Free Things to Do in Rotorua
Top Free Things to Do in Rotorua, New Zealand
Best Free Things to Do in Rotorua
- Traveller favouritesThings to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
- Traveller rankingHighest rated attractions on Tripadvisor, based on traveller reviews.
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25 places sorted by traveller favourites
Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
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Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.
What travellers are saying
- Robyn GRaglan, New Zealand90 contributionsThe forest has a such a nice feeling! I did the most basic walk, the 30 minute Redwood Memorial Grove track. The redwoods are amazingly tall and they're joined by native New Zealand plants. There was even a steaming pond as a reminder that you're in Rotorua. It's an easy enough walk and is a great way to be at one with nature. It's a popular place with both tourists and locals, with the result that it never feels like you're alone in the bush. Highly recommended!Written 15 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Robyn GRaglan, New Zealand90 contributionsI was excited to discover a new (or revamped?) foot baths area, with a pleasant shaded area. It is the nicest thing to be able to sit down and relax and soak your feet. The park also has a selection of mudpool and steam areas, a nice break from the more formal tourism areas. There are also decent enough public toilets.Written 15 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Robyn GRaglan, New Zealand90 contributionsThe museum is currently closed but there is plenty to see around the gardens. It's a nice place for a pleasant stroll, and the Rachel Spring Whangapipiro is an interesting hot spring to check out (from a safe distance).Written 15 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- SharonWindustAuckland, New Zealand223 contributionsA great block of eateries and pubs, plenty to choose from in an awesome setting down by the lake. A place to peruse, eat, drink, socialise and be.Written 14 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Robyn GRaglan, New Zealand90 contributionsThe lakefront area is getting a makeover, with a new boardwalk being laid down. But the already completed part was there and make an early morning walk really enjoyable.Written 15 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- SerajisRotorua, New Zealand71 contributionsThe track is very well maintained and easy. It covers most of the blue lake and at one point the green lake can be seen.Written 12 January 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Robyn GRaglan, New Zealand90 contributionsThis is maybe my favourite place to explore in Rotorua. I parked by the lakefront and walks to Ohinemutu, a short 10 minute walk. St Faith's church was closed due to covid restrictions but there was plenty of other things to see, including the beautiful cemetery, the statue of Queen Victoria, boiling water, and a lake inlet with clouds of water vapour gliding across the water. It's a very peaceful, beautiful place.Written 15 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Row SNew Zealand32 contributionsFood trucks galore.
Sweet savour and for my desire vegan yummyness.
Music and chill out space is good too.Written 8 April 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - Pam DMansfield, UK1,446 contributionsAn amazing place to visit, of great significance to the Maori people and situated in their village. Famous for its very special window.Written 29 March 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- wutsie@xtra.co.nzNapier, New Zealand7 contributionsThe staff member here was most helpful in getting us booked on the go-karting trip, a highlight for our grandsonWritten 15 October 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- KiwiExplorersManawatu-Wanganui Region, New Zealand40 contributionsThis is a really good walk. The info on the DOC site makes this walk seem extreme and only suitable for experienced trampers, which is not the case and in our opinion, it is a great family walk. A good level of fitness and sturdy footwear is advisable as the track is steep and slippery at times. Supervise children carefully as at a couple of points, there are steep cliffs on the edge of the track, although these are fenced. There are nice views of the colourful crater lake and vents too. The views from the top are also excellent- many of lakes of Rotorua, Tarawera and the mountains of Tongariro National Park. We expected it to be a steep uphill gradient all the way to the top but honestly most of the climb was a shallow gradient. Most of the walk was also in the bush, so there was plenty of shade from the sun. It took us about 15 minutes to walk to the crater lake and a further 50 minutes to the summit. Slightly less time on the way down. A thoroughly enjoyable walk, one of our highlights of our trip to Rotorua. Toilet is available at the car park.Written 2 January 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Katrina KTauranga, New Zealand9 contributionsThis is a hike we had always wanted to do - from the carpark to Hot water Beach. We loved it even though it took us 5 1/2 hrs instead of 4 hrs!! So, no time for soak at hot water beach. But our water taxi driver, Wayne, very graciously waited for us the extra 10 mins. we were late. He also told us he would have picked us up one bay earlier which meant we could have avoided climbing the last mountain. We will remember that for next time!!!Written 11 September 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Stewarts Vacation472 contributionsWe started the walk from the Lake Front which added a fair distance before we reached the geotherml area. It is a pleasant enough walk along the lake side, round Hatupatu Drive car park at the point, but it does at least a half hour extra. As a result we stopped the walk just in front of the Sudima Lake Rotorua Hotel. I believe the walk continues to the Puarenga Stream.
It would be better to park along Hatupatu Drive and start closer to Sulphur Point. The path is clear and it is an easy level walk. It is an interesting and different geothermal area to explore. Free!Written 8 March 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - KiwiExplorersManawatu-Wanganui Region, New Zealand40 contributionsA peaceful lakeside walk with lots of bird life. 5km of mostly flat boardwalk or track. It took us 1 hour to walk to the end and back.Written 2 January 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Naina-DamaniLondon, UK1,032 contributionsBeautiful alpine lakes of Rotorua and Rotoiti form the heart of the National Park which shows some of the best viewpoints to see.Written 29 November 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
