Rotorua Hidden Gem Attractions
Rotorua Hidden Gem Activities
Best Rotorua Hidden Gem Attractions
- 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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24 places sorted by traveller favourites
Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
Nature & Wildlife Areas • Geologic Formations
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Nature & Wildlife Areas
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Historic Sites
Admission tickets from NZ$26.67
Speciality Museums • History Museums
Adrenaline & Extreme Tours • Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks
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River Rafting & Tubing • Adrenaline & Extreme Tours
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Eco Tours
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Adrenaline & Extreme Tours • Boat Tours
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Nature & Wildlife Tours • Horseback Riding Tours
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Sports Complexes • Game & Entertainment Centres
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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
- Jeffry bEssendon, Australia10,442 contributionsThese enormous trees are examples of the world's tallest living plants. They occur naturally in the Pacific north-west of the United States. You can see them in Yosemite National Park, in northern California. These Redwoods grow near Rotorua, in the centre of New Zealand's North Island. Although these Redwoods are hundreds of years old, they are still babies. In their natural environment, they can grow for 2,000 years.Written 21 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Robyn2 contributionsA very humbling walk through the magnificent steaming lakes, bubbling streams and geezers. The climb up to the top of the hill to view the lake is well worth it to take in the scale of the area and rest with an incredible outlook.
The paths are exceptionally well maintained and all the staff knowledgeable on the geology and ecological aspects of maintaining the beauty of the reserve.Written 13 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - Fiona K16 contributionsExcellent pool complex with 6 pools at different temperatures plus personal spas and a cafe. The bush outlook is gorgeous. Great value considering you could stay all day if you wanted! You'll need a car to get out there but the 25min country drive is really nice.Written 19 April 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Daniel Peacock2 contributionsAnimals you can pat & feed out of your hand, and animals you want to admire from a distance... Lions, Trout, Ducks, Goats, Pigs, sheep, Emu, etc.. along with lovely nature walks. Fun for the whole family to enjoy. We took a picnic which we enjoyed on the grass while watching the animals. We went on mothers day & mothers got in free! Overall Great experience.
Note: No cell reception onsiteWritten 8 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - StopticklingmepleaseWhanganui, New Zealand143 contributionsCame here with two friends to have a look around the buried village and have a scone and drink. We haven’t been out here since we were kids so it was rather nice to have a look at the museum and a walk around.
It is a little pricey but I think for something that is so unusual it’s worth it.Written 9 January 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - Jess5 contributionsVery cute trip. Interesting historical trip and a really cool idea to put together! I thought they were very well maintained, and the guide was friendly. Also really liked that the cars were for each group, even if there had been a lot of people it would still have been a nice family experience for us.
The one thing I found was the train cars were a little loud to hear the commentary very well - maybe headphones or something would allow this to be better heard since it is very interesting!Written 3 April 2022This 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.
- Gay GAuckland, New Zealand87 contributionsStunning day, passionate people, informative and interesting. Up close and personal with some of our threatened New Zealand birds . We came away with so much to think about. Well organised, great communication and thoroughly enjoyable. Possibly more suited to older children rather than little ones.
Such a great cause to support too. Thank youWritten 29 April 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - Jennifer TAuckland, New Zealand6 contributionsA 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 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- M LaurenceWaiuku, New Zealand2 contributionsThis activity should be on your MUST DO List! As long as you can handle going on zip lines of course. We did the ultimate course. Brilliant! See and feed some robins worms from your hand on the way. We had two brilliant female guides, they were superb!Written 7 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Ashish GuptaAuckland, New Zealand1 contributionIt was amazing experience.
I think the name is Cole , master of our boat.
He help us to get an amazing experience of River Rafting .
I went with my friends and enjoyed a lot.
I did second time with the same one.
Cheers @ Cole 🍻Written 9 February 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - Michelle WNew Plymouth, New Zealand3 contributionsFantastic morning out, thanks to the great guides/driver Ben and Dan. Information packed with a genuine caring attitude towards their clients. Awesome views well worth doing.Written 6 January 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Monique D2 contributionsOh. My. Goodness. Tatiana is a most powerful, talented healer. I will be her client for life. I cannot thank her enough for the most incredible massage I have ever had.... and I have had many!
Absolutely incredible. I am so grateful to have met this beautiful person.Written 9 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - Sam L6 contributionsSuch an awesome way to see the highlights of Rotorua with Roge and his mum, such easy going and fun guides, thanks for showing us around and providing us with knowledgeable information about Rotorua that even a BOP local didn't know about.Written 6 August 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Ita L8 contributionsStephen was amazing guide ,I have enjoyed the walk in the middle of the forest to see the glowworms .
Stephen answered all my questions,he seems that he loves his job.
Love the biscuits and hot chocolate in the end of the excursion!Written 26 June 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
