Best Rotorua Hidden Gem Attractions

THE 10 BEST Hidden Gem Attractions in Rotorua

Best Rotorua Hidden Gem Attractions

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Travellers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travellers across the globe.
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23 places sorted by traveller favourites
  • Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
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What travellers are saying

  • evenstar944
    New York City, NY304 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    An amazing FREE activity in Rotorua. I did the Memorial Grove Walk which took about 30-40 minutes. The California Redwoods were such an imposing sight to see. The highlight of this walk for me was the pond you see as you cross over a wooden boardwalk. There are spots where the water is so clear and is such a bright turquoise color. There is so much plant life here as well. The trail is easy and well marked. This is a must do for those looking for free things to do in Rotorua
    Written 4 July 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • ajt5164
    Firsdown, UK8 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fabulous. Would recommend:) Mostly gentle downhill walk - fabulous views and a lovely relaxing cruise - including crater and geyser with bus back.
    Written 6 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Amrita B
    New Zealand584 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Have been here so many times and camped a few times as well. Never disappoints, always so lovely to use the many hot pool, day and night with family, friends and children. Plenty of powered/un-powered sites, toilets, changing rooms, cafe and even a small kitchen & drying shed. Staff are so lovely and welcoming. FYI no cellphone reception or wifi which is the best part to fully enjoy this place ;)
    Written 25 August 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Alison H
    Wellington, New Zealand15 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is one of my favourite places - hot water in a creek, free, beautiful setting, it’s so lovely! The kids were fascinated and loved it. It’s proper hot, a bit too hot for a summers day to be honest. There’s quite a bit of shade though.
    It’s a place that’s actively trying to keep visitors numbers low, so the facilities are non-existent. The path is muddy and full of roots so go on a dry day. It’s worth keeping on walking till you get to the pool beside the waterfall. It’s quite a drop to get to the main pool, we had to help the kids down, but there are easier to access places that are the right depth for sitting in.
    Risks - the car park is known for theft, so beware. And don’t put your head in the water or get the water in your mouth, nose or eyes as the stream can be germy.
    There are no toilets or changing rooms, but don’t let that put you off!
    Written 17 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • NamFahBluewaterworld
    Surin, Thailand3,185 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    At firs quite boring but it had a nice garden and display after that a long walked to waterfalls it was amazing and challenging. Such a great walked.
    Written 30 November 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • KarenSorby
    Auckland, New Zealand116 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A great day visiting the grand children loved feeding the animals and the fish. The whole experience and the paths where perfect for walking on. The highlight for the kids was patting the lion cubs. A great day out and lots of memories made.
    Written 10 August 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Sue L
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We took two overseas visitors to Windspan last weekend. It was cold and damp. We had dressed knowing we’d be outdoors but were taken aback with delight when staff gave out blankets to wrap around ourselves to keep extra warm. The staff combine a very genuine Aotearoa manner with obvious passion and deep knowledge - this is not a tired, glib, ‘touristy’ place. And prices are very good for what you get. Then there’s the birds- wow!!!! Loved seeing them right up close, and having one hop onto one of the visitor’s arms. Whether birds of prey are your thing or not you won’t regret a visit. Excellent.
    Written 10 June 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Mortelad51
    Napier, New Zealand113 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We were lucky to do this walk on an almost perfect day. Path was in good condition overall and views outstanding.
    Written 6 July 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jennifer T
    Auckland, New Zealand6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A beautifully layout display, packed with interesting facts and knowledge bringing the Bible in relation to the world time table. Sarah the host was very lovely. Would visit and bring more people here again.
    Written 5 February 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • hanna
    4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    never really done any climbing before and really enjoyed it. the staff were so kind and helpful, there are lots of different diffulites so there is a wall for anyone. will definatley be back :)
    Written 20 January 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Michelle H
    Old Bar, Australia111 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I just had a wonderful massage with a beautiful lady . The space is so welcoming and the atmosphere so peaceful . I definitely recommend it.
    Written 7 September 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Laura M
    21 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Had the best time! The ultimate tour is worth every minute. Guides Jazz and Jake were fantastic - fun, informative, and made it all so easy and safe.
    Written 24 August 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Cheree A
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Stunning place, very relaxing, amazing massage, perfect in everyday, have been 4 times now, highly recommended.
    Music amazing and relaxing
    Written 2 September 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jaybees888
    18 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wow Wow Wow today this place was stunning ! What a stunning view ... we called in on an off chance and what a view ! You have the geysers on one side of the road and the best view of the golf course on the other, much like a rural view like you have never seen before!
    The food was awesome the burgers and beef wedges were unbelievable and so well worth the effort! The bar attendant was superb so well worth a visit!
    Written 25 December 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kevin D
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We had a great time! Malcolm and Elvis were awesome, and Blue took great photos. Beautiful river, great weather, felt safe.
    Written 25 August 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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