Complete Guide to One Day in Rotorua
Rotorua is a tourist hotspot in the center of Aucklands North Island. Tourists have been attracted here for generations because of the bubbling mud pools, natural hot springs, beautiful nature, and Maori Culture. It was always a favorite place for me to visit on holidays when I was young. You can easily spend multiple days here. But if you only have one day in Rotorua you can still see lot of attractions. in this article, I will take you through all the best options for how to spend the perfect day in Rotorua.
Where Is Rotorua In New Zealand?
Rotorua is located in the center of the North Island of New Zealand. The city is located in the middle of the Taupo Volcanic Zone.
This area in New Zealand has been volcanically active for the past 2 million years. Because of this, the area is full of hot springs, hot pools, and other geothermal activity.
Tourists first began visiting Rotorua in the 1880s to see the world-famous Pink and White terraces. These terraces were destroyed by the eruption of Mount Tarawera in 1886. However, there is more than enough geothermal activity in the area to bring in thousands of tourists each year.
Over the years many other tourist activities have been developed such as white water rafting, luging, zorbing, agricultural attractions, and more.
In this article I will divide the day into Morning, MIdday, Afternoon and Evening Activities.
I will give you different ideas of what to do for each period so that you can make a plan that suits your tastes.
Start The Day Off With A Coffee
I love starting our day off with a coffee. If you love coffee too I recommend heading to Broasters Coffee House and Roastery.
They have excellent coffee and some very good wraps, quiches, bowls and baked goods if you are hungry.
If you feel like a more hearty breakfast then I recommend going to Interval Eatery. They have tasty meals and big portions that are great for breakfast and lunch.
After coffee and breakfast downtown, your first attraction Kuira Park is just a short walk away.
Spend The Morning Exploring Downtown
After fueling up on coffee and food it is time to start exploring downtown Rotorua. If you want to pack in as much to the day as possible I recommend exploring town from about 8 am to 9:30 am.
Even though the attractions on this list are fairly close together I recommend driving. There will be a lot of walking in the attractions on my list. So you will want to save time and energy while you can.
Below is a map showing the attractions I recommend visiting downtown.
Explore Kuira Park
The first thing I recommend doing in One Day In Rotorua is exploring Kuira Park. This Park is the main park in central Rotorua and is full of natural hot springs that are free to check out.
Kuira Park looks like any normal city park as you approach until you see wafts of steam everywhere. There are natural hot springs dotted around park although most are far too hot to go for a swim in.
In the park there is a free foot bath if you want to soak your feet in the mineral rich thermal waters.
Even though the pools at the park seem calm just steaming away. It is still a very geologically active area. In 2001 a steam vent erupted and shot football-sized rocks 10 meters into the air.
Read here: Auckland’s Best Short Hike
Ohinemutu Village
Just a few minutes away from Kuira Park is Ohinemutu Village. This is a cool area to walk around and see traditional Maori meeting houses alongside geothermal activity.
Ohinemutu used to be the center of Rotorua in the 1870s. Today the town center has moved further away. But Ohinemutu has still retained the feeling of a small village.
I enjoyed walking around Ohinemutu because it feels very untouristy. Many attractions with Maori culture around New Zealand feel very touristy. But Ohinemutu is a normal everyday village with a Marae and an important Maori church.
Government Gardens
After Ohinemutu Village the last spot I recommend visiting downtown is Government Gardens. This is a public park with some of the few beautiful historical buildings in Rotorua.
The beautiful Rotorua Museum is the most impressive building in the park. It used to be a bathhouse and was built as part of the first attempts by the New Zealand government to increase tourism in New Zealand.
There is no longer a bathhouse here but the more modern Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa is in the park if you feel like soaking in some springs.
Midday Activities For One Day In Rotorua
After exploring downtown I recommend visiting a geothermal park. Rotorua has a few great geothermal parks. But if you only have one day in Rotorua I think you should choose one to visit.
It takes quite a long time to have a good look around the parks so I think you should just choose one and spend time properly exploring. But if you don’t mind being in a hurry you can squeeze two into one day.
The three parks that I think you should choose from are Whakarewarewa, Waiotapu and the Waimangu Valley.
Each park has its own special characteristics. Whakarewarewa has some of the most famous geysers and Maori cultural attractions. Waiotapu has a great variety of colorful lakes and geothermal activity. While the Waimangu Valley feels like a bushwalk amongst bubbling geothermal lakes.
Whakarewarewa Village
Cost : Full price 45 NZD. Book tickets here for up to 40 percent off
Time Needed : 3 hours
Whakarewarewa Village is one of New Zealand’s oldest tourism experiences. Tourists have been coming to Whakarewarewa since the late 1800’s to experience the geothermal features of the land Maori culture.
If you want to see geysers and experience Maori culture then this is the place for you. There are regular Maori cultural performances at Whakarewarea plus you can see traditional Maori wood carving and other arts and crafts.
A major benefit of Whakarewarewa is that is located close to the center of Rotorua so you will not have to drive too far.
The next two attractions on the list are a 30 minute drive outside of Rotorua. So you will need your own transport or to book transport. On bookme.co.nz you can buy a ticket with a shuttle to Waimangu Valley or Waiotapu and back to Rotorua for 73 NZD which saves you 30 percent.
Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland
Cost : 45 NZD per person
Time Needed : 1 hour 30 minutes
Waiotapu is the most popular and colorful geothermal park in Rotorua. There are a wide range of pools and craters. Full of bubbling mud and fluorescent-colored waters.
It has always been my favorite geothermal park and a must-visit in my mind. Waiotapu is probably the busiest geothermal park. So if you are visiting during the busy season I recommend going to the park relatively early in the morning.
TIP : Everyday the Lady Know Geryser goes off at 10:15 am. It is one of the most famous gerysers but is underwhelming and packed full of tourists. Instead of going to the geyser I recommend going into Waiotapu before 10:00 am. This way the park will be empty and you can enjoy it without the crowds.
Waimangu Valley
Cost : Full price$48 NZD. Prices as low as $22 NZD on bookme.co.nz
Time Needed : 2 hours
The Waimangu Valley is the least well-known of the major geothermal attractions. It is a valley full of boiling hot pools and bubbling water that was formed by the eruption of Mount Tarawera in 1886.
When Mount Tarawera erupted a 17-kilometer-long rift was torn through the earth. The Waimanugu Valley is the end of this rift so is technically part of a giant volcanic crater.
A walk through Waimangu Valley will take you past huge steaming lakes and other geothermal features. It is a relaxing and interesting walk away from the crowds.
TIP : If you want to save money make sure to book your ticket on bookme.co.nz. Depending. on the time of day you go you can save up to 50 percent on tickets.
Free Mud Pools Rotorua
Whether you are visiting the Waiotapu or Waimangu Valley you have to visit the Waiotapu Mud Pool. These free mud pools are our favorite geothermal attraction in Rotorua.
Rotorua is famous for it’s mud pools and these are the best in my opinion. It is so fascinating to watch and hear the mud bubbling away. We stood there for over 30 minutes just watching the mud go. But we might be weird and find it more interesting than you!
Either way the mud pools are free and you have to visit them even if you only have one day in Rotorua.
Afternoon Activities In Rotorua
In the afternoon from around 2 – 5 pm if you have enough energy I recommend the activities below.
Redwoods Forest
One of the most popular things to do in Rotorua is visit the Redwoods Forest. This is a forest in Rotorua that full of enormous California Redwood trees.
They are not native to New Zealand but their sheer size is impressive and it is a relaxing place to go for a walk in the evening.
You can also go on a Redwoods Tree walk which takes you on a walk high up in the air between the trees.
Buried Village
If you are interested in history then I think that a visit to the Buried Village is a must-do. In 1886 a volcano called Mount Tarawera erupted near Rotorua and caused massive destruction.
It buried many of the local buildings and some of the remains can be found at the buried village museum. The buried village is like New Zealands version of Pompeii. Although I have to admit it is not very impressive!
But the onsite museum is super interesting and very well done. It contains loads of personal accounts of people who experienced the eruption and what happened to them. Their stories and heartbreaking and intriguing.
There is also a beautiful waterfall next to the buried village that is well worth visiting. On the way to and from the Buried Village you will pass the blue and green lakes that are beautiful and good sport to stop and take some photos.
Evening Activities For One Day In Rotorua
If you are still looking for something to do after a busy day of sightseeing. Then below are a range of activities for all energy levels.
Secret Spot Hot Tubs
If you feel like a night of relaxation after a day sightseeing then Secret Spot Hot Tubs could be a good option.
At Secret Spot Hot Tub you can rent a beautiful hot tub located in native bush. The hot tubs are a great place to have a soak in a natural environment.
There is also a cafe and restaurant so you can have dinner after relaxing in the spa.
Nocturnal Glowworm Tour
One tour that I wished that we got to do while in Rotorua was the Nocturnal Glow Worm Tour.
We couldn’t go because it was fully booked but it sounded like a great experience.
On the tour, a local guide will take you on a walk through native bush at night time. Along the walk he will point out local wildlife and tell you about native plants etc.
The start attraction of the walk are the glowworms. These are insects native to New Zealand that light up at night and are a beautiful sight. You can see them caves all over the country but on this walk they are in the bush.
The tour has amazing reviews and costs 65 USD per person. If you would like to book the tour click the link here.
Mini Golf With Rabbits
When we were in Rotorua we saw there was deal for mini golf with rabbits. It sounded so strange but it ended up being quite fun.
The rabbits are most active around sunset and they are huge! It was fun playing while the rabbits hopped around parts of the course. This is a good activity if you have kids or just want a silly fun activity.
Click Here To Get up to 40 % off Mini Golf With Rabbits
Our tips help you out? Say thanks with a coffee! 💛
NEW ZEALAND TRIP ESSENTIALS
Here are some websites and services we use and recommend for planning a trip to New Zealand. Check out our Travel Resources for all tips.
✈️ Find cheap flights to New Zealand on Kiwi.com
🏠 Get a free place to stay on TrustedHousesitters
🤩 Find the best hotel deals on Booking.com
🤠 Book attractions and tours on GetYourGuide
🚗 Find affordable rental cars on Rentalcars.com
📲 Get an eSim for instant connectivity on Airlo
✅ Book travel health insurance with SafetyWing
💌 For discounts sign up for our Travel Newsletter
I Hope You Enjoy Your One Day In Rotorua
Rotorua is a town that deserves much longer than one day. But one day in Rotorua will be enough to give you a taste of what the town has to offer. Then you can come back and visit again!
If you are looking for more things to do around New Zealand. Make sure to read the rest of our articles about New Zealand below.
READ ALSO
- Sleep under Dukes Nose
- Auckland’s Best Short Hike
- The Best Walks In Auckland
- Epic Cliff Walk near Auckland
Hey there! Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. This means that if you choose to make a purchase we may get a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us to generate income and keep creating content for you. So we greatly appreciate your support! Thanks!
Hi, I am Allan, a travel, health and fitness fanatic from New Zealand. I'm a former lawyer who turned into a full-time nomad in 2020. For the last 4+ years I've been traveling the world. I'm always on a hunt for good food, activities on a budget and workouts on the go. I hope you find my tips helpful and get inspired to travel more!
