If you’re reading this, I’m guessing you’ve got a trip to Rotorua coming up. Welcome to our beautiful town - you’re in for a treat.
Rotorua is home to hundreds of nationally and internationally renowned attractions. It’s one of those rare places where almost every corner has something interesting happening. I’ve lived here for years now, and there are still things I haven’t crossed off the list yet.
You could stay for months and still have more to discover - but even if you’ve only got 48 hours in Rotorua, there’s plenty you can experience, enjoy, and remember long after you’ve gone home.
Below are my recommendations for how to make the most of two days in Rotorua, without having to rush between activities.
Day One: Morning
9:00am - Breakfast and coffee
Start your trip with a proper breakfast and a slow moment to ease into the day. Rotorua has plenty of great cafés, but a few of my personal favourites are:
Mr Wolf Eatery, next to the Rotorua Information Centre. A strong contender for the best eggs benedict in town.
Aroma Café Rotorua, on Fenton Street, their avocado toast is delicious.
Artisan Café Rotorua on Tutanekai Street, they have lots of great menu & cabinet options.
Take your time here. A good coffee and breakfast will set you up nicely for the day ahead.
10:30am – Explore Rotorua’s Geothermal Parks
Rotorua’s geothermal parks are not just “something to do” - they’re a big part of what makes Rotorua… Rotorua.
Starting your trip with geothermal activity gives you instant context for everything else you’ll notice around town over the next couple of days: the steam drifting across roads, the smell of sulphur in the air, and the warmth rising from vents along the lakefront.
Two of the best geothermal experiences near Rotorua are:
About 30 minutes south of Rotorua, Wai-O-Tapu has some of the most dramatic geothermal landscapes in New Zealand. You’ll see naturally coloured hot springs, bubbling mud pools, mineral terraces and huge volcanic craters.
It’s often described as one of the most surreal landscapes on earth, and once you see the neon greens, bright oranges and steaming pools, you’ll understand why.
Just 10 minutes from the city centre, Te Puia offers a mix of geothermal features, wildlife and Māori culture. It’s home to the famous Pōhutu Geyser, the largest active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere.
You can also visit the Kiwi Conservation Centre and experience traditional cultural performances. While the geothermal landscape is a little less dramatic than Wai-O-Tapu, the cultural experience makes it equally memorable.
Day One: Afternoon
1:00pm – Lunch
There’s a café on-site at Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, and both a café (Hiakai Café & Restaurant) and restaurant (Pātaka Kai Restaurant) at Te Puia, with plenty of delicious kai on offer.
If you’ve finished exploring and feel like heading back into town, there are plenty of great lunch spots in central Rotorua. A few I’d recommend are:
Eat Streat Rotorua, a lively food hub near the Lake Rotorua waterfront, with everything from casual pub food to desserts and Lady Janes Ice Cream.
The Fainting Goat, also on Tutanekai Street. Their sharing platters are a great option if you’re travelling as a group.
Eastwood Café, nestled in the Redwoods. The food is fantastic, especially their wood fried pizzas! And this spot leads perfectly into my next activity suggestion.
2:30pm – Whakarewarewa Forest (The Redwoods)
After a morning surrounded by geothermal heat, you’ll probably be craving somewhere cooler, and the Redwoods always deliver.
Walking or biking beneath the towering 120-year-old Californian redwoods is peaceful, grounding, and completely free. It’s the perfect contrast to the heat and colour of the morning’s geothermal parks.
If you’re walking, two good options are:
Redwoods Memorial Loop (around 30–45 minutes)
Waitawa Walk (a slightly longer and quieter track)
If you’re keen to bike, head deeper into the forest. The trail network is huge, with options for every level - from easy cruisy rides to more technical mountain bike tracks. Check out Mountain Bike Rotorua to plan the perfect ride.
4:30pm – Kuirau Park or a Lakefront Walk
After a full afternoon in the forest, this is a good moment to slow things down a little. Both of these options let you stretch your legs and enjoy a quieter side of Rotorua before the evening activities begin.
Kuirau Park
This free geothermal reserve sits right in the middle of town. You’ll find bubbling mud pools, steaming vents, and even free hot foot baths. It’s a great way to experience geothermal activity without paying for another attraction.
Lake Rotorua Lakefront
If geothermal activity is starting to feel a little intense after the morning, the lakefront offers the perfect counterbalance. Wide boardwalks, open green spaces, and views across the lake make it an easy place to wander without a plan.
There are sculptures, viewing platforms, and plenty of places to sit and take in the scenery. It also has a great playground for families travelling with kids.
And because when you’re on holiday you’re absolutely allowed more than one ice cream a day, you can always swing back around to Lady Janes Ice Cream for a scoop (or two).
Day One: Evening
6:30pm – Dinner
Your best bet for dinner is heading back to Eat Streat Rotorua, a covered street lined with restaurants and bars right near the lakefront. It has a lively atmosphere and plenty of variety, so there’s almost always something to suit whatever you’re craving.
My recommendation? Walk the length of the street first, see what catches your eye based on the vibe and the crowd, then choose.
If you’d prefer a few specific suggestions:
BREW | Craft Beer Pub, their pork belly is excellent, and the burgers are always a safe bet.
Mac’s Steakhouse, as the name suggests, the steaks are the star of the show, though their seafood is also fantastic.
Ambrosia Restaurant & Bar, a reliable option for steaks, lamb, and classic favourites.
Eat well, because the next activity is worth staying up for.
Taiao Adventures Glow Worm Kayak Tour
I’ll be honest - I have a bit of a vested interest in this one, because it’s what I guide! But finishing your evening with a glow worm kayak tour really is one of the most memorable experiences you can have in Rotorua.
New Zealand glow worms - Arachnocampa luminosa - are found only in Australia and New Zealand, which makes seeing them here a pretty special opportunity. Experiencing them from a kayak takes things to another level entirely. Instead of walking through a busy cave with tour groups, you’re out on the lake under the open sky, with space, quiet, and an experience that feels far more personal.
With Taiao Adventures, we paddle out just as the sun sets and the lake begins to settle for the night. By the time we reach the hidden coves - places you simply can’t access from land - darkness has fallen and the glow worms begin to appear.
Then we drift. Lights off. Kayaks Quiet. Eyes adjusting to glow worms lighting up along the cave walls and cave top, their beauty shimmers off the water below. You are fully emerged into the Rotorua Glow Worms natural habitat.
It’s peaceful, grounding, and has a beautiful way of connecting people with the wairua (spirit) of the place - a feeling of being held by the landscape rather than simply observing it.
Day Two: Morning
8:00am – Breakfast
After a big first day, a simple breakfast is probably all you’ll need. A couple of easy local favourites are:
Piccalo Café, on Hinemaru Street makes an excellent coffee and has a relaxed morning vibe.
Ciabatta Bakery, you should know that this is the entire Taiao Adventures team's favourite place to grab food. Located on White Street known for their authentic artisan breads and fresh pastries, everything is delicious.
Make sure you fuel up before heading out for your final day exploring Rotorua.
9:00am – Skyline Luge or Government Gardens
Yesterday was full - geothermal parks, forests, and glow worms - so this morning you can decide whether you feel like something high-energy or something slow and peaceful.
Take the gondola up Mount Ngongotahā, then race gravity-powered carts down winding tracks through the hillside.
It’s fast, fun, and a little bit addictive - don’t be surprised if you find yourself heading back up for another run. Plan to spend around two hours here, including the gondola ride and a few trips down the tracks.
If you’d prefer something calmer, the Rotorua Government Gardens are a lovely way to start the day. Mornings here are peaceful, and there’s plenty of space to wander. Take your time exploring the colourful flower beds, historic buildings, and winding garden paths. It’s the perfect place for a relaxed stroll before continuing your day.
Day Two: Afternoon
12:00pm – Lunch
If you’re at Skyline Rotorua, they run an amazing buffet lunch from 11:30am–1:30pm with a range of seafood and meat options, which you can enjoy while taking in the panoramic views across Lake Rotorua.
Otherwise, there are plenty of easy but satisfying lunch spots back in town. A few favourites:
Capers Café, on Eruera Street. Brilliant coffee, and a great selection of cabinet & menu food.
Fat Dog Café & Bar, on Arawa Street. This place has been around for years and is many locals favourite.
Lime Café, on Whakaue Street. Super friendly team and delicious food.
1:30pm – Hot Pools
This is the perfect final “big” activity for the trip, and a bit of a must do when visiting Rotorua. After walking, biking, kayaking, luging, and exploring, your body will probably be craving stillness & a chance to properly unwind. Excellent options are:
Polynesian Spa
Rotorua’s most iconic hot pool experience, set right on the shores of Lake Rotorua. It’s very family-friendly, with a range of pools suitable for all ages. If you’re looking for something a little quieter, the Deluxe Lake Spa pools are my favourite here - offering a more peaceful soak while enjoying those beautiful lake views.
Secret Spot Hot Tubs Rotorua
Tucked into the forest, these private hot tubs sit among native bush with cool air drifting through the trees. It’s cosy, secluded, and feels like a real treat at the end of a busy weekend of exploring. Best of all, you can even order a cheeky drink to be delivered straight to your tub!
Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa
A newer addition to Rotorua’s spa scene, Wai Ariki blends traditional Māori healing practices with modern spa experiences. Overlooking the lakefront, it offers geothermal bathing, spa treatments, and a deeper cultural connection to the land and water.
4:00pm – One Last Wander
Before heading home, finish the trip with something simple and refreshing.
The walk around Lake Tikitapu (the Blue Lake) is a beautiful way to wrap up your time in Rotorua. Just a short drive from town, this peaceful lake is known for its striking blue colour and calm native surroundings.
The full loop track takes about an hour, winding through native bush and along the water’s edge. It’s an easy, scenic walk and a lovely way to slow down and soak in a bit more of Rotorua’s natural beauty before heading home.
There’s no right or wrong way to experience Rotorua. This itinerary is simply what I’d recommend if I were planning a weekend for friends visiting from out of town or overseas.
Use it, adjust it, skip parts of it, whatever works for you. Rotorua has a way of meeting people where they’re at, and it always sends them home with a few unforgettable memories.
Noho ora mai (stay well),
Tom
Q: What other options do I have if I want to switch things up?
Rotorua has a huge range of activities if you’d like to swap out part of this itinerary or add something extra.
You could zipline through native forest with Rotorua Canopy Tours, roll down a hill in the iconic ZORB Rotorua, or get the thrill of flying over a waterfall with Rotorua Rafting.
For cultural experiences, Te Pā Tū and Mitai Māori Village both offer a memorable evening of traditional storytelling, food, and performance.
If you’re travelling with kids and want to see some cute animals, Agrodome and Paradise Valley Springs Wildlife Park are always popular choices.
You could also wander among lantern-lit suspended bridges at the Redwoods Treewalk, or explore the dramatic geothermal landscapes of Waimangu Volcanic Valley.
All of these are easy additions or alternatives depending on your interests.
Q: Out of all these experiences, which one should I NOT miss?
During the day, make time for a geothermal park such as Wai-O-Tapu or Te Puia. Geothermal activity is the heart of Rotorua’s identity and nowhere else in New Zealand offers this variety at the same scale. At night, the Taiao Adventures glow worm kayak tour is the standout experience. Being on the water in darkness with glow worms above you and reflections beside you is something nothing else in Rotorua replicates.
Q: Do I need a car?
A car makes everything easier, especially if your time in Rotorua is limited, but it is not essential. Taxis, Ubers, and local buses operate throughout town. Many tour operators, including Taiao Adventures, offer pick-up and drop-off from central Rotorua, so you can comfortably get to & from activities without needing your own vehicle.
Q: Do tourist activities in Rotorua need to be booked in advance?
At many attractions in Rotorua, booking ahead isn’t strictly necessary. However, it can be helpful to reserve in advance to save time - especially during busy periods. Popular experiences such as glow worm tours, the Skyline Luge, hot pools, and geothermal parks can fill up quickly on weekends, during school holidays, and throughout the summer. Booking ahead helps ensure you secure your preferred time and avoid missing out.
Q: What’s the best time of year to do this itinerary?
This itinerary works beautifully all year round - each season offers a slightly different experience.
Summer: Long evenings and warm lake water make it perfect for swimming and outdoor adventures.
Winter: The geothermal steam looks magical in the cool air, and the clear skies make for incredible stargazing.
Spring & Autumn: Mild temperatures, colourful landscapes, and generally fewer crowds, making it a relaxed time to visit.
Q: What should I pack for Rotorua?
Comfortable walking shoes for exploring geothermal parks, forests, and lakeside trails.
Light layers, plus a warm layer for the evenings (Rotorua can cool down quickly).
Extra warm layers in winter, such as a puffer jacket, scarf, and beanie.
Swimsuit and towel if you’re planning to visit hot pools or lakes.
Sunscreen and sunglasses, the New Zealand sun can be strong year-round.
A spare set of clothes if you’re doing adventure activities like rafting, zip-lining, or mountain biking.
A reusable water bottle to stay hydrated while you’re out exploring.
