Rotorua Itineraries

Imagine a place you can wake up to the sight of steaming geothermal lakes, where you can immerse yourself in authentic Māori culture, experience the world’s first commercial jet sprint course by day and treewalk by night in the magnificent Whakarewarewa forest. This is a just a taste of what Rotorua has to offer, and you’ll quickly understand why it’s known as the birthplace of tourism in New Zealand once you arrive.

From the North, South, East or West, all roads lead to Rotorua – it’s a must-do destination in the central North Island that offers something for everybody. For families looking for kid friendly fun, couples looking for a romantic getaway or adventure seekers after that adrenaline rush – there’s a huge variety of extraordinary experiences to do and discover in Rotorua.

Here’s a few of our favourite itineraries that showcase the top experiences and hidden gems Rotorua has to offer.

3 days in Rotorua for first timers

First time visitors in Rotorua, you are in for a treat. Rotorua is one of those places you won’t want to leave because you’ll always discover something new to add to your must-do list that you’ll likely start planning your next visit even before you go. But for three glorious days, here’s an incredible itinerary to fill your wanderlust with adventure, culture, history and natural wonders galore.

The ultimate 3-night itinerary for families

Adventure, unwind, nature trails and geothermal wonders – it’s all part of the magic Rotorua has to offer. From pristine lakes to mud baths, treewalks to Shweeb races, Rotorua has a wide mix of activities and experiences for everyone in the family. It’s a fantastic destination to visit all year round because rain or shine Rotorua has got you covered.

Rotorua for Romance: 3-night couple’s itinerary

If you’re looking to redefine romance and take your relationship to new heights, then why not see what you’re both made of swooping down from a 40 metre high superhuman swing. Rotorua is the perfect romantic getaway for couples looking for experiences beyond the standard dinner and a movie. It’s a destination to get carried away with, with adventures to truly sweep you off your feet.

Whether you’re visiting Rotorua for the first time, travelling as a family or rekindling romance, it’s a beautiful destination to discover and easy to include to any North Island itinerary. A world-class adventure park in the outskirts of Rotorua, Velocity Valley has six adrenaline filled rides to take your holiday to the next level.