Luxury Escapes

Luxury Escapes Guide to Rotorua

In Rotorua, the Earth grumbles with geothermal activity, bubbling mud pools and spouting geysers, while traditional Māori culture lives strong and proud.

From the mid-19th Century, the appeal of Rotorua has largely focused on the region's geothermal activity, including enjoying the relaxing and healing hot springs of the city's bathhouses and taking in spectacular geyser displays at the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve. Around a third of Rotorua's population is Māori, and the city has also always been proud to showcase New Zealand's indigenous culture through music, art and culture.

For contemporary visitors to the city, Rotorua's traditional appeal is now complemented by an exciting range of other distractions. Exploring the region's spectacular natural landscape of lakes and forests includes walking in the shade of towering redwood trees, riding a hillside gondola for brilliant views of Lake Rotorua, or travelling by zipline through a centuries-old forest. There are more lake views on a guided kayak experience or flying high above the volcanic escarpments of Lake Tarawera, while a helicopter is recommended to reach the best of Rotorua's trout fishing.

Luxurious attractions combining natural beauty, active adventure and traditional Māori culture include relaxing in forest-clad hot tubs and enjoying luxury spa treatments in a lakeside resort. For foodie travellers, wine and local craft beer feature at easygoing cafes and contemporary bistros, while the city's versatile dining menu stretches from global flavours to gourmet pies and brilliant burgers.

Please note that due to current restrictions some operators may be temporarily closed. Check their websites for the most up-to-date information.

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Our favourite escape in Rotorua

Things to see and do

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Negotiate the Redwoods Treewalk

Around 3km southeast of central Rotorua, Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest is the legacy of early 19th-Century trials to see what tree species could be grown successfully for timber. More than 170 species were tested, and this grove of soaring Californian redwoods is now popular for walking and mountain biking. The Redwoods Treewalk is a 700m-long elevated walkway made up of 28 wooden bridges suspended between the century-old trees. Visiting after dark is recommended when wooden lanterns hanging in the trees illuminate a shadowy way ahead.

Ride the Skyline gondola

Providing stellar lake views as it ascends Mt Ngongotaha, Rotorua's Skyline gondola is an attraction in itself, but also provides access to a day's worth of other activities. The popular downhill luge negotiates five tracks of differing speeds and complexity. Start off with the Tiki Tour Luge Track before graduating to the four faster luge tracks: Gravity, Legend, Twister and Ultra. Other quintessentially Kiwi ways to challenge yourself include the Zoom Ziplines and the gravity-defying Skyswing. After all that excitement, relax with a glass of wine or a beer at the Stratosfare Restaurant & Bar.

Visit Rotorua's unique winery

One of New Zealand's most unique places to sample wines comprises a winery at the foot of Mt Ngongotaha, and an associated wine bar and tasting room only accessible via the Skyline gondola. Grapes are sourced from the best of the country's wine-growing regions and standout varietals best enjoyed with stellar views of Lake Rotorua include a spicy pinot noir made from Central Otago, and an easy-drinking Hawke's Bay chardonnay. Mediterranean-style food platters are also available. For a special purchase, ask if the 12-year-old Premium Tawny port is available.

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Zipline gently through the forest canopy

While Rotorua's more extreme adventure-sport credentials include bouncing down a hill in a giant plastic ball – also known as a 'zorb' – the area also offers gentler and more easygoing activities. With a forested network of swing bridges, platforms, and ziplines – all 22m high in the forest and often soundtracked by native birdlife – Rotorua Canopy Tours' experiences are achievable by pretty much anyone. Sign up for the Ultimate Canopy Tour to factor in an exciting spiral staircase, a cliff walk and a more-challenging controlled descent, all in ancient forest where some trees are over 1000 years old.

Relax in a forested hot tub

The perfect way to crown a day's exploring and adventuring around Rotorua are these bush-clad hot tubs in the Whakarewarewa forest. Crafted in New Zealand from western red cedar – infusing the experience with the relaxing fragrance of cedar oil – the tubs are filled with mineral-rich water from a nearby spring that's been filtered through volcanic aquifers. The tubs are a favourite post-ride rendezvous for mountain bikers after negotiating Rotorua's world-renowned forest tracks, and it's also possible enjoy the experience with a craft beer or cider from Hamilton-based Good George Brewing.

Geothermal activity and Māori culture at Te Puia

Part of the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve, Te Puia combines excellent viewing of the area's geothermal attractions – including the spectacular 30m-high Pōhutu (Big Splash) geyser – and the opportunity to learn about Māori culture and arts and crafts. National schools teaching the Māori crafts of woodcarving, weaving, and stone and bone carving are all represented at Te Puia, and there is also a conservation centre helping to protect New Zealand's avian icon, the kiwi. You can also discover the magic of the geothermal valley under night skies with Te Puia's Geyser by Night tour.

Kayak to lakeside hot springs

River Rats can arrange exciting river rafting trips – including plunging over a 7m-high waterfall on the challenging Grade 5 Kaituna River – but the most soothing and relaxing experience is a guided twilight paddle to hot springs on the banks of Lake Rotoiti. The Manupirua Springs Hot Pools can only be reached by boat, and while kayakers are relaxing in the pools, a barbecue dinner is prepared. Following dinner, it's a sunset kayak back home with a stop en route at glowworm caves. Kayaking experiences only run from November to April in the New Zealand summer.

Get active in Rotorua

Ready to raise your pulse in Rotorua? Read our article

Get your pulse racing with an active holiday in Rotorua — a destination designed for adventure-seekers who put their fitness first and lounging last. Located less than three hours’ drive south of Auckland, this Māori cultural capital is a hub for far more than just geothermal activity. Its picturesque setting is not just for show: the hills are to be hiked, the rivers rafted, and the forests biked.

Top places to eat and drink

Atticus Finch

The most sophisticated of the cafes, restaurants and bars along Rotorua's pedestrian-only Eat Streat – yes, that's how it's spelt – Atticus Finch delivers a cosmopolitan menu of shared plates with global influences. Secure a spot out the front and watch the passing parade of browsing diners, secure in the knowledge you've already made a wise decision on where to eat. Try the chargrilled miso prawns with kimchi mayo with a crisp Peregrine riesling, or team the Middle Eastern-spiced lamb rump with the berry and pepper notes of a Mt Difficulty pinot noir.

Ciabatta Café & Bakery

At Ciabatta Café & Bakery, no two loaves are the same – but they’re all equally delicious. Cherished Rotorua royalty, this bakery’s retro-cool décor perfectly matches its mouth-wateringly eclectic menu, boasting mahogany-brown soft pretzels, Swiss-style ciabatta and a dazzling array of sweet treats. We recommend seeking out the café’s iconic bacon and egg sandwich – served on a delectable parmesan and garlic focaccia and topped with aioli and barbecue sauce – that keeps regulars returning again and again.

Brew

Popular with Rotorua's mountain bikers – look for the knobbly-wheeled transport out the front – Brew is the hoppy hub for Rotorua's Croucher Brewing. The boisterous shared tables out front are good for meeting the locals, while inside is more cosy and quiet. Select a four-beer tasting flight from the rotating taps – including Croucher's own brews and regular guest beers from around the country – and order from the menu of pub classics. The combination of a buttermilk chicken burger and the New Zealand-hopped Enduro Pale Ale is a good place to start.

Abracadabra Cafe & Bar

Don't be deceived by the compact veranda at the entrance to Abracadabra. Continue exploring past the counter and kitchen to reach a spacious outdoor deck that also doubles as a popular beer garden later in the day. Scrambled eggs with dukkah, barbecue jackfruit sliders, and chicken fajitas all feature on a menu that travels confidently from Morocco to Mexico. Versatility is the name of the game with Abracadabra morphing from an easygoing brunch and lunch cafe to a more energetic wine-bar ambience at night.

Factory Smokehouse & Grill

Definitely worth the five-minute drive from central Rotorua, the Factory Smokehouse & Grill has a singular focus on sourcing ingredients from local suppliers. Beef is 100% grass fed, all produce is free range, and their attention to detail includes housemade pasta and their own seasonal rum infusions. Come hungry – the huge burgers can be gravity-defying – and look forward to craft beers from Rotorua-based Croucher Brewing. Try and leave room for the Nutella mousse with hazelnut and white chocolate.

Rotorua Night Market

Like many places in New Zealand, migration from other countries has made Rotorua a more culturally diverse place, and the weekly Thursday night market is a fine place to meet some of the city's more recent arrivals. Tutanekai Street is closed to traffic for the market, providing plenty of scope to stroll and snack on Argentinean empanadas, Japanese takoyaki and Sichuan dumplings. Look forward to an eclectic soundtrack of roving street performers and stalls selling locals arts, crafts and souvenirs.

Okere Falls Store

With a location on the northwest edge of Lake Rotoiti – around 20km from central Rotorua – the Okere Falls Store is one of New Zealand's best regional cafes. A fridge full of local craft beers promises easygoing good times in the beer garden, while there are excellent lake views from the sunny deck. The diverse menu is popular with Rotorua's river rafting community – especially hearty snacks like the 'kimcheese' toasted sandwich – while seasonal fruit smoothies are popular during summer. Stock up on edible gifts and souvenirs of local gourmet products from the instore deli.

Scope

The clue is in the name and the logo at this family-owned cafe in central Rotorua. Owners Steven and Dana Greer have a passion for hunting, and the hearty venison burger is world-famous (in Rotorua). Beyond the occasional locally sourced game dish, Scope also delivers big breakfasts perfect to kickstart a day's exploring, regular seasonal lunch specials, and freshly baked treats that often sell out by mid-morning. Get there slightly earlier to partner a coffee with a peach and white chocolate muffin or a pear and blue cheese scone.

Lux moments

Catch trout on a guided fly-fishing experience

The lakes and rivers around Rotorua and the surrounding Central Plateau are world-renowned for trout fishing. The best chance of success in landing a brown and rainbow trout is to hook up with an authoritative local guide, especially if you're keen on accessing more remote back-country

streams and pools most easily reached on a heli-fishing expedition. The water in these remote locations is usually as crystal clear as gin or vodka, and the opportunity to catch trophy-winning fish brings many international anglers back to Rotorua on a regular basis.

Tailor your escape to Rotorua

Immerse yourself in Rotorua with Luxury Escapes’ hand-picked Experiences. We’ve curated a selection of cultural activities, adrenaline thrills, food adventures and luxury add-ons to help you discover your destination. These Experiences are bookable when you purchase your next escape. Simply select your travel dates and number of travellers for any package, and opt to tailor your escape by selecting the available Experiences.

Explore Mt Tarawera by helicopter

Transformed by a massive volcanic eruption in 1886, the spectacular landscapes around Mt Tarawera are best seen by helicopter. Taking off from the Rotorua lakefront, sky-high sightseeing trips take in Waimangu Volcanic Valley, Lake Tarawera and Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, and are a brilliant way to see how the region's violent volcanic past has created a landscape blending lush native forests, cobalt lakes, and the surreal orange and lime green Day-Glo hues of geothermal pools. There's also the chance for a short, guided walk on the fractured summit of Mt Tarawera, ripped asunder by New Zealand's biggest eruption in recent centuries.

Relax and recharge at Polynesian Spa

Travellers have been bathing in Rotorua’s legendary thermal waters for centuries, and there’s no better way to experience them for yourself than by visiting the ultra-luxe Polynesian Spa. Enjoy a leisurely soak in any of the 28 mineral pools, including skin-nourishing baths, sky-high rooftop lagoons and breathtaking lakeside onsens. After you dry off, head to Polynesian Spa’s 88RA Café for a restorative smoothie and some of Rotorua’s best gelato.

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