or cold days.
134 íbúar mæla með
Eat Street
Tutanekai StreetEat Street is an aptly named mall of approximately 20 restaurants with a range of cuisines. For a tapas style menu head to Atticus Finch; for cocktails you'll want to head to Ponsonby Road and if craft beers are your scene, we highly recommend Brew.
Eat Street is a covered mall with ample outdoor seating and indoor warmth for wet or cold days.
Parks & Nature
Mount Ngongotaha towers above Rotorua and provides panoramic views over the city, lakes and Mount Tarawera beyond. Choose from two trails; the circuit loop takes you into the native forest and loops around on a gentle gradient. This loop is great for families and bird watching. Alternately if you're keen to work a bit harder for a wonderful reward, take the track straight to the top. From the top you will get the best view in town. You tower above the Skyline Gondola and will enjoy the bird life on route.
You will find the trail head a few hundred meters from the intersection of Pukehangi Road, Clayton Road and Paradise Valley Road and can walk directly from the house for an added challenge or drive to the car park and go from there.
Note, you can no longer drive straight to the top as indicated on many Google Maps. But you can drive up Mountain View Drive and walk from that side/ return from the sumit via Mountain View Road if desired.
6 íbúar mæla með
Mount Ngongotaha Scenic Reserve
Mountain RoadMount Ngongotaha towers above Rotorua and provides panoramic views over the city, lakes and Mount Tarawera beyond. Choose from two trails; the circuit loop takes you into the native forest and loops around on a gentle gradient. This loop is great for families and bird watching. Alternately if you're keen to work a bit harder for a wonderful reward, take the track straight to the top. From the top you will get the best view in town. You tower above the Skyline Gondola and will enjoy the bird life on route.
You will find the trail head a few hundred meters from the intersection of Pukehangi Road, Clayton Road and Paradise Valley Road and can walk directly from the house for an added challenge or drive to the car park and go from there.
Note, you can no longer drive straight to the top as indicated on many Google Maps. But you can drive up Mountain View Drive and walk from that side/ return from the sumit via Mountain View Road if desired.
The Redwoods – Whakarewarewa Forest offers a range of outdoor recreational opportunities, diverse range of exotic tree species, mix of native undergrowth, panoramic views, and proximity to lakes, thermal areas and the city centre have made The Redwoods & Whakarewarewa Forest one of Rotorua’s most spectacular natural assets and one of the city’s greatest treasures.
Over 5600 hectares of forest awaits you to enjoy and explore at your leisure. If you love the outdoors and want to experience nature at its best this area is definitely for you!
The forest is most well known for the network of superb mountain biking and walking tracks and for the magnificent stand of Californian Coast Redwoods. These towering trees, along with numerous other species and the fresh forest air, combine to create an invigorating atmosphere and a truly unique and special environment.
150 íbúar mæla með
Redwoods Treewalk
Tarawera RoadThe Redwoods – Whakarewarewa Forest offers a range of outdoor recreational opportunities, diverse range of exotic tree species, mix of native undergrowth, panoramic views, and proximity to lakes, thermal areas and the city centre have made The Redwoods & Whakarewarewa Forest one of Rotorua’s most spectacular natural assets and one of the city’s greatest treasures.
Over 5600 hectares of forest awaits you to enjoy and explore at your leisure. If you love the outdoors and want to experience nature at its best this area is definitely for you!
The forest is most well known for the network of superb mountain biking and walking tracks and for the magnificent stand of Californian Coast Redwoods. These towering trees, along with numerous other species and the fresh forest air, combine to create an invigorating atmosphere and a truly unique and special environment.
A well-formed bushwalk with scenic lookouts over Okere River and its spectacular waterfalls. There are numerous information panels along the track, describing the human and natural landscape.
A wide grassy area beside the main carpark provides a good site for a picnic, public toilets are provided here as well. The trout pool is a popular fishing spot, and trout are often seen swimming gently against the current.
From the main lookout platform by Hinemoa's steps you can watch rafters and kayakers sweep over the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world.
Dangerously strong currents and waterfalls. Please keep to the track.
Getting there
Okere Falls walking track is located 21 km from Rotorua on Trout Pool road off SH 33 (the Rotorua to Tauranga highway).
Know before you go
Stop the spread of Rotorua pest fish brochure.
Stop the spread of Rotorua pest fish brochure. View larger (PDF, 1,110K)
34 íbúar mæla með
Okere Falls
A well-formed bushwalk with scenic lookouts over Okere River and its spectacular waterfalls. There are numerous information panels along the track, describing the human and natural landscape.
A wide grassy area beside the main carpark provides a good site for a picnic, public toilets are provided here as well. The trout pool is a popular fishing spot, and trout are often seen swimming gently against the current.
From the main lookout platform by Hinemoa's steps you can watch rafters and kayakers sweep over the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world.
Dangerously strong currents and waterfalls. Please keep to the track.
Getting there
Okere Falls walking track is located 21 km from Rotorua on Trout Pool road off SH 33 (the Rotorua to Tauranga highway).
Know before you go
Stop the spread of Rotorua pest fish brochure.
Stop the spread of Rotorua pest fish brochure. View larger (PDF, 1,110K)
This is an easy, streamside walk through a redwood grove with beautiful views throughout and extensive interpretation along the way. It's suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
You can see the source of the Hamurana Springs’ crystal-clear water from a viewing platform just before you make a choice to either return on the same track or cross the footbridges, walking along the gravel track to the car park to make a circuit.
This is a nice, family orientated area with calming picnic spots in a picturesque setting.
Getting there
Hamurana is located 15 - 20 minutes drive north-east from Rotorua central, on the left-hand side of Hamurana road.
43 íbúar mæla með
Náttúruverndarsvæðið Hamurana Springs
773 Hamurana Rd
This is an easy, streamside walk through a redwood grove with beautiful views throughout and extensive interpretation along the way. It's suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
You can see the source of the Hamurana Springs’ crystal-clear water from a viewing platform just before you make a choice to either return on the same track or cross the footbridges, walking along the gravel track to the car park to make a circuit.
This is a nice, family orientated area with calming picnic spots in a picturesque setting.
Getting there
Hamurana is located 15 - 20 minutes drive north-east from Rotorua central, on the left-hand side of Hamurana road.
Entertainment & Activities
Paradise Valley Springs is a beautifully presented New Zealand Trout, Bird and Wildlife park, along with a pride of African lions.
Paradise Valley Springs first opened to the public in 1939 as a Trout sanctuary. Stuart Hamlett purchased the park from the original owner in 1975, along with his brother John who retired in 2004. The park is a privately owned family business, with 100% of funds coming directly from our customers.
It has been extensively developed over the last 35 years into the world class attraction that it is today.
Paradise Valley Springs is open every day of the year (365 days), including all public holidays. We're open every day from 8.00am until dark, with last entry to the Park at 5.00pm.
* Lion Feeding is every day at 2.30pm.
* Kea and Possum feeding happens at 3.00pm daily.
Be sure to allow at least one to two hours for your visit.
31 íbúar mæla með
Paradise Valley Springs
467 Paradise Valley RdParadise Valley Springs is a beautifully presented New Zealand Trout, Bird and Wildlife park, along with a pride of African lions.
Paradise Valley Springs first opened to the public in 1939 as a Trout sanctuary. Stuart Hamlett purchased the park from the original owner in 1975, along with his brother John who retired in 2004. The park is a privately owned family business, with 100% of funds coming directly from our customers.
It has been extensively developed over the last 35 years into the world class attraction that it is today.
Paradise Valley Springs is open every day of the year (365 days), including all public holidays. We're open every day from 8.00am until dark, with last entry to the Park at 5.00pm.
* Lion Feeding is every day at 2.30pm.
* Kea and Possum feeding happens at 3.00pm daily.
Be sure to allow at least one to two hours for your visit.
Wingspan Bird of Prey Centre was established in Rotorua in 2002. At Wingspan’s core is a commitment to the conservation of the threatened ‘Karearea’ New Zealand falcon. Being part of New Zealand’s unique natural heritage, falcons are a taonga (treasured) species to tangata whenua (Māori, people of the land).
Wingspan supports wild populations directly by releasing captive bred falcons and rehabilitating injured wild birds. Through research and advocacy, Wingspan also supports long-term sustainable conservation action by identifying the reasons for the decline in wild populations and promoting action to reverse this.
The Wingspan National Bird of Prey Centre is a place where people can visit and see birds of prey up close during interactive flying displays, hosted by the country’s leading experts. The displays showcase the spectacular flying skills of these amazing birds and are a unique educational experience enjoyed by children and adults alike.
15 íbúar mæla með
Wingspan National Bird of Prey Centre
1334 Paradise Valley RdWingspan Bird of Prey Centre was established in Rotorua in 2002. At Wingspan’s core is a commitment to the conservation of the threatened ‘Karearea’ New Zealand falcon. Being part of New Zealand’s unique natural heritage, falcons are a taonga (treasured) species to tangata whenua (Māori, people of the land).
Wingspan supports wild populations directly by releasing captive bred falcons and rehabilitating injured wild birds. Through research and advocacy, Wingspan also supports long-term sustainable conservation action by identifying the reasons for the decline in wild populations and promoting action to reverse this.
The Wingspan National Bird of Prey Centre is a place where people can visit and see birds of prey up close during interactive flying displays, hosted by the country’s leading experts. The displays showcase the spectacular flying skills of these amazing birds and are a unique educational experience enjoyed by children and adults alike.
Experience up to five of New Zealand's most iconic adventure activities at unbelievable value. There is something for everyone including Bungy Jumping - NZ's best value jump, the Swoop - NZ's favourite sky swing, Agrojet - NZ's jet sprint experience, Freefall Xtreme - NZ's ONE and ONLY wind tunnel and the WORLDS ONLY Shweeb, the human powered monorail racetrack.
Perfect for families, tourists, school groups, those sporty types or a corporate team building venue. There is something for everyone, toddlers ts to grandparents, all in picturesque country surroundings just 10 minutes north of Rotorua and adjacent to Zorb, AMAZEme and the Agrodome.
31 íbúar mæla með
Velocity Valley Adrenaline Park
1335 Paradise Valley RdExperience up to five of New Zealand's most iconic adventure activities at unbelievable value. There is something for everyone including Bungy Jumping - NZ's best value jump, the Swoop - NZ's favourite sky swing, Agrojet - NZ's jet sprint experience, Freefall Xtreme - NZ's ONE and ONLY wind tunnel and the WORLDS ONLY Shweeb, the human powered monorail racetrack.
Perfect for families, tourists, school groups, those sporty types or a corporate team building venue. There is something for everyone, toddlers ts to grandparents, all in picturesque country surroundings just 10 minutes north of Rotorua and adjacent to Zorb, AMAZEme and the Agrodome.
The Unique New Zealand Farm Experience
In the heart of 350 acres of lush farmland, yet only 10 minutes from Rotorua city centre, you’ll find New Zealand’s Agrodome.
For over 40 years, visitors from all over the globe have come to the Agrodome to see our world-famous Farm Show – starring a cast of talented animals… and you!
Plus, join the Farm Tour to explore a real working farm, hand-feed loads of friendly animals, and sample delicious kiwifruit juice and honey from our land.
There’s also the Nursery, with baby animals available for cuddles and photos all year round, and our Woollen Mill and Shearing Museum, where you’ll learn the remarkable story of NZ pioneers the Bowen brothers, and discover the full process of wool from the Sheep’s back to yours.
Get off the beaten track and experience Agrodome in a brand-new unbeatable way! The Back Country Adventure takes you off road, off track and away from the crowds in your own mean machine - a 4WD Yamaha Viking. Click to learn more about the new Back Country Adventure
The Agrodome is one of New Zealand’s must-see attractions, open in any weather, 365 days a year!
8 íbúar mæla með
Agrodome (Rotorua) station
The Unique New Zealand Farm Experience
In the heart of 350 acres of lush farmland, yet only 10 minutes from Rotorua city centre, you’ll find New Zealand’s Agrodome.
For over 40 years, visitors from all over the globe have come to the Agrodome to see our world-famous Farm Show – starring a cast of talented animals… and you!
Plus, join the Farm Tour to explore a real working farm, hand-feed loads of friendly animals, and sample delicious kiwifruit juice and honey from our land.
There’s also the Nursery, with baby animals available for cuddles and photos all year round, and our Woollen Mill and Shearing Museum, where you’ll learn the remarkable story of NZ pioneers the Bowen brothers, and discover the full process of wool from the Sheep’s back to yours.
Get off the beaten track and experience Agrodome in a brand-new unbeatable way! The Back Country Adventure takes you off road, off track and away from the crowds in your own mean machine - a 4WD Yamaha Viking. Click to learn more about the new Back Country Adventure
The Agrodome is one of New Zealand’s must-see attractions, open in any weather, 365 days a year!
The magic of New Zealand’s wildlife comes together in one incredible place - Rainbow Springs, Rotorua.
Big Splash Closed for annual maintenance from 22 August to 10 September. Thank you for your patience while Big Splash gets some love over the next couple of weeks - we have some alternative add-ons for you - check on arrival what is available today.
Set amongst the native trees and beautiful forests of Rotorua, Rainbow Springs Nature Park offers a fun-packed and educational experience for the whole family. Learn about New Zealand’s fascinating natural history and come closer than ever to the creatures who call this great land of ours home.
The fun never stops at Rainbow Springs with our impressive playground area, the thrilling Big Splash water ride and ever popular Bird Show.
Rainbow Springs is also one of Rotorua’s premier kids party venues with attentive and friendly staff on hand to take care of everything. For something a little more grown up, business, social and wedding functions are also popular and available here.
Fairy Springs Road
Fairy Springs RoadThe magic of New Zealand’s wildlife comes together in one incredible place - Rainbow Springs, Rotorua.
Big Splash Closed for annual maintenance from 22 August to 10 September. Thank you for your patience while Big Splash gets some love over the next couple of weeks - we have some alternative add-ons for you - check on arrival what is available today.
Set amongst the native trees and beautiful forests of Rotorua, Rainbow Springs Nature Park offers a fun-packed and educational experience for the whole family. Learn about New Zealand’s fascinating natural history and come closer than ever to the creatures who call this great land of ours home.
The fun never stops at Rainbow Springs with our impressive playground area, the thrilling Big Splash water ride and ever popular Bird Show.
Rainbow Springs is also one of Rotorua’s premier kids party venues with attentive and friendly staff on hand to take care of everything. For something a little more grown up, business, social and wedding functions are also popular and available here.
The Skyline Rotorua complex is situated just minutes from central Rotorua, high up Mt Ngongotaha.
To begin your Skyline Rotorua adventure, take a leisurely uphill Gondola ride and enjoy the extensive views of Rotorua, the surrounding lakes and geothermal areas.
At the top, the thrill of the Luge, the culinary delights of the Stratosfare Restaurant & Bar, beautiful nature walks and exciting adventure activities all await you.
For a casual dining experience visit our Food Market Kitchen, a marketplace style cafe that has something for everyone - from great coffee to real fruit ice cream.
The whole family will enjoy our fun Jelly Belly gallery and store or just for the adults our new Volcanic Hills winery and tasting room.
198 íbúar mæla með
Skyline Rotorua
178 Fairy Springs RdThe Skyline Rotorua complex is situated just minutes from central Rotorua, high up Mt Ngongotaha.
To begin your Skyline Rotorua adventure, take a leisurely uphill Gondola ride and enjoy the extensive views of Rotorua, the surrounding lakes and geothermal areas.
At the top, the thrill of the Luge, the culinary delights of the Stratosfare Restaurant & Bar, beautiful nature walks and exciting adventure activities all await you.
For a casual dining experience visit our Food Market Kitchen, a marketplace style cafe that has something for everyone - from great coffee to real fruit ice cream.
The whole family will enjoy our fun Jelly Belly gallery and store or just for the adults our new Volcanic Hills winery and tasting room.
Rotorua is famous for its world clss mountain bike trails. the Whakarewarewa Forest has a range of trails to suit everybody, from complete beginners to experts. All mountain bike trails in the forest are well signposted and graded so you can choose a track appropriate for your riding ability.
Find out more about mountain biking and cycling in Rotorua, talk to experts at the Waipa Car Park, Redwood Visitor Centre, bike shops and bike rental outlets.
You can hire bikes from the Waipa car park on Waipa State Mill Road or from one of several shops along Fenton Street.
If you are nervous about riding or finding your way, we love mountain biking and Aaron will gladly guide you through the forest and tailoring a route to suit your level.
Our top trail tips:
With children: Kids loop, Dipper
Beginners: Tahi, Creek, Dipper
Intermediate: If you like a challenge you will be rewarded with a lovely view over town and the lake and fun ride down if you make your way up to the top of "Tokorangi". Get there via Tahi, Creek, Dipper, Nursery Road - Turn right at the sign and then it's a slow grind earn your reward at the top.
Our other favourites include - "Paddy's Run", "Dragon's Tail", "Rude Not To", the Chinese Menu of "Spring Roll", "Sweet and Sour" - grab a map and work these into your day.
Intermediate-Advanced: Catch the bus from Waipa Car park or the 8-mile gate to get up to the top of the downhill runs to enjoy "Corners", "Eagle vs Shark", Billy-T" and much more. Tickets available on the bus or from Mountainbiking Rotoruaat the Waipa Car Park.
12 íbúar mæla með
Waipa State Mill Road
Waipa State Mill RoadRotorua is famous for its world clss mountain bike trails. the Whakarewarewa Forest has a range of trails to suit everybody, from complete beginners to experts. All mountain bike trails in the forest are well signposted and graded so you can choose a track appropriate for your riding ability.
Find out more about mountain biking and cycling in Rotorua, talk to experts at the Waipa Car Park, Redwood Visitor Centre, bike shops and bike rental outlets.
You can hire bikes from the Waipa car park on Waipa State Mill Road or from one of several shops along Fenton Street.
If you are nervous about riding or finding your way, we love mountain biking and Aaron will gladly guide you through the forest and tailoring a route to suit your level.
Our top trail tips:
With children: Kids loop, Dipper
Beginners: Tahi, Creek, Dipper
Intermediate: If you like a challenge you will be rewarded with a lovely view over town and the lake and fun ride down if you make your way up to the top of "Tokorangi". Get there via Tahi, Creek, Dipper, Nursery Road - Turn right at the sign and then it's a slow grind earn your reward at the top.
Our other favourites include - "Paddy's Run", "Dragon's Tail", "Rude Not To", the Chinese Menu of "Spring Roll", "Sweet and Sour" - grab a map and work these into your day.
Intermediate-Advanced: Catch the bus from Waipa Car park or the 8-mile gate to get up to the top of the downhill runs to enjoy "Corners", "Eagle vs Shark", Billy-T" and much more. Tickets available on the bus or from Mountainbiking Rotoruaat the Waipa Car Park.
Arts & Culture
The Rogue Stage is truly unique to the Rotorua music scene. Director Karin Vincent creates unique listening experiences by drawing a huge variety of artists to town to perform on nomad stages, decorate community halls, theaters, cafes, lawns, gardens, museums, boats or trucks and invite each and everyone to come and enjoy an evening or an afternoon of live music with us. Karin's shows are some of the most personal and intimate musical experiences you'll ever experience.
Check out "The Rogue Stage" on Facebook to see what random show might be on during your stay.
The Rogue Stage HQ
The Rogue Stage is truly unique to the Rotorua music scene. Director Karin Vincent creates unique listening experiences by drawing a huge variety of artists to town to perform on nomad stages, decorate community halls, theaters, cafes, lawns, gardens, museums, boats or trucks and invite each and everyone to come and enjoy an evening or an afternoon of live music with us. Karin's shows are some of the most personal and intimate musical experiences you'll ever experience.
Check out "The Rogue Stage" on Facebook to see what random show might be on during your stay.
Te Puia is New Zealand’s living Maori cultural centre, located just 5 minutes from central Rotorua. Situated in the Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley, Te Puia’s 60 hectare site is home to the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, a live kiwi enclosure, the world-famous Pohutu Geyser, and more than 500 natural geothermal wonders.
123 íbúar mæla með
Te Puia station
Te Puia is New Zealand’s living Maori cultural centre, located just 5 minutes from central Rotorua. Situated in the Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley, Te Puia’s 60 hectare site is home to the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, a live kiwi enclosure, the world-famous Pohutu Geyser, and more than 500 natural geothermal wonders.
The Buried Village is New Zealand's most visited Archaeological Site, where stories of the 1886 Mt Tarawera Eruption come to life.
Te Wairoa was established by the Christian missionary in 1848 as a model village, however Te Wairoa survived for fewer
than 40 years before it, and the nearby Pink and White Terraces were obliterated by the eruption of Mt Tarawera.
41 íbúar mæla með
Te Wairoa haugfélagið
1180 Tarawera RoadThe Buried Village is New Zealand's most visited Archaeological Site, where stories of the 1886 Mt Tarawera Eruption come to life.
Te Wairoa was established by the Christian missionary in 1848 as a model village, however Te Wairoa survived for fewer
than 40 years before it, and the nearby Pink and White Terraces were obliterated by the eruption of Mt Tarawera.
Essentials
New World Westend
247 Old Taupo RdSupermarket
Countdown Fairy Springs
54 Fairy Springs RdCountdown Rotorua
246 Fenton StPAK'nSAVE Rotorua
Amohau StreetLakes Medical and Pharmacy is Rotorua's out of hours Medical service. If you need to see a doctor during your stay go here. If it is an emergency, go straight to the Emergency department at the hospital.
Lakes Care Pharmacy
1155 Tutanekai StLakes Medical and Pharmacy is Rotorua's out of hours Medical service. If you need to see a doctor during your stay go here. If it is an emergency, go straight to the Emergency department at the hospital.
Rotorua Hospital
Corner Arawa StreetEmergency Department
Rotorua Kiwibank
1218 Tutanekai StPost office, banking
Shopping
Rotorua' central shopping district has a range of stores including: a department store, clothing stores, pharmacy, book store/ postal service, food court etc.
21 íbúar mæla með
Rotorua Central Mall
1170 Amohau StRotorua' central shopping district has a range of stores including: a department store, clothing stores, pharmacy, book store/ postal service, food court etc.