15 Best Things to Do in Rotorua – Kid Approved!
Staff Writer
| Last Updated: July 2024 - Do the Redwoods Treewalk
- Check out the Government Gardens
- Spend the day at Lake Rotorua
- Go to the Te Puia Māori Village
- Check out the Whakarewarewa Maori Village
- Have fun at Rotorua Ziplines
- Roll down hills with Zorb Rotorua
- Speed race at Skyline Rotorua Luge
- Stroll around Kuirau Park
- Visit the Agrodome
- See wildlife at Paradise Valley Springs
- Check out Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
- Have indoor fun at Motion Entertainment
- Go swimming at Rotorua Aquatic Centre
- Find your way out of Wonderworld Maze
If I’m being honest, I didn’t have much of a plan the first time I took my family to Rotorua. It was one of those spur-of-the-moment trips that seemed like a great idea at the time.
As you may expect, my lack of planning was quickly met with choruses of “I’m bored!” and “What are we doing next?”
Since then, I have done a little research and dug into all the best family-friendly activities Rotorua has to offer. And since sharing is caring, here are top things to do in Rotorua with kids, so your family can jump straight into the fun.
1. Do the Redwoods Treewalk
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Address: 1 Long Mile Road, Tītokorangi Drive, access off Tarawera Road, Whakarewarewa, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand
Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9:30 AM to 9:30 PM
- Saturday – 9 AM to 10 PM
Phone: +64275361010
Price:
- Adult (16+ years) – $40 (day) / $65 (night)
- Child (5-15 years) – $25 (day) / $40 (night)
- Families (1 Adult & up to 3 Children) – $85 (day) / $129 (night)
- Families (2 Adults & up to 3 Children) – $115 (day) / $189 (night)
- Children under 5: Free
The Redwood Treewalk is a must-visit for families looking to immerse themselves in nature. It allows you to take your family across a series of suspension bridges that offer a bird’s-eye view of the forest.
When I took my kids, we went at night because the entire treewalk lights up the forest with its redwood nightlights.
Pro Tip: For those who have a fear of heights, you can still enjoy the Redwood Forest. There are easy hiking paths and mountain biking trails. You can also pack a picnic and spend the day exploring, like we did.
2. Check out the Government Gardens
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Address: 9 Queens Drive, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 8 PM
Price: Free admission
Government Gardens is for families who like a mix of history and beauty. Our family spent a delightful afternoon wandering through its manicured lawns and vibrant flower beds.
What makes Government Gardens particularly appealing for families is its wide-open spaces where kids can run freely, play, and simply enjoy the outdoors.
Pro Tip: Take a closer look at the thermal features! We discovered that some of the lesser-known spots, like the bubbling mud pools near the rose gardens, were a hit with the kids.
Don’t also forget to bring a camera—you’ll want to capture their amazed expressions!
3. Spend the day at Lake Rotorua
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Address: Lakefront Drive, Ohinemutu, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand
Hours: Open 24 Hours
Phone: +64 07 348 4199
Price: Free
Lake Rotorua is one of the best places for families who prefer calm and beautiful landscapes. The lake is perfect for paddle boating and fishing, making it an ideal spot to spend the day in.
Plus, there are several picnic areas around the lake where you can enjoy lunch. Just remember to bring a blanket and some food.
Pro Tip: Check out the floating pontoon near the lakefront. The water is shallow and safe, so even younger kids can enjoy a splash.
4. Go to the Te Puia Māori Village
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Address: 20 Hemo Road, Whakarewarewa, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 8:30 PM
Phone: +6473489047
Price:
- Adult (16+ years) – $95
- Child (5-15 years) – $47.50
Te Puia Maori Village is a fantastic place to visit if you want a cultural and geothermal experience. Here, you can witness the famed Pohutu Geyser. The first time my children saw the geyser erupt, they were mesmerised.
The village is also perfect for interactive experiences. You can do hands-on activities like traditional Maori carving and watch weaving demonstrations.
They also have guided tours, which provide rich storytelling that brings Maori traditions and legends to life. The nightly Hangi feast also makes the experience much more memorable!
Pro Tip: Check out the Kiwi House! Kiwis are nocturnal, but the Kiwi House mimics their natural habitat, so you’ll be able to get a rare glimpse into the life of New Zealand’s iconic bird.
The kiwis are most active during afternoons, so visit around that time!
5. Check out the Whakarewarewa Maori Village
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Address: 17 Tryon Street, Whakarewarewa, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 4 PM
Phone: +6473493463
Price:
- Adult – $35
- Child(5-15 yr.) – $15
- Senior(Gold Card) – $31.50
- Family(2x adults & up to 4x child) – $89
- Infant – Under 5 yrs free
Whakarewarewa Maori Village is a great place for families who love history. What’s cool about this is it’s a village with an actual community of Maori people.
The guided tours are very personable here. My kids loved seeing the geothermal vents and hot springs the villagers use daily for cooking and bathing.
Visiting the village is an eye-opening experience that you and your kids won’t regret!
Pro Tip: Try to plan your visit around one of their Hangi meals to enjoy some delicious food. Get those cameras ready too, for some great shots.
6. Have fun at Rotorua Ziplines
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Address: 147 Fairy Springs Road, Fairy Springs, Rotorua 3015, New Zealand
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 5 PM
Phone: +6473431001
Price:
- Adult 16+ – $179.00
- Child – $149.00
For families who love adrenaline, going ziplining in Rotorua is pretty much one of the best things to do. This activity is tailor-made for teenagers seeking a dose of adrenaline.
My family loved zipping across the treetops, feeling the wind rush against our faces and experiencing the pure exhilaration of speed. There are multiple lines with varying heights and speeds, so everyone can go at their own comfort level.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for kea parrots! We were lucky to have a couple of the curious parrots fly by and land on the zipline.
7. Roll down hills with Zorb Rotorua
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Address: 525 Ngongotaha Road, Fairy Springs, Rotorua 3015, New Zealand
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM
Phone: +6473437676
Price:
- Sweet Deal Three Ride Super Deal – $125
- Straight Track – $45
- Sidewinder Track or Pipeline Track – $65
- Mega Track – $75
- Two ride deal – $95
- Two ride flexi combo – $120
- Four ride combo – $155
- VIP maxi combo – $175
Zorb Rotorua is undoubtedly one of those places you should zero in on if you want to take in something new and full of action. Here, you’re pretty much in a giant, inflated ball rolling down a hill. Yes, it’s as exciting as it sounds!
My kids simply couldn’t stop laughing and screaming with joy. There are several tracks—the straight one, the zigzag, and even one with water inside.
Pro Tip: If your family is a big fan of water adventures, then you have to try H²OGO. You’ll slide and bounce inside this giant inflated ball with a bit of water inside as you roll down the hill. It’s a fantastic way to cool off on a warm day!
8. Speed race at Skyline Rotorua Luge
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Address: 353D Mountain Road, Western Heights, Rotorua 3015, New Zealand
Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 9 AM to 6 PM
- Friday & Saturday – 9 AM to 8 PM
- Sunday – 9 AM to 6 PM
Phone: +6473470027
Price:
- Gondola + 1 Luge: Adult – $61 Child – $40
- Gondola + 3 Luge: Adult – $78 Child – $48
- Gondola + 5 Luge: Adult – $91 Child – $59
Skyline Rotorua Luge is perfect for families that enjoy adventure with remarkable scenery. The tracks vary in difficulty, so everyone can find a level they’re comfortable with.
There is a first-timer briefing in the luge to ensure that new riders understand how to handle the carts safely. The best part? There’s a multi-ride pass that lets you ride as many times as you desire, making it literally possible to spend an entire afternoon here.
Just note that kids should be aged six and up to try this.
Pro Tip: Take a trip in the evening to experience the night luge. Riding the luge under a starry sky and twinkling lights gives it a fairytale feel.
9. Stroll around Kuirau Park
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Address: 1371 Pukuatua Street, Ranolf Street, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand
Hours: Open 24 Hours
Phone: +6473484199
Price: Free
Kuirau Park is for families who want to experience some of Rotorua’s geothermal activity without it costing them an arm and a leg.
Here, you can find bubbling mud pools, steaming vents, and even a crater lake. The park also has well-maintained walkways that are perfect for a family stroll.
And the in-house playground is ideal for younger kids to burn off some energy.
Pro Tip: There is also a small foot spa off the geothermal walking trails where you can relax. My kids loved dipping their toes in the warm water and smashing up geothermal mud while I finally relaxed with my partner.
10. Visit the Agrodome
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Address: 141 Western Road, Ngongotahā, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 8:30 AM to 5 PM
Phone: +6473571050
Price:
- Adult – $49
- Children – $25
Agrodome should definitely be on the cards for families with kids who enjoy being around animals. Kids will get to meet plenty of farm animals here.
My kids loved feeding the lambs. They even ventured into milking a cow.
The Farm Tour, which you can take upon arrival or later in the day, involves touring the expansive grounds on a tractor and seeing animals like alpacas, ostriches, and deer.
Pro Tip: If you want to enjoy a sheep shearing show, you definitely cannot miss the Agrodome Farm Show. Arrive early to get a front-row seat!
11. See wildlife at Paradise Valley Springs
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Address: 467 Paradise Valley Road, Paradise Valley, Rotorua 3072, New Zealand
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 5 PM
Phone: +6473489667
Price:
- Adult – $38
- Child – $19
Paradise Valley Springs is an animal lover’s haven and a fantastic way for families to get close to nature. This wildlife park has a collection of both native and exotic animals.
Hand-feeding rainbow trout and exploring the petting zoo were definitely the highlights for my family. The easy, self-guided walking trails and playground for children also add to the fun.
Pro Tip: Pack binoculars and check out the Secret Lion viewing platform. Trust me, the kids will love scanning the area for lions and other wildlife.
12. Check out Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
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Address: 201 Waiotapu Loop Road, Rotorua 3073, New Zealand
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Phone: +6473666333
Price:
- Adult – $45
- Child – $15
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland is a must-visit for any family fascinated by geothermal activity. Families will get to admire some of New Zealand’s most colourful and unique geothermal features.
My kids loved watching the vibrant hues of the Champagne Pool and the bubbling mud pools. The walking trails are also well-marked, making exploration easy and self-paced.
Pro Tip: The Lady Knox Geyser erupts around 10:15 AM daily, so get there a bit early for a good vantage point. You won’t want to miss the drama of this geyser shooting up some 20 metres into the air.
13. Have indoor fun at Motion Entertainment
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Address: 366 Te Ngae Road, Lynmore, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 10 PM
Phone: +648004283386
Price: Starting from $9
Motion Entertainment offers the best indoor fun in Rotorua. It’s the place to be on a rainy day or when the family needs a break from outdoor adventures.
My kids couldn’t get enough of the trampoline park, bouncing around to their hearts’ content. The ten-pin bowling alley was another huge hit.
The laser tag arena and escape rooms are perfect for thrill seekers. There’s also an arcade filled with games for little kids and teens alike.
Pro Tip: If your family loves video games or futuristic experiences, the VR zone is a must-try. It’s immersive and exciting.
14. Go swimming at Rotorua Aquatic Centre
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Address: 18 Tarewa Road, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 6 AM to 9 PM
Phone: +6473488833
Price:
- Children – $3.50
- Adult – $6.50
- Senior – $5
The Rotorua Aquatic Centre offers families a place to get wet and enjoy some water-based fun. The centre features various pools catering to all ages and swimming abilities.
My kids loved the leisure pool with water slides, spending hours going up and down. For those looking to unwind, the heated spa pools are incredibly soothing.
If you’re a serious swimmer, the 50-metre lap pool is excellent for a good exercise session.
Pro Tip: Pack towels! They won’t be provided here.
15. Find your way out of Wonderworld Maze
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Address: 1135b Te Ngae Road, Tikitere, Rotorua 3074, New Zealand
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 4 PM
Phone: +6472627146
Price:
- Adult – $18
- Child – $14
Wonderworld Maze is perfect for families looking for a fun, brain-teasing outdoor activity. This large outdoor maze tests your problem-solving skills and sense of direction.
My family enjoyed navigating the twists and turns together. The various themed checkpoints added adventure and a hint of competition.
Pro Tip: Time yourselves! Using a stopwatch adds an electrifying element. My family split into teams, and the friendly competition made for unforgettable memories.
