Host your next family reunion in Rotorua
2022 is here, and after an eventful year where few events could take place, now’s a great time to reunite with loved ones and enjoy quality time together. If your whānau is overdue for a reunion, Rotorua is well-placed as a convenient location to catch up with relatives from across Aotearoa. Check out the city’s family-friendly activities, eateries and accommodation, then start messaging all the grandparents, aunties, uncles and cousins as you get ready to create incredible family memories.
Top Adventure Activities for Groups
With various age groups, different appetites for adventure, and unique interests, it can sometimes be difficult to find activities that please everyone – but Rotorua is well-stocked with exciting things to do, that the whole whānau will love.
Velocity Valley
Theme park meets kiwi ingenuity at this maximum-adrenaline attraction, offering high-speed fun for everyone across six epic rides. Save big and grab a great-value family package, which allows you to share up to ten rides between family members. Embrace your pedal power and race along the Shweeb monorail track, strap yourself into a 40-metre-high Swoop swing, or experience a wild reverse-bungy V-Force ride at speeds of up to 80km/hr!
Catch your breath between thrills and make the most of the sunny deck and BBQ facilities as you watch the entire family having a blast.
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Swoop
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Polynesian Spa
New Zealand’s original and iconic geothermal bathing experience has something for every member of the family. Pop the cousins in charge of babysitting the kids as they make a splash in the family pools, whilst the parents enjoy a luxurious soak in the private lakeside pools, with a massage or facial treatment in the Retreat Day Spa afterwards. The on-site café also serves a scrumptious selection of gelato and sweet treats.
Redwoods Treewalk
Be captivated by the magic of the Redwoods Forest on a spectacular walk amongst the giant 75-metre-tall Redwood trees. Suspended above the forest floor, immerse yourself in this enchanting experience during the day or at night, when the 120-year-old trees are illuminated by a series of striking colourful lanterns.
Perhaps you’ll host a scavenger hunt or Amazing Race event in the Redwoods at the same time – the iconic forest is a playground for outdoor adventures.
Skyline Rotorua
Everyone will enjoy soaking up the panoramic scenery aboard the quintessential Skyline Gondola. Spend some time admiring the view at the top, before the adrenaline seekers in the family race the rellies along one of two scenic Luge kart tracks. For a special meal together, the Stratosfere Restaraunt offers an incredible buffet-style lunch or dinner, served up alongside picturesque views from your table.
3D Trick Art Gallery
This quirky sight in Rotorua will certainly make you look twice! Across five unique zones, this gallery invites you to become part of the picture, as you interact with mind-bending artworks. Walk up to the wall, strike a pose, and snap a picture – the scene will come to life with plenty of weird and wacky 3D effects. Their illusions and tricks will guarantee plenty of laughs – make sure you take plenty of memorable photos to remember the day by!
Top Restaurants for Groups
Grab a big table with plenty of chairs – there’s a feast to be had! Luckily, in Rotorua there’s plenty of cafés and restaurants well-versed in feeding groups of all sizes – most of which have family-friendly menus with options for the young ones.
For a more spontaneous bite, take a stroll down Eat Street and follow your nose to discover a range of exciting eateries – a treat from Lady Janes Ice Cream parlour is a delicious way to finish the day.
Top Accommodation for Groups
Finding suitable accommodation for large groups doesn’t have to be a stressful experience – there’s something to suit every budget in Rotorua. Holiday parks are ideal options – Blue Lake Top 10 and Rotorua Top 10 offer campsites, cabins and self-contained motel units to cater for your family reunion. With communal cooking and dining areas, playgrounds and swimming areas, they’re perfect for hosting groups large and small.
Otherwise, there’s plenty of centrally-located motel and hotel options, or for an extra special event, browse Rotorua’s luxury accommodation options, nestled in tranquil lakeside locations.
Ready to lock in your upcoming family reunion? With plenty of long weekends coming up around Easter, ANZAC Day, Queens Birthday, Matariki and Labour Day, Rotorua is ready to welcome you for a well-overdue weekend with all your loved ones – start planning now!
