Rotorua is an absolute gem for your next family friendly activity! Especially those with adventurous kids over six years who crave excitement, learning, and the outdoors. This vibrant city is packed with experiences that will captivate older children and make family time unforgettable. This is your ultimate guide to the top family activities in Rotorua:
1. Waimangu Volcanic Valley
Location: 587 Waimangu Volcanic Valley Road, Rotorua
Highlights:
– Dramatic geothermal features, including the renowned Inferno Crater
– Scenic walking trails with informative signage
– Up-close views of diverse geothermal landscapes
Dive into a geothermal wonderland at Waimangu Volcanic Valley for a geothermal family friendly activity. This striking natural attraction offers dramatic volcanic features, including steaming hot springs, explosive geysers, and vividly coloured pools. The well-marked trails provide stunning views and an educational journey through volcanic activity. It’s the perfect blend of nature and learning for the whole family.
2. Te Puia
Location: 20 Hemo Road, Rotorua
Highlights:
– Pohutu Geyser and other impressive geothermal formations
– Kiwi Conservation Centre with close-up kiwi bird encounters
– Engaging Māori cultural performances and demonstrations
Experience the Māori culture and geothermal marvels in one visit to Te Puia. Home to the famous Pohutu Geyser, Te Puia boasts bubbling mud pools and rich cultural experiences. Kids will love the interactive Kiwi Conservation Centre and traditional Māori performances that bring New Zealand’s heritage to life.
3. Rotorua Canopy Tours
Location: 147 Fairy Springs Road, Rotorua
Highlights:
– Ziplining through a stunning native forest canopy
– Educational talks on Conservation and bird feeding
– Spectacular views and thrilling zip line rides
Prepare for an unrivalled, world-class ziplining adventure set in one of the few preserved ancient native forests of New Zealand. This is an epic family friendly activity! Rotorua Canopy Tours offers breathtaking views, swing bridges, tree-based platforms, and thrilling zip lines. With fully guided small group tours, you’ll experience an immersive adventure while learning about local flora and fauna.
4. Wingspan National Bird of Prey Centre
Location: 1334 Paradise Valley Road, Rotorua
Highlights:
– Close encounters with New Zealand’s raptors
– Educational talks on conservation and bird behaviour
– Interactive displays that captivate and educate
Bird enthusiasts will find Wingspan National Bird of Prey Centre a must-visit for a family friendly activity. This centre is dedicated to New Zealand’s raptors, offering an up-close look at these majestic birds. Interactive displays and informative sessions make it an engaging educational experience for older kids.
5. Waikite Valley Thermal Pools
Location: 648 Waikite Valley Road, Rotorua
Highlights:
– Relaxing thermal pools with scenic views
– Family-friendly facilities for ultimate relaxation
– Various pool temperatures to suit everyone’s preference
After a day of excitement, relax at the Waikite Valley Thermal Pools. Nestled in a picturesque setting, these thermal pools provide a serene escape with soothing geothermal waters. It’s a family-friendly spot perfect for unwinding and recharging.
6. Skyline Rotorua
Location: 178 Fairy Springs Road, Rotorua
Highlights:
– Gondola ride with breathtaking views
– Exciting luge tracks for all skill levels
– Diverse activities including mountain biking and walking tracks
Skyline Rotorua is a hub of fun and adventure. Start with a scenic gondola ride offering panoramic views of Rotorua. Then, tackle the luge tracks or explore the thrilling mountain biking trails. Whether you seek a relaxing gondola ride or an adrenaline rush, Skyline Rotorua has something for everyone on this family friendly activity.
7. The National Kiwi Hatchery
Location: 141 Western Road, Ngongotahā, Rotorua
Highlights:
– Insight into Kiwi conservation and breeding programmes
– Close-up views of baby kiwis and their habitat
– Educational and interactive exhibits
The family will love a visit to the National Kiwi Hatchery! It is a must-see for those fascinated by wildlife and New Zealand conservation. Learn about kiwi conservation efforts and see these iconic birds in a controlled environment. The hatchery’s interactive displays and educational sessions are perfect for engaging older children.
Rotorua is a treasure trove of experiences that caters to family friendly activities. From heart-pounding adventures to enriching educational encounters, there’s something here to keep everyone entertained and engaged. Pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable family friendly adventure in Rotorua!
8. Redwoods Altitude Rotorua
Location: Long Mile Rd, Whakarewarewa Forest, Rotorua
Highlights: Ready for a challenge? Redwoods Altitude Rotorua offers an elevated adventure with 25 bridges and three flying foxes. Enjoy spectacular views of the towering Californian Redwoods and the Whakarewarewa Forest as you navigate this treetop course. It’s a heart-racing experience that gives you a thrilling new perspective on this iconic forest.
Age and Weight: 10 years+ with a minimum weight of 30kg and a maximum of 120kg. Participants should be tall enough to reach 180 cm.
9. Rotorua Zipline
Location: Rotorua Ziplines, 761 State Highway 33, Okere Falls
Highlights: Rotorua Zipline, which opened in 2022, offers a fresh adventure. With four ziplines soaring above the Kaituna River and cascading over roaring waterfalls, this tour combines excitement with environmental conservation and cultural immersion. Experience speeds of up to 40 km/h while soaking in the spectacular natural scenery. It’s a prime example of how Zipline Rotorua merges fun with sustainability.
Age and Weight: 5 years+ with a maximum weight of 130kg.
10. Vortex Ninja Park at Motion Entertainment
Location: 366 Te Ngae Rd, Lynmore, Rotorua
Highlights: Opened in March 2024, this park combines obstacle courses with ziplines to offer a multifaceted adventure suitable for all ages. Whether you’re navigating obstacles or soaring through the air, Vortex Ninja Park provides a dynamic, action-packed experience that highlights the versatility of zipline Rotorua activities.
Age and Weight: 5 years+ with a maximum weight of 100kg.
Rotorua is a ziplining haven, boasting a variety of exhilarating and picturesque experiences for adventurers aged 5 and up. Whether you’re tackling creative courses or gliding down a Zipline, Rotorua has something for everyone. So, strap in and prepare for an unforgettable adventure in one of New Zealand’s premier adventure spots!
11. Velocity Valley Adrenaline Park
Location: 1335 Paradise Valley Road, Rotorua
If your family thrives on high-speed excitement, put this destination on your top family activities list! Velocity Valley Adrenaline Park is the place to be for an adrenaline fix! Here, you can race in the Shweeb Racer, a unique pedal-powered pod that brings out your competitive spirit. For those seeking even more thrills, the Agrojet offers high-speed jet boat rides that will get your heart racing. Other adrenaline-pumping activities include bungee trampolines and a freefall simulator. This park is designed to provide a safe environment for your family to unleash their adventurous side and enjoy a high-octane day out.
12. Zorb Rotorua
Location: 525 Ngongotaha Road, Rotorua
Looking for a one-of-a-kind top family activity that’s bound to entertain kids and teens? Head to Zorb Rotorua, where you can roll downhill inside a giant inflatable ball. Choose from a range of tracks for a rollicking ride that’s as exhilarating as it is unique. The giant ball experience is a hit with all ages, offering a fun and safe way to create lasting family memories and share some hearty laughs.
13. Paddle Board Rotorua
Location: 1167 Fenton Street, Rotorua
For those who prefer a more laid-back adventure, Paddle Board Rotorua provides a tranquil paddleboarding experience on Rotorua’s picturesque lakes. The highlight of the tour is a magical evening excursion to see glow worms, adding an enchanting twist to your paddleboarding adventure. Suitable for all skill levels, this peaceful top family activity offers a serene contrast to more adrenaline-fueled pursuits and is perfect for families looking to enjoy a calm and memorable outing together.
14. Off Road NZ
Location: 193 Amoore Road, RD2, Rotorua
We’ve chose this top family activity for those teens who are passionate about vehicles and outdoor challenges. This exhilarating adventure lets you tackle muddy trails, steep inclines, and obstacle courses in a 4×4 vehicle. With courses designed to offer both excitement and safety, this adventure promises family fun and the chance to tackle challenges together, creating unforgettable experiences.
Rotorua is brimming with diverse top family activities that cater to all interests and energy levels for kids and teens aged 6-15. Whether your family prefers high-octane thrills or relaxing adventures, these top activities ensure a blend of excitement, bonding, and cherished memories. Pack your bags, prepare for an adventure, and make the most of your family trip to Rotorua!