Rotorua Experiences
Rotorua sits in the middle of the North Island of New Zealand, and is located on the Southern shore of the Great Lake (the second largest on the North Island), which is also the region’s namesake. With a nearby coastline, seventeen lakes, and plenty of geysers and hot pools, Rotorua is the perfect playground for water lovers. Start exploring things to do in Rotorua, New Zealand, and you’ll find there’s much more on offer than water and geothermic activity.
Rotorua Experiences
Explore The Shire on a Hobbiton Tour in Rotorua
One of our customers favourite things to do in Rotorua, New Zealand, is Hobbiton! Rotorua is home to The Shire, JRR Tolkien’s magical creation immortalised for the screen by filmmaker Peter Jackson. You can spend a day exploring the incredible Lord of the Rings move set; complete with Hobbit Holes, The Mill, The Party Tree and Bilbo’s local, The Green Dragon Pub. Guided Tours take you around the set, which is built on a working farm, and regale you with stories about the making of the movie and the writing of one of the most popular stories in the world. Large hairy feet welcome, but not compulsory.
Make Yourself Feel Tiny in the Presence of Redwood Trees at the Whakarewarewa
Just five minutes away from Rotorua, you’ll find the Whakarewarewa or Redwood Forest which is, in our opinion, one of the best things to do in Rotorua. The forest is beautiful and contains a whole host of flora and fauna to delight the senses, from the famous Blue and Green lakes to exotic birds and flowering plants. The Redwood Forest has recently been named New Zealand’s favourite place to cycle so why not leave your walking boots in the car and have a ride around the amazing pathways that run through the forest?
Explore the Geysers and Mud Pools of Te Puia
Five minutes in the opposite direction to Whakarewarewa from Rotorua and you’ll find Te Puia; a geothermal and cultural wonderland. Te Puia is an amazing attraction and taking a tour there is one of the best things to do in Rotorua. Powerful geysers and bubbling mud pools abound, and the area is rich in cultural heritage. Many of the guides are from families that have lived here since it was first settled and will share stories that have been passed down through the generations, as well as geological expertise about the otherworldly landscape. Complete your visit by witnessing traditional ceremonies and sharing some mouth-watering Maori dishes and acquaint yourself with the very roots of New Zealand.
Geothermal experiences in Rotorua aren’t all part of the ancient heritage of the country however. Nearby Waimangu Thermal Valley appeared just in 1886 when Mount Tarewa erupted, burying the then famous Pink and White Terraces, along with an entire village! Today you can visit this area with its emerging eco systems and geothermal craters and lakes and still be one of the first people in history (relatively speaking) to see it!
Collectively, the Silver Fern team have spent many years in the Rotorua region of New Zealand, so we’re uniquely placed to be able to give you the advice and guidance you need to make the most of your trip. Get in touch if you’d like any more information on the suggestions above, or the many other places there are to visit while you’re there.
Ready to Explore Rotorua?
We specialise in planning tailor-made itineraries focused on your personal interests. Want to have a chat about Rotorua holidays? Our team are always on standby ready to answer any questions you may have. Talk to someone now by calling +44 (0) 1636 813 544. Alternatively, email us or use our handy contact form to request a call back.