Highly recommend this experience. It was one of our favorite parts of the north island. We did all the loops and it was an easy and cool walk. We got there right when they opened and we were not the only ones. I would recommend not going to the Lady Knox geyser, but instead maybe arriving around 9/9:30. It seems everyone goes to the geyser so a lot of people get there right away and race around the park before the presentation at 10:15 (they recommend to get there at 9:45). We had the whole park to ourselves around 9:30. Then, after we were done touring around everyone was just leaving the geyser to go to the park and the traffic was insane. We saw maybe 5 spots open by the time we left.

A geothermal masterpiece! Wander through surreal landscapes of neon-hot springs, hissing fumaroles, and the iconic Champagne Pool—a kaleidoscope of oranges, greens, and steamy blues. The daily Lady Knox Geyser eruption is a thrilling spectacle! Well-maintained trails, informative signage, and jaw-dropping photo ops at every turn. The bubbling mud pools and sulfuric aroma amplify the raw, primal vibe. Perfect for nature enthusiasts and curious travelers alike. Though entry isn’t free, the alien-like beauty and educational insights make it worth every dollar. A mesmerizing, otherworldly adventure—Rotorua’s crown jewel for geothermal wonders. Unforgettable!

Great place to visit. Be in time to view the Lady Knox Geyser which is around 10:15 AM but you have to check in at the visitors center first before going to view the geyser. Wear shoes as the geo thermal trails are also good . There are 3 trails and should cover all 3 trails which will take about 2 -2.5 hours and have some great visual treats.

a super light walk for all ages, and really interesting to learn about the science behind everything we saw on the info boards. even though a part of the walkway was closed due to maintenance, we were still able to see the start and end of the path. if i were you, i would ignore the photos i put up and see for yourself! it’s really beautiful.

Whilst the actual pools are no where as colourful as some of the more popular images online, they're still really stunning and surreal to see. The site also has several really easy to walk trails that'll bring you across the different landscapes within the park. Although it might take around 2-3 hours to fully explore all the trails, it's definitely well worth the time --- you'd be able to see some pretty amazing sites and the walk isn't hard at all. However, do take note that internet connection is limited here so do have your next step planned out before arriving!

Really enjoyed our visit to this place. The walk was very interesting with the geothermal activity. The smell of sulphur is all around obviously. It is quite a unique experience. The whole loop is very recommendable.

We followed the track to the very end and witnessed the many craters, mud pools and colourful lakes. The signs had just the right amount of information, just enough for us to appreciate the natural wonders of the sites.

Booked on line the night before. The booking process is a little confusing, but opted for the ‘Te Ra Guided Experience’ which is one and a half hours with a guide @$NZ100 each. There is the Māori cultural experience and other add-ons which are extra. The physical phenomenon of the geothermal activity is really something to see. There are a number of things to see and experience all in the one place; the geysers, mud pools, the kiwi exhibit as well as the cultural experiences if you choose. Today’s tours were all small groups, and ours was a group of four with our guide Buster who was extremely knowledgeable and happy to share. Really enjoyed the tour and our many questions were welcomed. Highly recommend the buffet lunch at $NZ60 each. All you can eat, and really good selections of delicious offerings from soups through seafood, roasts to desserts. Excellent value. We stayed around after our guided tour and walked the park, and spent four leisurely hours taking it all in with lunch as well. We felt we got our monies worth and would recommend the experience especially, if you only have time for one of these geothermal / Māori / kiwi experiences - all in one place. Really good -thanks.

We had a wonderful experience throughout the grounds. We learned a lot and appreciated the variety of activities included. Our guide was very knowledgeable and great with our kids (plus she was funny)! The highlight was the Haka, it was beautifully done. We only wish our daughter could have said “hi” to the performers. It was one of the highlights of her trip.

major cultural and geothermal attraction located in Rotorua, New Zealand. It is home to the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute and the famous Pōhutu Geyser, the largest active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere. Key points: • Showcases Māori culture, including carving (whakairo) and weaving (raranga). • Features geothermal wonders like mud pools, hot springs, and silica terraces. • Offers cultural performances, traditional hangi meals, and guided tours. • A place where visitors can learn about Māori traditions and New Zealand’s geothermal activity in one experience.

What a fantastic experience! The geysers alone is worth visiting, but you also get to see kiwi birds and learn about maori culture and crafts. I booked the combo package, which included a buffet dinner with hangi food and plenty of seafood. I went by myself and they were really great in organising a table just for me. Dinner was followed by a cultural performance, including the haka. After the performance is over, you can choose to end the day there, or you can visit the geysers again at night time. If you have time, it is definitely worth seeing the view at night

If you want to immerse yourself with culture, history and nature, Te Puia covers this. The cultural experience learning about Maori history, connection to earth and family and the geothermal activities is a must. The Guide Kaia was amazing very knowledgeable bet passionate great great great. Want more try the buffet meat, seafood, sweets and .ore all beautifully cooked to perfection.

I did the Tuku Iho trail premium tour. Smaller group was more enjoyable I think. Our guide was knowledgeable and gave us some great stories about local folklore and customs. Enjoyed some sweet corn cooked in a thermal pool. This area is alive and vibrant. It’s definitely worth a visit.

We bought tickets for the Combo which includes an afternoon entry to Te Puia for the guided tour which I thought was a bit of a rush and the young lady guide didn't really said much but kind of just herd her group to move on. I've read much better guided tour experience in others review and was a little disappointed with my experience. We were then brought to the training academy part of the tour and again there wasn't much to hear because the guide didn't said much and the few people who were supposed to be some students and teachers weren't too excited to have yet another group of tourists staring at them while they were going about their things. This was followed by the buffet dinner which at this point was the only highlight of the visit so far, the spread was good with seafood, poultry, beef and venison, as well as sides and a selection of desserts. After which we were led to the Haka cultural show and it was quite an immersive experience and I actually enjoyed it. The performance was every educational and quite beautiful. We were then allowed to choose between leaving or going back to the geysers for the night view which I'm glad I did coz it was a much better guided experience than the afternoon. The guide was Ehaka and he did a really good job telling us about the geysers and he was funny too. So overall I'm giving the visit 4*

This experience was great! The village was beautiful in the dusk with soft rain and log fires burning outside little huts where we were taught some traditional Maori activities from this tribe. The whole thing was run by members of an extended family who were both funny and charming. The musical performances were of a very high standard and the feast was absolutely delicious ( and I am very particular about my food! ) - , excellent canapes,mussels, whitebait fritters, warm rolls with truffle butter, confi duck with watercress and orange salad, hanging cooked lamb, wagyu short rib, root veg. 3 little desserts each. Definitely the best food I've had in 5 weeks in N Z. Fun bus ride each way. Yes, it's touristy but they are open about this, wanting to share their culture with us and they created a very warm, welcoming and informative experience.

An awesome combination of dinner and a cultural show. When you enter the property you are welcomed by a traditional Māori Haka and then shown how their people lived in ancient times. You are then treated to an amazing four-course dinner. The staff and performers are extremely friendly, courteous and love to show you the ancient traditions of their people.

This was my favorite excursion we did in NZ. It's a blessing that the Maori people are willing to share so much of their culture with us. From the welcoming ceremony to the dinner, everything was a learning opportunity. I appreciated the opportunity to actively participate in the games and the dances. They were also able to accommodate my kiddo with food allergies. They did an awesome job explaining what dishes were safe for her. This was an amazing experience from beginning to end. The bus driver on the return trip singing, "She will be coming around the mountain," while going through the roundabout, was HILARIOUS too! I loved every minute of this experience. I'm grateful for this learning opportunity!

This was one of my favorite New Zealand activities and an absolute must on the North Island. The cultural experience as a whole was enlightening, beautiful, and fun, and the hāngī was delicious. One of my favorite parts was the haka, which was just so moving and exciting; it felt like the whole room sat in awe. Everyone involved has my utmost respect for what they do and the culture they preserve. I am very thankful to have been a part of this incredible experience! What to expect: - A bus ride from the pick-up location in downtown Rotorua to the village - A traditional welcome - A rotation of 3-4 cultural activities that come with a small food item or drink (my favorite was the ginger tea with the stick balancing game) - A show featuring singing as well as the haka - The hāngī with much delicious food (my favorites were the short rib and pavlova dessert) and an incredible performance at the end that brought all cultures together (I still feel moved when I think about this) - A bus ride back to the pick-up location in downtown Rotorua Note: Please be respectful of all cultural activities and traditions.

Maybe because iit was raining something in the tour was cut short. More like going to a broadway production. Enjoyable but not the cultural exposure our guide had suggested. After seeing natural geysers in Iceland this looked like a baking soda school project. Very crowded and unorganized. Definitely not a spiritual experience. Reading your reply surprises me that you are not concerned that it was not a cultural experience for me or most in our group. We had one on one experiences that were inspiring. Yours was more entertainment. Which would be fine if we had not been mislead by our guide that it would give us more of the cultural experience we had already. Again. It appears our tour was shortened because of rain. Giving it the benefit of the doubt that there is usually more content. Luckily I didn't have any expectations for the advertised geyser.

A superb way to fill an evening; very well organized start to finish. So enjoyed learning about the culture in the forest. Lovely food. Clearly a lot of talent in this group, terrific singers although I know now how the female haka could intimidate folks!

Incredible, immersive experience! Absolutely loved every minute of it! The family were so welcoming and gave such lovely view into the Māori culture. Highlight of my trip!

Stunning forest with a stunning array of plants that make up an incredibly tranquil experience. There's plenty of paths available, so there'll be a good degree of flexibility in terms of how much time you'd want to spend here. Moreover, just talking a walk in the forest is completely free and I'd argue that this is far better than paying for the treewalk as you'd be able to get close to the plants and feel the forest on your feet rather than an artificial and perhaps even detached experience on the treewalk.

Amazing and massive!! We had limited time and combined a few of the tracks (easily done, clear signage, plenty for all fitness levels to choose). There are walking trails, moderate fitness "hikes"(=longer walks), biking trails, and horse riding trails. These are all free and there are different areas to park your car, however there is plenty of parking close to the I site and treetop walk (this one you have to pay for), which is where many tracks start from. We regretted not having booked the nighttime treetop walk with the lanterns, as it looked much more exciting in real life than we had judged from the pictures (and price). Big shout out to the Isite and Cafe staff, they were very friendly and so relaxed!

Great place to take a walk. If you are keen on but if a hiking, can get some amazing views of The city and the lake below. Tip go for the "black track" for the best view. It's a bit more challenging but it is worth it. Can you find the "Bear". Not a real bear...

We enjoyed popping into the redwoods forest. It was a pretty heavily trafficked area. We were hoping to do a nice long walk/hike through the forest. Unfortunately we discovered all their walks don’t keep you in the redwoods area. We tried the yellow trail for 20 min before we discovered that. Then decided to do the green trail. That also was mostly out of the redwoods. It was still an enjoyable hike, but not what we were expecting. Maybe the blue trail just keeps you around the redwoods. Just be prepared for that if you decide to walk/hike around the forest.

SIMPLY AMAZING....very informative guides Chloe and Henry. They knew their history of the area and vegitation. Super fun individuals with encouragement along the way. They had 100% participation at the end jumping. Thanks for the wonderful afternoon. Definitely a highlight of our trip to New Zealand.

The tree walk and the 30-minute walk along the designated route at the Whakarewarewa Forest was stunning, informative and a calming way to spend a morning. There’s a limit of eight people per bridge (suspended walk between the trees) so suggest an early morning arrival to miss the crowds. Worth the ticket price. Great souvenirs in the gift shop.

I did the Tokorangi Pa Track, which is the purple track on your trail map. It was a fairly well-kept trail with a few really nice views, but I would not go back and do it again. I'd say probably a solid 45% of the track is along service roads, and while you're still going through the forest, it's just not the same. Be sure to take plenty of water with you, and you'll definitely want some type of closed toe footware. The track took me about 3.5 hours, so it's in line with what is listed on the map. The forest itself is gorgeous with lots of beautiful things to stop and check out along the way. I'm sure the shorter trailers are nicer for keeping you immersed in the trees. Lots of fungi here and there, so don't forget to stop and look around every now and again!

Visiting Whakarewarewa – The Living Māori Village – was one of the highlights of our Rotorua-Taupo trip!l. From the moment we arrived, we felt warmly welcomed by the friendly reception and the knowledgeable guide, who shared their deep cultural heritage with such pride and passion. The tour was fascinating, giving us an authentic insight into the daily life, traditions, and history of the Māori people. Walking through the village, seeing the natural geothermal wonders, and learning how the community has lived in harmony with this powerful environment for generations was truly inspiring. The performances were another highlight — the songs, dances, and especially the haka were powerful, moving, and unforgettable. It’s clear that everyone involved genuinely cares about preserving and sharing their culture, and that made the entire experience feel very real and personal. We left feeling full of admiration for the resilience and spirit of the people of Whakarewarewa. If you're visiting Rotorua, this is an absolute must-do.

Fun experience visiting the Living Maori Village. Very entertaining and eye opening. It can get very hot during the day, suggest to apply sunscreen, bring lots of water and perhaps an umbrella. Guides were super friendly and knowledgeable. Also as it is a Living Village, please do be respectful of boundaries and follow all the signs put up. Definitely recommended. 🌟⭐🌟⭐🌟

We did the self guided geothermal trails for 40$ as we weren't sure what to expect, but we had such a great time! We spent over 2 hours exploring the trails, and we loved the amount of information we got about the cultural significance, legends, and modern use. In retrospect, it would have been lovely to explore the village as well and learn from the people who live here.

My partner and I did the self guided tour which was awesome, we took 2 hours to walk around and see everything we could, it was unfortunate that there was no deal to do the village walk tour, in the end that didn’t matter as the geothermal pools on the self guided tour were amazing. Highly recommend.

Our visit to Whakarewarewa felt like stepping into a sacred story. The steam rising from the earth, the powerful geysers, and the cultural performances were unforgettable. The warm earthy tones and rich cultural stories made the village feel alive. It was peaceful, grounding, and truly beautiful. Arohanui x

Guided tour provides insight into the culture and living practices of the villagers. Site includes a number of geysers. Gift shops and restaurants on site. Good parking. Tour is about an hour long.

If its your first time i highly recommended the village tour. They share so much knowledge and give you the best experience. There is also food, drinks and gifts you can buy there aswell.

I loved the park because of its variety of display. You can see different animals with little descriptions about them. Water splash is very entertaining for adults and kids. And my favorite, I got a chance to see Kiwi birds. Wasn't so happy that, I admit it was my mistake, to accept the offer of seeing the park myself, by the cashier lady, rather than having a guide . Few spots were closed for public and that was also not mentioned when purchasing ticket.

Definitely recommend going on the free guided tour if its your first time as you learn so much and is quite interesting. They have play areas and interactive learning spots located throughout to keep the kids busy on the way through. The big splash ride was cool but all the speakers throughout no longer worked which was very disappointing. The cafe was average tidy and nicely decorated but bathrooms were not cleaned often enough and the food was overpriced and just okay. They offer free shows through out the days which are quite interesting and fun for the kids.

This place is lush, a little paradise with tones of things for a family to see and do. I added on the hatchery tour and was not disappointed, we got to see two eggs ready to hatch, one had its little beak poking back and forth out of a small opening that it hd already made. This can take up to 5 days to fully hatch. Then we went through another room and they had a baby kiwi, held by one of the staff behind the glass, with another keeper feeding him meat. The most adorable thing ever. We then went through the enclosure to the darker area where there were three separated adult kiwis, moving about searching for insects. Fantastic. I then proceded to walk around to see the birds and eptile areas, it was a good display and the animals did not dissapoint. They have a cafe and gift shop and also very modern and clean looking toilets which is always a pleasent treat.

Awesome wildlife park in Rotorua with some unique features. The walk through the redwoods, aviaries and trout pools is the same as it ever was. They have added 'playscapes' along the way which is great to keep kids busy with physical activities and hands-on games. There's also an area with various water experiments to keep little minds busy. The jewel in the crown is, of course, the kiwi house where you can learn about the national bird and eventually (hopefully) see some for real in the nocturnal house. Beyond this there is a playground (currently undergoing refurbishment but still a small area to play in) and the 'Big Splash' ride by the cafe which is doesn't cost any extra but is looking a bit tired - the drop at the end is still a thrill tho.

Fun for the whole family. Some cheeky wee birds and relaxed reptiles. The waterfall makes for great photos. We managed to get a glimpse of the kiwi too.

A really lovely animal park, with an unmissable tour of the kiwi hatching centre. The information signs for each animal were much more fun and engaging than your typical animal park/zoo, which was good. We also enjoyed the (short but sweet) bird show and the log flume ride very much too. You'd be hard pushed to spend more than 3 hours here, but in that time there is plenty to keep you occupied! If my review and photos were helpful to you, please give me a thumbs up 👍🏼 Thanks!

Beautiful small scale nature park. Great way to kill a few hours touring NZ. The kiwi encounter was very informative, however make note that you are not permitted to take photos or record video in the hatchery. If you are hoping to get a photo of the iconic bird live, you will not be able to. The additional cost you pay for this tour supports the program and sustainablity of the brown kiwi population.

Fun place with interactive tour to learn about farm animals. You get to go upclose and feed sheeps and some llamas. Start the tour with the tractor-trailer and tour the farm area. This is where you get to feed the animals. After which, stay to watch the farm show. Worth the money and educational. My 8 month old son wont understand much but I think he enjoyed it.

Agrodome was full of laughter and fresh country air. It was wholesome, hands-on, and heartwarming. The lush green fields, friendly staff, and animal encounters made it a perfect stop for anyone wanting a genuine Kiwi farm experience 🦙🐑🤍

We had a fantastic time at the Agrodome in Rotorua—our farm tour guide, Sarah, was friendly, knowledgeable, and made the experience fun for all ages. Both the show and tour were engaging and well-run, with plenty of hands-on opportunities. Our toddler especially loved feeding the sheep and alpacas and seeing all the farm animals up close. Additions like the sheep dog trials and the petting zoo were great as well. Everything was well-organised and family-friendly, making it a great outing. We were there for around 2.5 hours and found it was great value for money for a family day out.

We had a great time visiting Agrodome Farm in Rotorua! The farm is in excellent condition - everything is well-maintained, clean, and beautifully presented. There’s plenty to see and do, from meeting friendly farm animals to enjoying the famous farm show and tractor tour. It’s a well-run attraction that offers an authentic Kiwi farm experience. The only drawback is the price. At $140 for a family pass, it feels a bit steep, especially when compared to other similar attractions that offer great experiences for kids at a more reasonable cost. While we still had a fantastic time and found it worth the trip, it’s probably a one-time visit for us due to the cost. That being said, the staff do an amazing job, the farm is a delight to explore, and it’s clear they put a lot of effort into maintaining such a high standard. If you’re looking for a fun, interactive farm experience, Agrodome is definitely worth a visit - just be prepared for the price tag!

The show: it was entertaining and one of a kind. A definite place to visit in Rotorua. Farm visit: Sara, our guide, is one of a kind. She had us in stitches the whole ride. She did a great job balancing educational moments with witty comments. Below are some of her iconic lines: 1. It was drizzling when we started the tour and the wind was picking up. Sara: Can't believe people wanna feed animals in this weather. 2. Our first stop is to feed the sheep. Sara: Good luck to those wearing white shoes. 3. These kind of wool is not of good quality so we make sweaters for our enemies. 4. Oh! I have a wasp in my trailer. If I start shouting, you know why. 5. The males and females are separated because of basic math. 1+1 is equal to too many. We had mocha & hot chocolate drink at the cafe. It was a nice way to end a windy, cold, yet worth-every-penny visit.

Animal farm experience where you can get to see sheep shearing and then go on an ride around the farm to see or even feed animals with your bare hands touch them and take some nice pictures. There is even a kiwi farm where you can get to take some ripe kiwi if the season is right and try some honey.

Visiting the Agrodrome was a unique and memorable experience! From.the entertaining farm show to the hands-on encounters with different animals like sheep, dogs, cattle. It offered fun and educational glimpses into new zealand farming life. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable, making the visit enjoyable for all ages. It's definitely a must visit for anyone exploring Rotorua!

Beautiful architecture! A notice board explains that it is closed since 18 Nov 2016. After an earthquake in 2016, the building scored 19% for Seismic Assessment. Any building under 34% New Building Standard (NBS) are earthquake prone so it is closed. Restoration work has been all as well. Hopefully it will be up and running soon.

really wish it reopens dont know how much more time will it take to though

Went here for a trip years ago and went to revisit a few months back. It's great to see that this place is still beautiful and well-kept. The outdoor flowers are gorgeous and the museum is reminiscent of a castle.

Great place for a morning and evening walk! This is one the best free and beautiful place to visit while visiting Rotorua. The whole building is fantastic, the garden around it are one the best. The city spent a lot money and time taking care of it. It’s a great a place for a morning / evening walk when you want to enjoy the quietness and beauty of the city! You could also see the lake view there, just drive a bit more.

Sadly it was closed for substantial renovations. We were told that the building failed a seismic assessment after a recent earthquake but took a few yrs for the relevant parties to agree to who foots the bill. Due to re-open 2025 apparently. It’s a beautiful building from afar and up close, would love to head inside once completed, will hit it up properly next trip!

I used to have great memory inside way before google starts doing reviews. The interior was marvellous. However can’t go in at the moment and repair works will take forever! 9 years in the plan and I think it will likely to reopen sometime in 2030…… a whole generation is gone

Magnificent building structure surrounded by tulips and assorted flowers via government gardens. Best time to visit is late afternoon or early in the morning to avoid the other people crowding the place.. September to october visit was awesome to witness the tulip bloom in the gardens..

Not sure if I see the point. Dont get me wrong, the pools are good and the area pretty, but that can be said about all the surrounding creeks and streams. There is a handful of pools with varying temperatures which are in good shape, but in my opinion the commercial atmosphere of the place is taking away from the experience. Especially, the most of the space is taken by two big pools with blue tiles reminiscent of your town’s swimming pool. I see how this place is great for families or for elderly as the pools are easy to access, but everyone else will be better off just going to one of the wild pools for free. Save your 25$ for nice lunch in the town.

Arrived as soon as open and very popular place.. excellent experience, loved all the pools, had heaps of rain & couldn't fault the atmosphere..Very clean & tidy.. Nice size changing rooms, they have open lockers or pay to secure personal items.. Highly recommend this place, will return again..

Breathtaking atmosphere and warm spring water, what more could you want.. event though It was a rainy day on a weekday, there were still quite a few people came 11am onwards. Lockers are easy to use, and the cafe seemed nice. Will be back for sure 😊

It is located 30 mins out of Rotorua (towards Taupo). Plenty of parking on site and you need to walk in about a minute or two to reach reception. A cheaper entry fee than Polynesian Spa and very clean facility. Loved that there weren’t that many people. It has lots of different spa pools with different temperatures. It is mineral water so leaves your skin feeling so soft! Highly recommend this place if you are looking for somewhere quiet and child friendly!

Friendly staff, great location and the hot pools are beautiful! We camped, our stay was relaxing and peaceful. Our tent site was huge and under a large tree. We were very thankful for the tree as the weather was hot! The café was great 👍🏻 A great stay, will absolutely be back!

Traveled over to enjoy another relaxed day at the pools. Service is great and very helpful. There were a lot more patrons today, but you can still have a quiet moment or two in the various pools.😊💜

It's a great small business that has a family feeling - the staff care. Seems to be the only reasonably priced place to enjoy soaking in geothermal water in the Rotorua area. Very surprising. Certainly much smaller in scale to Hamner Springs. Nice country setting. Remember to bring your own soap and shampoo to shower with. Appreciate the $2 coun operated lockers.

The gardens are beautiful and well-maintained, and it makes for a nice, easy walk, with no hills or stairs. Some big open areas without shade, though, so make sure you bring your hat and slather on that sunscreen if it is a sunny day like the day I went. The geothermal areas were a bit of a low point. Experience such wonders as water with some smoke floating above it, or muddy water that has fewer bubbles than a bottle of cola. Still, it's worth what you pay, which is zero—so you can't really complain, eh? There are lots of cool sculptures to look at along the walk as well. The museum is STILL undergoing renovations. Like, do they just have one guy working on it or what? Haha. It is a shame, as it is a bit of an eyesore all covered up like that. Anyway, it's a nice place for a picnic and not super crowded.

Relaxing and expansive premise located very near the bus station. The combination of the expansive lawns and the unique Californian-esque made resemble a Californian college campus. However, it was a little disappointing that the piste de resistance - the Tudor style bath house - was under construction.

It’s a huge garden with beautiful flowers, historic statues and buildings. If you want to know more about the history of Māori and Rotorua, you should pay a visit to this place!

A word of warning, the spectacular spa building in these photographs is under renovation at time of writing and may still be so when you visit. Otherwise this is a beautiful space in the heart of Rotarua and the nearby Rotarua caldera. Even in the heart of the city there are hot pools and evidence of volcanic activity. The smell takes a bit of getting used to but that is also the attraction of Rotarua.

This is a delightful place to visit, especially in spring when all the flowers are in bloom. There are two main buildings; Government House ( currently undergoing renovation) and the Blue Baths, a fascinating Spanish mission design. There is also a short scenic drive to the Lakes edge where you can see an abundance of water birds. This place is definitely worth a visit.

nice place. good for walk and look the lake. easy to find carpark. nearby the bustling restaurant street.

Exploring this beautiful place was a delight! We immersed ourselves in stunning natural surroundings, taking in the sights and sounds without a care for snapshots. The faint scent of sulfur added to the experience. Ample free street parking made access easy, perfect for picnics and fun outings with kids. Ideal spot to unwind and connect with nature!

have passed through this venue during the day and thought it would be a cool experience. however we tried it during the night time (around 8:30pm with daylight savings), and man what a beautiful experience. felt completely safe the whole time, and with the significantly less foot traffic we were able to take our time with photos and viewing all the different spots on the bridge. although it is a little bit difficult to take nice photos without flash due to the nightlights, but definitely not complaining about the beautiful lights that can only be seen during the evening. would highly recommend this during nighttime as it is like a completely different experience than during the day!

Such a wonderful experience to do the day and night combo tickets. The gift shop also offer many unique item we didn't see else where. My 9 year old said it was magical and she was entertained with a movie while we awaited our fast pass time slot. Day time has more opportunity to take in the trees magnificent existence. Take a walk through the woods on the path before sunset to enjoy seeing the first lit up naturally before exploring the enchanting night walk. Many clean bathrooms

This was awesome! Definitely one of the my favorite things I did on my New Zealand trip. Really great to walk among these beautiful redwood trees. Even better to do it on bridges in the trees. I highly recommend doing this, the whole experience was amazing. I recommend doing the day and night combo ticket, it's really neat to see it in the day and then all lit up at night. Also the higher 20m section is definitely worth the climb.

An Enchanting Forest Experience, The Redwoods Treewalk offers a truly magical perspective of the towering redwood forest. Walking high above the ground on suspension bridges provides a unique and breathtaking view of these majestic trees. It's a well-designed and safe experience, suitable for various ages and fitness levels. The forest floor views from above are stunning, and the information provided along the way is interesting. Consider the nighttime walk for an extra touch of wonder with illuminated trees. Lots of parking and good toilet facilities. A fantastic and memorable way to immerse yourself in nature near Rotorua. Allow at least an hour to fully enjoy this captivating adventure. Highly recommended!

We did the night walk (NZD 39/adult, kids NZD 19, 10% group discount!) and it was stunning. The suspended bridges among giant redwoods were thrilling, and the kids adored the interactive projections (kiwi birds, glowworms, whales) at the end. ✔️ Pro Tip: Day vs. Night? Night is more atmospheric, but you see less of the forest. Rain or shine, it’s open! Dress warmly.

This is an awesome experience. Up high amongst the trees. There are seats along the way if you need to sit down, or want to sit down. Take in the beautiful, peaceful surroundings. They also offer free strollers that are suited to the walk if your child is too young, or just can't walk themselves. Children are not allowed to be carried. The only thing that put me off a little was the price. I feel that it's a wee bit pricey, but that's my personal opinion and obviously there are many people willing to pay that and more

This was great fun to do. I went during the day it wasn't to hard. Anyone could do this walk. You can take your time and go at your own pace. The David Truebridge art was great but doesn't hold a candle to the amazing redwood giant trees that you are walking thru. The punga tree's look awesome from an aerial view. The staff are friendly and welcoming. Great experience also you can go for free bush walks thru the area. So feel free to make a day of it.

Didn’t really know what to expect from this park, I think it’s great for the kids as there is a couple of big parks for them to play on at the front next to the parking, there is a nice walk around but be aware it’s doesn’t smell very nice. I seen a part has two small pools design to put your feet in as the water is warm/hot not my cup of tea but fun for the kids.

Great place to see the thermal activities free of charge, plenty car, enough place for kids to play. Mineral foot pool l, BBQ area etc. If you are visiting Rotorua at this park to your bucket list.

A fantastic and free way to witness geothermal wonders up close. Don't miss the unique and relaxing free thermal foot baths. Well-maintained paths past bubbling mud pools, steaming vents, and a captivating crater lake – perfect for photos! On Saturday mornings, the vibrant Rotary Market adds local flavour. The sulphur smell is present (eeek), but welcome to Rotorua! It’s a must-see, offering a real taste of the area's natural environment without costing a cent.

This place is awesome for being a free park for anyone to wander around. Compared to Waiotapu, it is not be as vibrant and probably in need of some maintenance. Definitely worth a quick visit looking at all the pools or dipping your feet in the foot baths (super busy though)

As a local Aucklander exploring Rotorua, Kuirau Park was a mind-blowing experience and one I wasn’t expecting to enjoy as much as I did. It’s a public park—but not your usual kind! This place is packed with geothermal wonders, and the best part? It’s free. The first thing that hits you is the steam rising from the ground, creating an almost otherworldly vibe. You’re walking along these paths with bubbling mud pools on either side—it’s unreal. It’s not every day you see the earth literally boiling away in front of you! What I loved most is how accessible it is. You don’t need to hike for hours or pay an entry fee to experience Rotorua’s geothermal magic. It’s right there in the heart of town, perfect for a laid-back stroll or even a quick visit. The foot pools are a bonus. Imagine dipping your feet in naturally warm water while surrounded by this steamy landscape—so relaxing after a day of sightseeing. It’s also family-friendly, with a great playground and plenty of space for kids to run around. The park has a peaceful vibe, but it’s also alive with the sounds of bubbling pools and the occasional hiss of steam vents. It’s fascinating and calming at the same time. I spent a good couple of hours wandering, taking photos, and just soaking in the uniqueness of it all. Honestly, it’s one of those places that reminds you how amazing New Zealand is. If you’re in Rotorua, Kuirau Park is a must-visit—whether you’re a local or a tourist, it’s an experience you won’t forget. Ngā mihi, Kuirau Park, for the incredible memories!

If you're seeking a thermal experience, Kuirau Park is a must-visit. This free public park offers captivating hot spring lakes and the opportunity to relax with a foot bath. You won't be disappointed.

Good place to see geothermal wonders for FREE and such a beautiful park. There's a playground for kids to enjoy too.

Lake Rotorua is the second largest lake in the North Island of New Zealand by surface area, and covers 79.8 km with a depth of only 10 metres it is considerably smaller than nearby Lake Tarawera in terms of volume of water. Lake Rotorua is known for trout fishing, swimming, boating, Canoeing, Mokoia Island, relaxing public and private lake areas with various access points. This lake also links to other nearby lakes through channel accessibility. Great for morning and afternoon walks or running, cycling etc There are nearby eateries bound to satisfy different diet requirements along side a selection of accommodation.

Coming from the Novotel Rotorua Lakeside, the southwestern shore of Lake Rotorua is around 250 m away. It is worth taking a walk on the bank or in the adjacent park. There is a well-equipped playground for children. Parking space is available.

Visited whilst passing through to Taupo and it’s nice to see the gardens that abound throughout in lovely Spring bloom. Rotorua was impacted badly by the COVID saga but thankfully it and its great attractions are starting to rev up.

Very beautiful place to visit. Lots of friendly seagulls, black and white swans. Children park with many items to play. Nice place to relax.

Nice chilled spot under the tree , weather was hot and we needed to relax for a bit. Very picturesque, cool calm and collected. Enjoy

Great place to relax, lots of cafes and restaurants nearby

Beautiful! Excellent children's playground. Paddle boats. Lovely coffee! Gorgeous day :)

Awesome place to visit. I would recommend doing the vr experience. That was awesome. Has glues set out for the kids to keep them engaged while walking around looking at all of the artifacts and excavation of the burial sites. Some awesome sites and really good info. Scenic views and even a small walk to a wonderful waterfall. Has a museum and cafe, small play area and shop. Plenty of parking.

Lovely place to visit. Loads of information on the eruption and great exhibition in the museum. The Virtual Reality experience is well worth the money. The walk around the stream and down to the waterfall is hard but the views are stunning

Just 20 minutes from Rotorua, the Buried Village of Te Wairoa is a moving and fascinating glimpse into the 1886 Mount Tarawera eruption. As a nurse and local, I found the history and personal stories especially powerful. The museum and excavated sites are well set up, and the short bush walk to the waterfall adds a peaceful touch—great if you’re bringing a toddler. It’s family-friendly, informative, and a nice mix of culture, nature, and history. Definitely worth a visit for locals and visitors alike.

Such a lovely and at the same time sad the walkway takes you around the site of the old village some areas you have to imagine where everything use to stand. They host also offer a virtual tour but we opted out of it. There is also a massive waterfall which is a bit of a climb down so be cautious when going down the stairs. The walk takes roughly 40 mins - 1hr depending. There is a Museum before you head out to the main walk.

This is an amazing place. To really understand how special this place was around the 1860's you should check out the VR video at the start. It explains a lot and when you're in the museum and the village you'll recognise things. Makes things even more interesting. Think carefully about going to the waterfalls at the end, it's a pretty difficult route with big steps.

Connects to us historic events and provides useful information on volcanoes. My kid enjoyed the hunt and I enjoyed reading Margaret's letters. Ticket price is worth and dont forget to buy the delicious full fat milk.

Great place to visit, very interesting museum about Tarawera. Young kids seem to love the trail. The waterfall and top lookout on the walk are great. Also a decent cafe. Best thing is they have a reduced entry fee for Kiwis 👍

Awesome park and wildlife park. Was great to see the feeding of the lions and patting the cubs. Animals all well looked after. Very knowledgeable staff. Reasonably priced. Although the line to pat the cubs was huge, waited an hour, patience was key. Important to be quiet when approaching the cub area as loud noises scare them. You can feed the animals and see some historical sites along the boardwalk. Well maintained.

Beautiful and natural retreat into nature with bush walks and a wide range of wildlife including trout swimming in crystal ceal pools and streams, goats and more. Feeding is avaible. A must for families and suitable for all. Takes around 1 hour to do at leisure. A basic cafe on site at the entrance which we used to save time going elsewhere

I'm normally not a big fan of zoos but these animals are really living their best lives & have all of the space in the world. Little lion cubs were adorable, but piglets were the stars of the day. You can walk around, buy little cups of animal food and no one is big brothering you around farm animals- we spent hours there hanging with deer, ducks, goats and pigs. Ten out of ten- totally worth the money! (Btw we're 2 adults without kids)

A fantastic family stop! Watching the lion feeding (NZD 32/adult, kids NZD 16) was unforgettable, and petting a lion cub (extra NZD 5–10) was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The kids loved feeding farm animals (feed bags NZD 3) and drinking from the natural spring (Maori believe it has healing powers!). ✔️ Wishlist: Would love to see kiwi birds here in the future!

A fantastic place to take the tamariki! I had the pleasure of bringing my girls and mokos to see and feed the ducks, deer, Captain Cook pig, ostriches, goats, donkeys, and llamas, as well as watch the lions at feeding time. We even got to pat a lion cub—just one today, but that was more than enough! A big little kitten, absolutely adorable. There’s plenty of space for a nice walk, lots of ducks to feed, and trout to spot. While I’m not usually a fan of zoos, as I believe animals should be free to roam in their natural environment, it was reassuring to see them well cared for. Having last visited about 10 years ago, I noticed significant improvements, with many new species added. A great experience overall!

Absolutely loved our visit to Paradise Springs. Very good value. We were able to pat lion cubs which were super cute, and very much enjoyed feeding the animals, trout and ducks.

**Paradise Valley Springs Wildlife Park** in Rotorua is a beautifully presented park that offers a unique experience with New Zealand's wildlife. Here are some highlights: 1. **Diverse Wildlife**: The park is home to a variety of animals, including trout, birds, and a pride of African lions. Visitors can enjoy seeing these animals up close in a natural setting. 2. **Lion Feeding**: One of the main attractions is the daily lion feeding at 2:30 PM. It's an exciting opportunity to see these majestic animals in action. 3. **Patting Lion Cubs**: A unique feature of the park is the chance to pat lion cubs. This is a memorable experience for both children and adults. 4. **Beautiful Scenery**: The park is set in a lush, native bush environment with well-maintained walkways that are suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. 5. **Interactive Experiences**: Visitors can hand-feed some of the animals, including trout and other wildlife. Bags of food are available for purchase at the park. 6. **Rainforest Treetops Walkway**: The park features a treetop walkway that offers a different perspective of the native forest, six meters above the ground. 7. **Family-Friendly**: The park is highly recommended for families. There are plenty of activities to keep children engaged, and the paths are easy to navigate. Overall, Paradise Valley Springs Wildlife Park is a fantastic destination for anyone looking to experience New Zealand's wildlife in a beautiful and interactive setting.

Atticus Finch was well worth the booking for us. Their dishes are designed to be shared, but I'll tell you what, it was tasting so good I had a hard time not eating it all myself. The whipped olive butter with the bread was delicious. The pork belly was absolutely divine with crunchy crackling on top. The steak was also perfectly cooked and had a lovely chat to it as well. The dumplings were actually very impressive. All in all, we were extremely happy with our food and the service was great too. We had a new staff member looking after us and he was very friendly and helpful.

Amazing food after all these years, so happy to see them busy. The tofu steaks and beef steak were superb. The haloumi cheese and risotto balls were delicious too. Not too keen on the caper salads and the kumara creams, but the vegetarians in my group ate them all up. Pork belly was tender, though the orange sauce depends on your tastebud. Waiter was attentive and responsive.

One of the first few we are in rotorua. Absolutely loved the place, chicken was nice, lamb wasn't gamey and extremely tender, the leek and fish cakes were rather interesting, might not be for everyone and the tenderloin was okay. To me the real highlight was the salad, I love the side salads. Honestly overall pretty solid, can visit again if I'm ever back in the area Love the ambience too. Nice warm cozy vibes.

Service was friendly and efficient. The food was great. Enjoyed every dish we ordered especially the halloumi salad and jackfruit tacos. The drinks were delicious and refreshing. Chicken burger was juicy and quite a big portion size. Chicken open sandwich was presented beautifully and tasted very good. Would highly recommended this restaurant.

Didn’t have particularly high expectations given touristy strip and multinational menu but food was surprisingly good. Slow cooked pork was our favourite. Stuck to the small dishes as it seemed more appealing to us than the large dishes, and serving sizes were reasonable.

Great meal and a charming atmosphere. We enjoyed our time here and the food was pretty good too!

We got the halloumi, pumpkin, pork roti, and sirloin. Best thing about the halloumi was the bed of salad it came on. The pumpkin was hard and tasteless, it was essentially just a vessel for the sauces. Pork was adequate but the roti was the supermarket-frozen type. Sirloin was ok, nothing to write home about, sauce lacked flavour. Very disappointing dinner. One of the waitresses offered to bring the heater closer to me though so that was lovely but otherwise no one asked how our meal was though I suppose we were clearly unhappy so I don’t think anyone was interested in opening a can of worms. Left most of our food behind. Wouldn’t recommend.