Rainbow Springs Nature Park is home to hundreds of native New Zealand animals, including kiwis. The Kiwi Encounter tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to learn about kiwi conservation and see these flightless birds up close.
Te Puia is a Maori cultural center and geothermal reserve. Visitors can learn about Maori history and culture, and see geysers and mud pools up close.
The Rotorua Museum is housed in a former bathhouse and offers visitors a look at the history and culture of Rotorua. Exhibits include Maori art and artifacts, as well as natural history displays.
Wai-O-Tapu is one of the most colorful and unique geothermal areas in the world. Visitors can walk through a geothermal park filled with bubbling mud pools, geysers, and hot springs.
Skyline Rotorua offers a variety of family-friendly activities, including a gondola ride to the top of a mountain, a luge track, and a zipline course. There's also a restaurant and a playground on site.
Lake Rotorua is a beautiful lake in the heart of Rotorua. Visitors can swim, fish, kayak, or take a boat cruise. There are also several beaches and picnic areas around the lake.
While some attractions are within walking distance from each other, it's recommended to rent a car or take a taxi to get around Rotorua. Buses are also available, but they may not be the most convenient option. The estimated cost for a taxi from the airport to downtown Rotorua is $30-40, and the travel time is around 15-20 minutes.
For those with extra time, consider visiting the Redwoods Treewalk, visiting the Polynesian Spa, or taking a day trip to Hobbiton. For those with less time, skip Lake Rotorua or the Rotorua Museum.
The main airport serving Rotorua is Rotorua International Airport (ROT). It's a small airport located approximately 9 km northeast of downtown Rotorua. Visitors can also fly into Auckland Airport (AKL), which is a larger airport located approximately 233 km northwest of Rotorua.