Whether it's Skyline, Secret Spot Hot Tubs, or the Night Market, Rotorua has plenty of world-famous tourist activities, and they're popular for a reason.
And sure, no trip here would be complete without them - but there are also plenty of other things that don't appear on Instagram feeds or TripAdvisor lists that are just as worth experiencing.
I've lived here most of my life, and since I spend most evenings out on the water doing glow worm tours, I've picked up on what else is happening across town after dark. So if you're looking for something a bit beyond the obvious, here's what I'd recommend.
For a cosy night out: The Wall and Basement Cinema
Starting off strong here with Basement Cinema, which is undoubtedly one of Rotorua’s best-kept secrets! It's tucked away in a small complex that most tourists walk straight past, but locals love it because it feels more like watching a film at someone's house than going to the cinema.
There are just two tiny theatres, each fitted with about 20 seats, and they've got decent craft beer, wine, proper coffee, and you can take it all into the theatre with you. The place is super cosy and comfy, the sound system's good, and they usually show a mix of mainstream and independent stuff.
Right next door is The Wall - an indoor climbing and bouldering gym. I've never done the climb-then-movie combo myself, but plenty of people have, and they reckon it's a fun one, good for both beginners and pros.
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 - they have bunnies, bubble machines, a great playlist on the speakers, waterfalls, and fishponds. But at night, the whole place 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 good for a laugh if you're with friends or family. Takes about an hour to get around the 18 holes.
For a limited-time spectacle: Te Puia’s Mārama Light Tour
This one is special, but you do have to be here at the right time of year to experience it, so check before you plan around it.
During selected seasons, Te Puia transforms its geothermal valley into Mārama - a multi-sensory light trail. As you walk through, projections illuminate the geysers, steam vents, and silica terraces with stories from local Māori history. The standout, though, is watching Pōhutu Geyser erupt under shifting coloured lights.
For a unique natural wonder: our Glow Worm Kayak Tour
Look, obviously I'm biased here, but I'll try to explain why this one's different from other night activities.
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.
A kayak is the only way to access the specific coves and cliff faces we visit, and it's unbelievably peaceful out there (once you're away from the shore, the only sounds are your paddle dipping in the water and the nocturnal birds).
It’s perfect for couples, nature-lovers, or anyone wanting to see Rotorua from a perspective you can’t get any other way.
Rotorua does the big attractions brilliantly. But if you’ve got an evening free and you want something that feels a bit more off the beaten path, these activities have their own special charm.
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.
