While you’ll never run out of attractions to see in Rotorua, you even have an endless list of activities to keep your active self preoccupied in this part of New Zealand. Sure, from geysers to lakes and woods, Rotorua is a place where you can just sit back and enjoy the scenery. But if you are one who is constantly on the go and doesn’t want to take the backseat, there are plenty of things for you to choose from that will give you some exhilarating adventure.
I think we haven’t seen them all during our brief tour of Rotorua. Plus, we were mostly in our van. When outside, we were busy taking pictures. Other than that, we haven’t done much. If you are into doing something when you travel, absorbing the place through experiences, then here’s a list you can refer to should you plan to visit Rotorua.
1.) Get Wet and Wild
Kaituna River at the northern part of Lake Rotorua is a favorite place to have some thrills and action. You can go white water rafting, sledging, or white water kayaking, whichever appeals to you the most. Another option is to learn how to paddle board and explore Lake Rotorua afloat these boards.
2.) Ride a Gondola
Have a breathtaking view of Rotorua – the city and the lake – by taking a ride in one of the gondolas up to the Skyline Rotorua complex at Mt. Ngongotaha. From the highway, we could see the gondolas going up and down the length of the mountain’s slope.
3.) Roll in a Zorb
Did you know that zorbing has been done in Rotorua, New Zealand for more than 17 years already? It’s that giant inflatable transparent orb where you can get inside it and roll downhill. We spotted one while passing by the area.
4.) Head Downhill on a Luge
From Mt. Ngongotaha, ride this small gravity-driven carts for some awesome adventure. Luging is being done in Rotorua since 1985. You have three tracks to choose from – the scenic, the intermediate, and the advanced.
5.) Fly Over Mt. Tarawera
If you want to experience a different high, you might want to take a helicopter ride over Lake Tarawera to the mouths of Mt. Tarawera. It’s crater looks interesting because it is actually a 17-kilometer long rift at the top of the mountain. You can land at the peaks and even walk around there.
6.) Parasailing
Prepare yourself to be lifted up high in the air of up to 400 feet above Lake Rotorua. Enjoy the view from the birds’ perspective while embracing the wind when you take this free flight.
7.) Treewalk
Transfer from tree to tree minus the tree ropes through this pathway that bridges one tree to another. So forget about being a Tarzan for awhile. Just enjoy being within the thickness of the wood with these hanging bridges.
8.) Bike Through the Woods
We’ve seen people biking through the woods. Trails and tracks are already mapped out inside the Redwood so you can traverse through them easily.
9.) Go Fish
With so many lakes in Rotorua, fishing is one activity you would want to consider. Ride a boat to the depths of these lakes or find a perfect spot where fishes can spot your bait and grab them.
10.) Rejuvenate in a Spa
At the end of the day after spending time trying out any of the activities above, relax in one of the spas in town. Rotorua is famous for its baths, so take advantage of its natural geothermal heat and rejuvenate yourself so you can restore your energy for more activities ahead.
This sound like a wonderful place to vacation. I’ve done some of those things here where I live also. Thanks for sharing your experience.
I didn’t know there were so many outdoor activities here! It would be so nice to try and ride that zorb! I bet my kids would enjoy that as well. It would be cool to go parasailing as well! Awesome things to do here!
I would love to do the tree walk. I also would love to bike in the woods. I’m gonna sure to enjoy this place because of the variety of outdoor activity.
The scenery, the woods, and the natural environment which makes this place amazing to explore. Luckily, you are very positive in living this beautiful place.
Ending the day with spa is really comforting and relaxing. I would like to try parasailing again. This activity gives me chills and thrills!
Thanks for the virtual tour of Rotuora. I’m impress by the scenery and wishing to see this place up close and personal someday.
I have done the Zorb before. I think this one in Rotorua should be more fun and daring because of the terrain. The luge should also be a lot of fun and daring again because of the terrain.
Whoa. Tree walking, Parasailing, zorbing, biking in the woods, climbing the mountains – it sounds like one awesome must visit place!
This is the first time I have heard about rotorua but it looks so beautiful place to explore.
Nice compilation of activities. Am bookmarking it for future reference.
No way! You can roll down the hill in that thing? I’d totally be all in!
Geez… I was still about to say they will be most probably be common stuff, but but but they are NOT! And they are my favourite activities! I wish to try all of them!
I’ll make sure I do all the 10 things if I have the chance to go Rotorua.. Sounds like it’s a great place to visit..
I would very much like to experience the tree walking in the beautiful views with friends and family. But also would to get a grip of their night activities to be able experience the different cultures in existence.