Kia ora! It’s Tom again, from the team at Taiao Adventures.
Rotorua has lots of world-famous tourist activities, and they're popular for a reason. But while they're all fantastic, as a local, I love a hidden gem.
So, if you're looking to create a memory that’s a bit out of the ordinary, here are three of my favourite unique nighttime experiences.
For some simple fun: Fairy Light Mini Golf
Forget any mini golf you've done before - I can almost guarantee none have been like this!
During the day, Mini Golf Rotorua is great fun - they have bunnies, bubble machines, a great playlist on the speakers, waterfalls, and fishponds. But at night, the 18-hole outdoor course is transformed, with thousands of multi-coloured fairy lights wrapped around the trees and obstacles, and they even bring out fog machines and lasers. It’s an activity that’s simple, but they put so much effort into the details that it feels special.
For a cosy night out: The Wall and Basement Cinema
Basement Cinema is one of Rotorua’s best-kept secret! Tucked away in a small complex, it’s more like curling up in someone’s lounge than going to the movies. There are just two tiny theatres (16 and 28 seats), each fitted with comfy seats, and the staff will make you feel well looked after, especially as they can bring in local craft beer, wine, and hot drinks and kai from their licensed bar.
Right next door is The Wall, an indoor climbing and bouldering gym. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, it’s a fun, active way to spend an hour before your film. Together, they make a surprisingly perfect combo: play, then unwind.
For a limited-time spectacle: Te Puia’s Mārama Light Tour
This one is special, and you have to be here at the right time of year to experience it.
During certain seasons, Te Puia transforms its geothermal valley into Mārama, a multi-sensory light trail. You walk through the valley at night as incredible light installations illuminate the geysers, steam vents, and silica formations, all telling stories of local Māori legends. Seeing the Pōhutu geyser erupt under coloured lights is something you won't forget.
For a unique natural wonder: our Glow Worm Kayak Tour
This is my personal favourite, and hey, you can’t blame me! In a nutshell, we guide small groups out onto the lake by kayak as dusk is settling - paddling to sheltered, otherwise unreachable coves to see the glow worms, or titiwai, in their natural habitat, sharing stories about the area along the way.
This tour is unique for a few key reasons. First, a kayak is the only way to access the specific coves and cliff faces we visit. Second, the experience is defined by the peacefulness - once you're away from the shore, the only sounds are your paddle dipping in the water and the call of nocturnal birds. The darkness feels more complete, allowing the stars and the glow worms to be the only source of light, with their reflections shimmering right beside you on the water.
This experience is perfect for couples, nature-lovers, or anyone wanting to see Rotorua from a perspective you simply can’t get any other way.
So next time you're in Rotorua, I hope that as well as ticking off the bucket-list attractions, you take some time to try something a little beyond the obvious - I promise they’ll leave you with an unforgettable memory and story to tell for years to come.
Noho ora mai (stay well),
Tom
Q: Do I need to book tickets in advance?
A: For most, yes. For The Wall and Basement Cinema, you should book your movie tickets online as the theatres are small and sell out. For our glow worm tour and the Mārama Light Trail at Te Puia, booking is essential as they are guided experiences with limited spots that fill up fast. Mini Golf is the only one you can usually just turn up to.
Q: Which of these activities are family-friendly?
A: They all are, but for different kinds of families. Mini Golf is a winner for all ages. The Wall has climbing for all skill levels, and the cinema is great for older kids or a parent-date-night. Our glow worm tour is fantastic for kids aged 5 and up who appreciate nature. The Mārama Light Trail is a stunning walk that most kids would enjoy.
Q: What's the best option here for a rainy night?
A: The Wall and Basement Cinema is your good bet, as it's all indoors. Of course, we’d love to have you join us on a kayak tour - these run rain or shine often (the rain can make the experience very atmospheric!). The only reasons for weather cancellations are thunder and lightning or high winds, as the choppy water makes paddling pretty difficult!
Q: Is the glow worm kayak tour suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. Most of our guests are first-time kayakers. Our guides provide a full safety briefing and paddling instruction before we leave, and our double kayaks are very stable and easy to use.
Q: Are these activities located close to the city centre?
Yes, The Wall/Basement Cinema and Mini Golf are both located right in the central city, making them very easy to get to. Te Puia is a very short 5-minute drive south of the city centre. For our tour, we offer a pickup service from central Rotorua.
