There’s something special about travelling on your own. It’s a chance to follow your own schedule, be present, and discover a new place on your own terms. As a guide, I get to meet heaps of solo travellers exploring New Zealand, and I always tell them the same thing - Rotorua is a fantastic place to do it.
Rotorua is a safe, friendly city that’s easy to get around, and filled with adventures that are just as amazing (sometimes even more so!) when you experience them by yourself. If you’re planning a solo trip here, I’ve put together a few of my favourite tips to help you have an unforgettable time.
Getting around town
First up, logistics. You don’t necessarily need a car here.
Central Rotorua is small - you can walk most of it in twenty minutes. For stuff further out like the Redwoods or Te Puia, there's a local bus service that's cheap and reliable enough.
Taxis and Ubers are around if you need them. And most tour operators (us included) will pick you up from wherever you're staying in town, so you're not stuck figuring out transport to every activity.
Great activities for one
The advantage of travelling alone is you can be completely selfish with your time. Here's what I'd recommend:
For quiet contemplation: The Redwoods
To be honest, walking through Whakarewarewa Forest on your own is better than doing it with other people. The trails are well-marked, it’s safe, and you can go entirely at your own pace, marvelling at the beautiful Californian Redwoods and stopping whenever something catches your eye.
For a dose of culture: Te Puia
This is a great place to explore by yourself, as you can join the free guided tours, or just wander the grounds at your own pace, taking your time to watch the Pōhutu geyser or see the kiwi birds. You get all the benefits of a shared cultural experience with the freedom to explore on your own terms.
For some self-care: Spas
Solo travel is the perfect excuse to treat yourself. Rotorua’s geothermal waters are world-famous for their healing properties, and soaking in a hot pool under the open sky is even more peaceful when it’s just you. Kuirau Park has free footbaths if you're on a tight budget, or Secret Spot and Polynesian Spa are great for a bit more luxury and indulgence.
For a memorable experience: Taiao Adventures Kayak Tour
I'm biased, but our glow worm tour is one of the most memorable things you can do in Rotorua, and it’s an incredible experience to have as a solo traveller. We run small groups, and we'll pair you in a double kayak with either another guest or one of us guides. It's low-pressure - you're not forced to make conversation, but if you want to chat with someone, you can. The actual experience - paddling out in the dark, sitting in silence under the glow worms in private coves - hits different when you're on your own.
My tip: Don't be shy about joining group tours! You get a safe, organised adventure and an instant group of new people to share it with. Everyone’s in the same boat (literally, in our case), so people bond quickly - and there’s a good chance you’ll end up grabbing dinner together afterwards anyway.
Where to eat and drink
TEating alone can feel awkward, but Rotorua's not a fancy-dinner kind of place, so it's less weird than you'd think.
Eat Streat has a bunch of restaurants clustered together. It's busy enough that no one notices you're alone, and you can just sit and watch people. Tons of options for coffee and lunch around town, and most have counter seating, which can make solo dining feel a bit more natural.
Honestly though, my move would be to grab takeaways from the Thursday Night Market and eat by the lakefront. It’s one of the best views in town, there’s no pressure, and you're not the only person sitting alone on a bench.
Rotorua's not going to feel lonely if you're traveling solo. It's small enough to be manageable, but there's enough happening that you'll stay occupied. And if you want to meet people, join a group tour or two - you'll end up with at least a few good conversations, and no doubt a couple of new mates too.
Noho ora mai (stay well),
Tom
Q: Is Rotorua a safe city for solo travellers?
A: Yes, it’s generally a very safe and friendly city. Like anywhere, it’s wise to take standard precautions - be aware of your surroundings at night, don’t leave valuables unattended, and let someone know your plans if you're heading out on a long hike.
Q: Can I join your kayak tour by myself? Do I have to pay extra?
You absolutely can, and we have solo travellers on almost every tour! There are no extra costs or "single supplements." We’ll simply pair you in a double kayak with another guest or one of our guides.
Q: What’s the best way to meet other travellers in Rotorua?
Staying in one of the city's excellent hostels is a great way to meet people. Joining small group activities, like our kayak tour or a rafting trip, is another fantastic and easy way to connect with fellow adventurers.
Q: Do I need to rent a car if I'm travelling alone?
Not necessarily. If you stay in the central city, you can walk to many places, use the local bus for others, and rely on tour operator pickups. However, if you want to explore the wider Bay of Plenty region and its hidden spots, then a car would be very useful.
