Travel Articles

Adventure Family Fun Inspiration

The 15km Tarawera Trail is a beautiful native bush walk that follows the edge of Lake Tarawera to Te Rātā Bay and Hot Water Beach.

Eat Street

Food & Drink

Situated at the lake-front end of Tutanekai Street, 'Eat Street' is Rotorua's main dining hub. The street is packed full of restaurants and bars with all offering al fresco dining.

Rotorua Redwoods Walks

On the outskirts of Rotorua, is a must-visit natural attraction that all ages can enjoy. The Redwoods Forest features a number of walking trails, mountain biking trails, the Treewalk Attraction and incredible Californian Coastal Redwoods.

The New Rotorua Lakefront Development

Editorial

The new Rotorua lakefront redevelopment project is up and running with the first stage now completed. The public were able to see the new boardwalk and grass terracing when it was opened in mid-July 2021

Cycling The Thermal By Bike Trail (Te Ara Ahi)

Adventure Inspiration Sports

The Te Ara Ahi aka ‘thermal by bike’ bike trail is a unique biking experience in Rotorua. The 51km trail typically takes two days to complete and navigates through some of the region’s most famous geothermal attractions.

Top 5 Rotorua Bike Trails

Adventure Hot List Sports

Rotorua is the premier biking destination in the North Island of New Zealand. For riders of all abilities there are a huge range of trails to enjoy including the epic two day 'Thermal By Bike Trail', Skyline Mountain Bike Park, New Zealand's first gondola assisted mountain bike park and over 90km of trails through Whakarewarewa Forest.

Rotorua To Taupo

Editorial

The drive from Rotorua to Taupo is a pleasant and easy drive which should take less than 60 minutes. The short drive from Rotorua to Taupo is a straight-forward drive that is for the most part along State Highway 5 aka ‘Thermal Explorer’ until you reach Taupo. The road is a quiet drive past forest and rolling green countryside with typically not many other cars.

Wine Tasting In Rotorua

Food & Drink Inspiration

Wine tasting isn’t an obvious activity you consider when thinking of what to do in Rotorua. As the self-styled adventure capital of New Zealand’s North Island, zip lining, rafting, biking are all a more obvious choice. And let’s not forget why most people visit – to explore the incredible geothermal attractions and Maori culture that made the region famous.

New Zealand COVID-19 Travel Update

Press Releases

The New Zealand Government has recently announced major travel restrictions to limit the spread of COVID-19 in New Zealand. We've outlined the current travel restictions below (March 20). For the latest information visit the NZ Ministry of Health website.

7 Unusual Activities To Try In Rotorua

Adventure Family Fun Hot List Inspiration

Our guide to the top activities for those looking for something a little out of the ordinary to try in Rotorua. The point of this article is to save you time doing the research! So, we’ve created our top 7 unusual activities to experience in Rotorua.

Rotorua Stories Launch

Press Releases

Have you heard about the new 'visual stories' in Google and how it can impact a website? Well, we did and we've already added it to our My Guide Rotorua website and all our sites in the My Guide Network! This is set to be the biggest SEO opportunity in 2020 and will appear in Google search results very soon.

Rotorua Sculpture Trail

Arts & Culture Family Fun Inspiration

One thing you'll notice when walking around Rotorua, is the number of unique public art that acknowledges and celebrates heritage, stories and aspirations. The biggest concentration of artwork is located around Sulphur Lake, located opposite the Polynesian Spa and just behind Government Gardens

Top 10 Romantic Things To Do In Rotorua

Hot List Inspiration Top 10

While we can't claim they'll dazzle with a magical moment of romance, our list of '10 romantic things to in Rotorua', can at very least offer a fun day or, night out.

A family day out in Rotorua's Paradise Valley

Family Fun

For a great family day out, a trip to Paradise Valley Springs gets our vote. We recently visited the attraction and can vouch of this beautifully presented wildlife attraction in Rotorua, New Zealand.

Top 5 Day Trips From Rotorua

Adventure Family Fun Inspiration

Our 'Rotorua Day Trip Guide' features our top 5 places to vist that can be done easily in a day. All the places on our list are no more than an hour's drive away...

Rotorua To Waitomo Caves

At just under two hours’ drive, Waitomo Caves is a good day trip destination from Rotorua. After driving though the rolling hills of Waikato, you’ll arrive in the small town of Waitomo and home to one of New Zealand most famous attractions.

Rotorua To Hobbiton

Arts & Culture Editorial Family Fun

Our guide to visiting the famous Lord of the Rings and Hobbit films' movie set in Hobbiton, New Zealand. What to expect, how to get there and guided tour information.

Rotorua Mud Pools

Editorial Family Fun Inspiration

Our guide to discovering the best places to see the famous boiling mud pools in Rotorua.

Rotorua City Walk

A great way to see many of the best scenic spots of Rotorua is with a short walk around the city. We embarked on a 90 minute loop walk that takes in Sulphur Bay, Lake Rotorua, Government Gardens, Ohinemutu Village, Kuirau Park and the Polynesian Spa.

Lake Okareka Walk

Editorial Family Fun Inspiration

On a sunny morning in March, we went for a walk on the beautiful and serene Lake Okareka Walkway. Here’s what you can expect if you do the same….

Top 5 Rotorua Family Activities

Family Fun Hot List

Rotorua is a fun packed destination that is oneof the most visited regions in New Zealand. To help you find your ideal family activity we're picked our favourite attractions to check out.

Exploring Mokoia Island In Rotorua

Editorial Inspiration

Mokoia Island is situated in Lake Rotorua with an area of 1.35 square kilometres, rising 180 metres above the surface of the lake.

Top 5 Water Activities In Rotorua

Adventure Hot List

With over 16 lakes surrounding Rotorua and a deserved status as the premier adventure destination on New Zealand’s North Island, there are plenty of water activities to experience in Rotorua.

Top 5 Rotorua Adventure Activities

Adventure Hot List

For adventure seekers, Rotorua is the premier destination to visit on the North Island. The incredible landscape is the perfect backdrop to an abundance of adventure activities. We’ve picked out our top 5 for thrill seekers to consider.

Best Rotorua Festivals

Family Fun Hot List Inspiration Seasonal Celebrations

Rotorua is an activity packed destination, famous for its wonderous geothermal activity, Maori culture and attractions. With a busy event calendar, we’ve picked out a few of the best annual festivals to mark in your diary.

The Rotorua Luge Ride

Opened in 1986, visitors can select three separate tracks which span a combined distance of more than 4,000 metres. The tracks range from the fast paced advanced track that drives travellers past hairpin bends and low-lying tunnels, to the relaxing scenic track that allows luge riders to stop for photos along the way.

A Quick Guide To Rotorua Sightseeing

We've put pen to paper to create our 'Quick Guide To Rotorua Sightseeing' - not an exhaustive list of everything to see but an overview of the sights not to be missed.

Rainbow Mountain Summit Walk

On a cold winter’s day, we embarked on one of the best short walks in Rotorua. The 3.5 kilometre Rainbow Mountain Summit Walk takes between 1 and 1.5 hours, from the car park to the top.

Our Favourite Places To Eat In Rotorua

Food & Drink Hot List

As we live in Rotorua, we’re often asked for our recommendations of the best places to eat out. So, we’re going to share some of our favourites with you. After all, a decent meal is a great way to start or, end the day.

Top 5 Things To Do In Rotorua At Night

Editorial Hot List Inspiration Top 10

While daytime in Rotorua means lazy lake cruises on classic steamboats or excursions out to the geothermal attractions that's made the region famous, the night has an alt...

Top 5 Places For Coffee In Rotorua

Food & Drink Hot List

Coffee is taken very seriously in New Zealand and in Rotorua there are some of the country's finest practioners. As a regular visitor to the city and holder of multiple coffee loyalty schemes, I'd like to share my top 5 favorites for a decent 'Flat White'.

Best Activities In Rotorua For Kids

Family Fun Hot List

With plenty of attractions within easy distance of the centre, Rotorua is a great choice for a family holiday, even if you only have a few days to spend.

10 Incredible Views Of Rotorua

Our guide to the top 10 best views in Rotorua not be missed when visiting New Zealand's geothermal wonderland.

Rotorua Geysers

Adventure Hot List Inspiration

Our local expert guide to the best Rotorua Geysers to check out when visiting New Zealand's geothermal region.

48 Hours In Rotorua

Adventure Family Fun Inspiration

Our guide the ultimate 48 hour trip to Rotorua. From cultural encounters with fierce Haka-dancing warriors to adrenaline-pumping trips across the waters of Lake Rotorua,

Exploring Lake Rotorua

Family Fun Retreats & Relaxation

Thanks to its proximity to Rotorua town centre and sitting less than three hours' drive from Auckland, Lake Rotorua has become one of North Island's top recreational spots.

7 unmissable views in New Zealand's Bay of Plenty

Or local expert and resident picks out their top 7 views that you need to see when visiting the Bay of Plenty.

The Rotorua Redwoods Treewalk

Editorial Family Fun

Rotorua is blessed with plenty of natural attractions, the biggest tourist drawcard probably being its geothermal activity but The Redwoods (aka Whakarewarewa forest) is

Ziplining in Rotorua

Arts & Culture Family Fun Retreats & Relaxation

Read our writer's experience zipling in Rotorua, New Zealand. When you’re about to go hurtling through the bush on a wire you really want to feel you’re in safe hands...

The Allure Of The Rotorua Blue Baths

For those who still want to use the Rotorua Blue Baths for its original purpose, there’s still somewhere to swim. Heated, with two soaking pools to the side, the Juveni

Top 10 Views Of New Zealand's Central North Island

Hot List Inspiration Top 10

Our photo guide to the incredible landscapes not to be missed

White Water Rafting In Rotorua

Adventure Sports

Our guide to the thrills and spills of Rafting in Rototua, New Zealand's North Island capital of adventure. We look at the rivers, rafting operators and useful tips to rafting when visiting.

Top 5 Geothermal Attractions In Rotorua

Adventure Hot List

Our pick of the best 'geothermal attractions' to check out in New Zealand's premier volcanic region.

Exploring the home of Hobbits

Adventure Arts & Culture

A guide to the must-see attraction for LOTR and Hobbit fans coming to New Zealand. Amidst the rolling farm fields of the Waikato region on New Zealand’s North Island,

Riding the Rotorua Gondola

Family Fun

Our local expert guide to the Rotorua Gondola at the top of Mount Ngongotaha. Rising high above the city and lakeshore homes, the Skyline Gondola is an undisputed mu

Rotorua Zorbing

Adventure Family Fun Sports

A guide to the art of zorbing in Rotorua, the zany activity from where it all started in New Zealand.

Experiencing New Zealand Maori Culture

Arts & Culture

A Look At The Best Live Maori Shows in Rotorua. A live show allows the visitor a unique hands-on experience that takes them to the very heart of Maori culture.

Silence and Glow-Worms In Rotorua

One of the best ways to see the lakes at their most wonderful is by way of a kayak and the region makes this possible for its visitors through a range of tours or with hired equipment for those who want a DIY exploration.

Rotorua on a Backpacker Budget

Editorial

A guide for the budget conscious traveller visiting Rotorua.

White Island

Exploring New Zealand's most active Volcano, White Island.

The Best Scenic Drives Around Rotorua

Arts & Culture Inspiration

Hit the open road to discover the incredible scenery in Rotorua. There are some stunning scenic drives through mountains, orchards, farmland and forest, taking in la

24 Hours in Rotorua

Getting the best from Rotorua in just one day. It’s difficult to fit everything in for just a day visit, but here is what we think is the best way to spend 24 hour

Skiing New Zealand's North Island

Our guide to skiing on Mount Ruapehu in Tongariro National Park. Skiing became popular on the mountain during the sixties and has since become the largest ski field on the North Island. However, this mountain is unlike many others found around the world...

Wild Wheels In Whakarewarewa

Hot List Retreats & Relaxation

Whakarewarewa Forest offers over 200km of hiking paths, horse riding tracks, and most importantly, mountain bike trails! With 5700 hectares of woodland, the forest has enough room for everyone and you are free to roam as you like.

Hot Pool Indulgence in Rotorua

Our guide to the top 5 hot pools and spas to relax in Rotorua. Rotorua offers some of the best Spa treatments and geothermal bathing in New Zealand's hot pool city.

Rotorua Adrenaline Activities

The top attractions for thrill-seekers coming to Rotorua, New Zealand.

Discovering Maori Culture in Rotorua

Arts & Culture

A Guide To The Best Maori Cultural Attractions in Rotorua, New Zealand.

Rotorua is Turning Up The Heat

A sizzling hot guide to Rotorua's volcanic and geothermal attractions. Head to Rotorua, Taupo and the Bay of Plenty and get up close to the explosive action with boi

Tuhua: The Must Visit Island of The Bay Of Plenty