Geothermal wonders, adrenaline activities, and wide-open green spaces that lend themselves to exploring - Taiao Adventures backs Rotorua as the perfect family-friendly travel destination. Whether you want to keep the kids busy with adventure-packed days, or simply want them to appreciate the wonderful natural world, Rotorua delivers every time.
So if you’re putting together a family itinerary, these are the activities that have been favourites for families who visit.
Skyline Luge
If there’s one Rotorua experience that genuinely works for every age and every kind of family, it’s Skyline Rotorua. The gondola ride up Mount Ngongotahā is an activity in itself - kids love watching the city shrink beneath them, teens are glued to the views, and adults finally get a moment to take in the landscape. At the top, you’ll find panoramic lookouts, plenty of space to wander, and a surprisingly good range of food options (including the always-popular Jelly Belly store!).
And then, of course, there’s the luge.
Riding these small carts down winding tracks is one of those rare activities that feels exciting but totally manageable. Little ones can ride tandem, older kids can take control, and grown-ups will absolutely convince themselves they’re “just doing it for the kids,” then immediately ask when they can go again. The multi-ride pass is 100% worth it.
If you’ve got thrill-seekers in the family, there’s also the Skyswing for an extra hit of adrenaline - but even if you keep things mellow, the gondola + views + luge combo makes Skyline an easy, guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Volcanic mud pools and geysers
Rotorua's geothermal activity is the main draw, and kids find it genuinely interesting because it's loud, it smells weird, and things are actually bubbling and erupting in front of them.
Te Puia has the Pōhutu geyser, which erupts regularly and is impressive enough that kids pay attention. There's also a kiwi house, which works well if your kids haven't seen one yet. The cultural performances are worth experiencing too - a great introduction to Māori culture for all ages.
Wai-O-Tapu is more spread out - you walk a circuit past colourful thermal bubbling pools. The Champagne Pool is the standout. Get there early for the Lady Knox Geyser - it erupts at 10:15am daily.
Hell’s Gate is another great option for families, especially if your kids love hands-on experiences. It’s home to Rotorua’s most active mud pools, and the geothermal walk is raw and dramatic. But the real draw for many kids is the mud bath area, where you can actually hop in and get muddy yourself. It’s messy and fun, and definitely the kind of experience kids talk about long after the holiday ends.
All three places smell like sulphur, so warn your kids ahead of time because they will definitely notice all those natural smells!
Polynesian Spa
After a big day of activities, soaking in warm water is an easy way to help everyone unwind. Polynesian Spa is a popular option, especially the Deluxe Lake Spa, which has beautiful views over the lake. It does get busy during school holidays, so booking ahead is a good idea.
Another great family-friendly choice is Waikite Valley Hot Pools. With plenty of space, natural surroundings, and water fed straight from the Te Manaroa Spring, it has a laid-back vibe that families love.
Both are solid options - it just depends whether you want lake views in the city or a more nature-focused experience a little further out.
Redwoods forest walks
If your kids have energy to burn, the Redwoods are good for letting them run around without traffic or other hazards. The trees are massive, the trails are well-marked, and there are enough different paths that you can pick something appropriate for your group's fitness level.
The shorter loops near the entrance work for younger kids, and the Mokopuna track is lined with hundreds and hundreds of beautiful painted stones and rocks which they’ll be able to admire!
Better yet, you could rent some bikes and ride together along the family-friendly trails designed specifically for children. They’re wide, smooth, and playful enough to feel like an adventure without being too technical.
I’d recommend packing some snacks - there’s a great café at the entrance and plenty nearby, but once you’re in the forest and moving, you’ll likely spend longer than you think here, and kids will need the energy!
Kuirau Park
This is a free geothermal park right in town with bubbling mud pools, steam vents, and hot footbaths. It's not as dramatic as the paid attractions, but it's a good backup option if you need something low-key or if the weather's iffy.
The playground is decent, and the footbaths are warm enough that kids find them interesting. One thing to be cautious of is that the geothermal areas are open, and the ground can be hot and unstable in places. Make sure kids stay on the marked tracks and paths.
Eat Streat
This covered dining precinct has a bunch of different restaurants and food options all in one place, so it’s easily one of the best spots for dinner with kids. The atmosphere is lively enough that no one blinks if your kids are chatty, restless, or bouncing between seats.
After dinner, you can head to Lady Jane’s - a long-time local favourite for ice cream. Plus, there’s a playground right across the road on the lakefront. It’s the perfect spot to let them run off that last burst of energy before heading back for the night.
Rotorua’s ultimate evening activity - a glow worm kayak tour
This is the hidden gem that turns a great family trip into an unforgettable adventure. As the last light disappears and dusk settles over the lake, we take families out in double kayaks toward coves that can only be reached from the water. Once the lights are turned off, we drift silently to witness a hidden galaxy of glow worms lighting up the cave walls.
Kids absolutely love it because it’s an adventure that feels slightly risky (being on the water in the dark), but is actually incredibly safe and meticulously managed. The glow worms themselves are stunning, and will have most kids mesmerised! Seeing this ancient, natural light show reflected in the glassy lake is one of Rotorua’s most magical, awe-inspiring, and peaceful experiences that can’t be found elsewhere.
We've had kids as young as five on tours. To keep everyone safe on the water, anyone under 16 now requires a minimum supervision ratio of one adult to one child. With that in place, younger paddlers do brilliantly (and adults always appreciate the gentle pace and the rare sense of stillness on the water).
The ultimate family destination
Rotorua works well for families because the whole region is more or less designed for exploring. Mornings can begin with steam rising from geysers (or, for something more immersive, a gentle paddle on our Steaming Cliffs Kayak Tour to paddle beside steaming cliffs and thermal vents), afternoons can be spent flying down luge tracks or running through the Redwoods, and evenings roll easily into hot pools and lakeside dinners. And when darkness settles, you don’t have to go far to find something magical, with glow worms lighting up hidden coves, right on the edge of the city.
Noho ora mai (stay well),
Tom
Q: Is Rotorua suitable for young kids or toddlers?
A: Yes - most activities here work for a wide range of ages (Rotorua is one of New Zealand’s most family-friendly destinations). Toddlers usually love the gondola, Redwoods walks, geothermal parks, and splash-friendly hot pools. For anything more adventurous (like the luge or kayaking), check the minimum age/height requirements for each operator.
Q: Are Rotorua’s geothermal areas safe for kids?
A: Yes - Rotorua’s geothermal parks, such as Te Puia, Wai-O-Tapu, and Kuirau Park, are safe for families as long as you stay on the marked paths. The ground can be unstable and extremely hot in some areas, so younger kids need close supervision. All major parks are well-signposted and monitored.
Q: Do Rotorua’s geothermal parks smell bad?
A: They do come with some distinct natural smells (it’s just part of Rotorua!). Kids often find it funny at first - giving them a heads up ahead of time definitely helps!
Q: Is the glow worm kayak tour suitable for kids?
Yes, for most kids aged 5 and up. They don’t need prior kayaking experience - just the ability to sit still and follow instructions. Parents and kids share double kayaks, which makes it easier. Anyone under 16 will need to be accompanied by an adult over 18 on a ratio of one adult to one child.
Q: What’s the best time of day to visit the Rotorua Redwoods with kids?
A: The Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest is best with kids early in the morning or late afternoon when temperatures are cooler. Short loops like the Redwood Memorial Grove are perfect for younger families, and the Treewalk is quieter first thing in the morning.
Q: Do we need to book Rotorua tourist activities in advance?
A: For most things, it helps. Definitely book ahead for the Polynesian Spa (especially in school holidays), our glow worm kayak tours, and Skyline gondola and luge. Walks, geothermal parks, and Kuirau Park don’t need bookings.
Q: Is Rotorua stroller-friendly?
A: Mostly, yes. Rotorua has several stroller-friendly areas, including Kuirau Park’s geothermal paths, the Lakefront walkway, Eat Streat, and the shorter walking loops in the Redwoods Forest. Some geothermal parks have steps or uneven ground, so check the accessibility details on each site before visiting with a stroller.
Q: What should we pack for a Rotorua family trip?
A: Comfortable shoes for walking, a light rain jacket (weather changes quickly), swimwear and towels, snacks, warm layers for the evening, and a camera!
Q: Is Rotorua good in winter with kids?
A: Absolutely - sometimes it’s even better than warmer seasons! The hot pools feel amazing in winter, the geothermal steam is dramatic, and activities like the luge are open year-round. And if you get a clear, crisp evening, winter is also one of the best times for stargazing. Just bring warm layers.
