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If you’re planning a trip to Rotorua with the kids, you’re in for a great time. This place is packed with activities that’ll keep the whole family entertained, whether you’re after adventure or a bit of relaxation. Read on for our top recommendations for things to do in Rotorua with kids—you won’t want to miss these!
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Geothermal Parks
You can’t come to Rotorua without visiting one of its fascinating geothermal parks. See steaming earth, bubbling mud pools, and discover firsthand where that signature rotten egg smell comes from!
From top-end experiences, including spas and mudbaths, to free parks in the city, there’s something for every budget. Here are a few of our faves.
Hell’s Gate Geothermal Reserve
Hell’s Gate is the perfect place to enjoy Rotorua’s geothermal wonders. We did The Hell’s Gate Experience, which includes the geothermal walkways, Maori carving, Hells Gate Mud Bath, and sulphur spas.
We did the self-guided tour of the reserve, although you can also take a guided tour at specific times. The park map was really useful, so we knew what we were looking at as we wandered between the park’s features. We did the full 2km loop, but you can also opt for a shorter walk.
At the end of the walk, we had the opportunity to make a Maori carving. You can choose from various designs and try your hand at this traditional skill. Then take home your masterpiece!
The final part of the experience is a 20-minute mud bath followed by access to the sulphur spas (stay as long as you like!) It’s an unbeatable finish to an incredible day.
Waiotapu Geothermal Wonderland
The Wai-o-Tapu Thermal Wonderland boasts extensive walkways, diverse features, and incredible colors! The bright green pool at the end is actually cold and has a distinctly radioactive look about it.
One of New Zealand’s most extensive geothermal systems lies below the earth at Waiotapu. It’s over 18 square kilometers, and you certainly get a sense of it as you wander around.
(The Hot ‘n’ Cold and Kerosene Creek geothermal bathing rivers are just along the road, FYI – see the next section for details on these).
The Lady Knox geyser is listed as one of the park’s significant features. Every day, a spray of hot water erupts about 10-20 meters into the air.
Before we went, I assumed this was a natural phenomenon. It happens every morning at 10:15, which is very specific. As a long-term writer about Iceland and all its geothermal features, I know there are reliable geysers (for example, the Strokkur geyser on Iceland’s Golden Circle erupts every 5-10 minutes).
So, it didn’t seem too crazy that a geyser could erupt at a similar time each day. However, I wondered if they adjusted the eruption time for daylight savings twice a year😆.
But nope, this is a manufactured eruption. It was incredible to watch, yet slightly disappointing at the same time!
Many people gather around and wait. Then one of the park’s hosts tells a story (hinting at what’s about to happen), there’s a little song, and then they literally pour soap into the geyser to make it explode🤣.
If you’re not impressed by a manufactured eruption, the rest of the park is worth the entry price.
Check the latest prices and book your entry ticket here.
Kuirau Park
Kuirau Park is a fantastic place to visit as a family in Rotorua. And it’s completely free!
Ok, it might not be as impressive as some other geothermal hotspots, but it’s definitely worth a visit.
You can see bubbling and steaming water and enjoy the toasty warm foot baths. We loved putting our feet in them, as our toes were pretty cold from walking across the wet morning grass.
Kuirau Park also has open playing fields, some excellent trees to climb, bathrooms, and a decent playground. Check it out if you’re in Rotorua and looking for things to do with your kids!
Other Geothermal Sites
There are several other geothermal sites near Rotorua we haven’t yet visited, that you may want to check out:
- Orakei Korako Geothermal Park & Cave – a hidden valley between Rotorua and Lake Taupo.
- Te Puia – also a fantastic place to discover Maori culture and home to the Kiwi Conservation Centre.
- Waimangu Volcanic Valley – also has an option for a lake cruise.
Geothermal Bathing Areas
One of Rotorua’s biggest drawcards is its geothermal bathing areas. From undeveloped nature spots to luxurious thermal pools and spas, there’s something for everyone. Here are a few of our faves.
Hot ‘n’ Cold
I have bathed in several geothermal pools over the years, but never had I relaxed in a thermal river! The central North Island boasts some pretty unique landscapes, and I’d highly recommend soaking in a natural thermal river if you’re in the area.
This one is called Hot ‘n’ Cold on Google Maps. It’s also called the Twin Streams and is near the Waiotapu Geothermal Wonderland, 29 kilometers from Rotorua.
The tourism industry hasn’t caught hold of it, so it’s completely natural and free. There is no infrastructure except a wooden stairway leading to the water.
It’s not unknown, though. We shared the bathing spot with several foreign backpackers and a few locals and had a lovely time chatting.
When you arrive, you park your car on the side of a small road, change into your swimsuits, and walk down a set of steps to the hot and cold river. You can hang your towel over the railing or put it on a small grassy bank.
A cool river and a super hot stream converge and create the most divine water to sit in. It’s the perfect combination of hot and cold. When you think it might be a bit hot, a gush of cold will flow through. Everyone can find their sweet spot in the river where the temperature is just right for them.
This is not the place to put your head under the water, but if your kids can keep their heads above water and enjoy the bathing experience rather than splashing about, then hopefully, everyone will enjoy it!
Be careful of hot areas. We found it was very hot at the immediate shoreline, but fine after getting a few steps in.
The other thing we loved about Hot n Cold was making mud masks! You can find a few patches around the river and test whether the mud makes your skin feel softer.
Kerosene Creek Geothermal Bathing Area
New Zealand is such a treasure trove of natural wonders waiting to be discovered! Kerosene Creek is one such place, about 27 kilometers south of Rotorua.
Kerosene Creek features a hot waterfall and an amazingly warm thermal river. You can meander along the trail and find a spot to bathe and relax amid nature. Like many nature areas in New Zealand, it costs nothing to visit.
It was hotter than we expected. The spot where we bathed felt about 40 degrees, which is around the temperature of a very warm hot tub. We went on a relatively warm morning, so we mostly sat in a shallow area and got out to enjoy our picnic on the grass when we got too hot. I imagine this would be a brilliant place to visit in winter!
Like the Hot ‘n’ Cold river, Kerosene Creek has minimal facilities—just one very smelly toilet😆. You also need to drive on a gravel road to reach the car park.
The Secret Spot Hot Tubs
The Secret Spot Hot Tubs is one of the best places to relax amid beautiful surroundings after exploring Whakarewarewa (The Redwoods Forest). The car park for Secret Spot is next to the mountain bike park, so you can come straight off your bike for a relaxing soak.
You do need to book your spa in advance during busy times, though. Spa slots are 45 minutes, and during that time, you can also use the shared cold plunge baths if you choose!
Drinking water is provided at your hot tub, and a drinks menu is available if you fancy a cold bevvy while you soak. The area around the tubs is thoughtfully designed, with closed-lid boxes for storing your towels and lush greenery all around.
The setting is relatively private, although not completely. It’s also family-friendly, so you can book the kids in with you (or leave them with a babysitter!)
Secret Spot Rotorua also has saunas, and you can book one for up to 4 people. Plus, enjoy the cafe and outdoor seating areas. Even if you’re not booking a sauna or spa, you can order food or drinks and enjoy a “shinny dip” with your feet in a small tub under the table!
Other Geothermal Pools and Spas
We haven’t been to all the geothermal bathing locations near Rotorua. Some others you may want to try include:
- The Polynesian Spa
- Waikite Valley Hot Pools (near Wai O Tapu)
- Waitangi Soda Springs – a hidden gem between Lake Rotoehu and Lake Rotoma (open mornings and evenings – $10 cash per person).
Parks, Gardens, Nature Spots, & Playgrounds
Some of Rotorua’s sites, such as Kuirau Park (mentioned above), fit into more than one category. Here are a few of the city’s fantastic parks and playgrounds that we haven’t already mentioned.
Rotorua Lakefront Playground
If you’re looking for the best playground in Rotorua, head to the Lakefront Playground on Lake Rotorua. It has excellent play equipment for all ages and a fun pump track for kids to bike or skate around.
The location is fantastic. You can enjoy the lake views, walk along the boardwalk, and watch helicopters depart on scenic flights. It’s a fab spot for a picnic and an easy walk to cafes and shops.
Government Gardens & Sulphur Point
The Government Gardens is a lovely area to take the kids for a wander in Rotorua. It features a gorgeous rose garden, a playground, sculptures, a pond, walkways, and a steaming geothermal spring.
It’s also home to the Rotorua Museum, which is currently under maintenance.
You can continue meandering along the walkways around Sulphur Point, a free geothermal site on the lake’s edge, which has an interesting landscape to observe.
The walkways also continue in the other direction to the Lakefront Playground, so you could combine both areas for a longer outing.
Karenga Park Reserve
Karenga Park Reserve in Koutu is a good option for the kids to burn some energy. It has a small but nice playground, skate park, and basketball court. There’s also plenty of green space to run around and kick a ball.
Hiking and Biking Trails
Rotorua is well-known as being home to the massive Whakarewarewa Forest (The Redwoods). There are many trails to choose from in the Redwoods and in other gorgeous locations near the city. Here are a few of the top picks.
Hiking Trails in the Redwoods
The Redwood Forest is New Zealand’s little slice of California! Along with the Whakarewarewa forest, they offer more than 5,600 hectares of nature immersion, hiking, biking, and horse riding trails.
The Californian Redwoods were first planted in 1901 as part of a trial to see which exotic species would grow well in New Zealand. The New Zealand Government had recently purchased land blocks from Maori landowners and started plans to regenerate the forest after European settlers had decimated so much.
Knowing that native New Zealand species take 200-300 years to grow, the Redwoods were planted, thus beginning the forest’s development.
Today, the Redwood Forest has numerous trails for the public to enjoy under the shelter of these magnificent trees. Part of it is also used for forestry, but the area is very well planned with vast areas for leisure.
The best place to start is at the Visitor Centre, where several walks begin. On our first visit, we only had a short time, so we did the Redwood Memorial Grove Walk (30 minutes; 2 kilometers). Other short walks include the buggy-friendly Mokopuna Trail and the Waitawa Walk (1 hour each).
There are a few walks between 1.5 and 3.5 hours, plus an 8-hour tramping track. You’ll also find the Redwoods Tree Walk, Glow Worms cave, and zip-line courses (Redwoods Altitude) here.
A little further along the road from the visitor center is Eastwood Cafe, which we highly recommend for its delicious food and drinks. It’s also set on a large grassy field, right next to the forest.
The Redwoods Treewalk
The Redwoods not only offer walks along the forest floor, but also high in the trees! Check out the Redwood Treewalk for a fun, family-friendly activity.
Choose from a night or day walk along suspension bridges for a different perspective of this beautiful forest.
It’s an all-ages activity. Although you’re not allowed to carry your kids on the Redwoods Tree Walk, tickets include the use of a custom-made buggy for those who need it. The buggies have a baby capsule and a toddler seat.
The complete circuit takes about 40 minutes, so many young kids can walk it themselves, especially given the exciting novelty of walking up in the trees!
But if you’re unsure how your kid will react, it’s best to get a buggy. The buggies can’t do the high loop extension because it has stairs, but they can go everywhere else.
The platforms around the trees have lots of interesting information about the forest, which is nice to read if your kids don’t insist on running through the circuit too quickly😆.
Whakarewarewa Mountain Biking Park
The Whakarewarewa Mountain Bike Park is the best place in Rotorua for trail rides for all levels. From the Waipa car park, you can take any number of trails to explore the vast Redwoods Forest. Bike hire is also available.
There’s a kids’ loop, which starts near the forest entrance, but it’s tiny. For something a bit longer, the Tahi and Dipper loop is ideal for beginner riders with just enough up, down, and around to keep it interesting. Our 6-year-old has just started riding and loves it.
The kids can continue practicing their skills on the pump track afterwards, and everyone can grab a bite to eat from the Trail Kitchen. Plus, the Secret Spot Hot Tubs are just next door!
The Tarawera Trail
The Tarawera Trail to Hot Water Beach is a must-do hiking trail near Rotorua. You can walk the 15km point-to-point trail in either direction, with a water taxi option so you don’t have to make the return trip!
For me, it was a no-brainer to start from the Tarawera Trail car park and get the water taxi back from Hot Water Beach. My favourite type of hikes involve a swim of some sort at the end, and this one has the bonus of natural hot water.
The advantage of getting the water taxi to Hot Water Beach and walking back would be not having to worry about making it through the hike in time for the taxi (which you need to pre-book).
The track is popular with trail runners who make the return trip in a day. Some hikers do the return trip in one (long!) day or stay overnight at the Hot Water Beach campsite before walking out the same way the next day.
If you don’t want to hike at all, you could take a day trip to Hot Water Beach by taking the water taxi there and back.
I left at 9 am, and the 1-way trail took me 4 hours and 20 minutes walking solo at a decent pace. This allowed me a couple of hours to enjoy Hot Water Beach at the trail’s end, before the 3:30 pm taxi.
Some walk faster, but others take 5 or 6 hours. If you have young kids, it may take even longer, so plan accordingly.
The hike takes you through lush greenery with plenty of stunning glimpses of the lake along the way. The trail is easy to follow and has almost 500m of elevation gain. However, it’s undulating and not overly steep.
I definitely recommend this hike if you’re looking for adventures near Rotorua!
Rainbow Mountain Track
The Rainbow Mountain Track is a fantastic hiking trail near Rotorua. It’s an up-and-back trail, approximately 7 kilometers (3.5 kilometers each way), with around 350 meters of elevation gain.
It might take the average grown-up two hours or so to complete. It was 3.5 hours for us, which we were pretty happy with, considering it was Romy’s longest hike when she first did it.
There were tantrums at the top (isn’t the top meant to be the best part?!), but we made it! And everyone felt fabulous when we reached the end.
Even though the trail is a bit of a drive from Rotorua, it’s pretty popular. I guess that’s because it’s in the Waiotapu area, so it’s very close to the thermal river, waterfall, and geothermal wonderland.
We went on a weekday and saw a few people doing the trail for fitness and several European travelers, including a few families. When we finished midday, a couple of big groups arrived.
The Rainbow Mountain track boasts breathtaking views from the top. It also has unique features like the mineral-rich red clay and steaming geothermal terrain on the mountainside. There are a few nice lookouts on the way up that double as rest spots!
If you’d prefer a shorter trail, you can walk the track along the foothills (which begins from the same car park) to get a nice look over the crater lake. An alternative to the mountain track starts from the same place and leads to Kerosene Creek (the hot waterfall).
The Blue Lake Walk
The Blue Lake (Lake Tikitapu) near Rotorua is a great place for families to hang out. It has clearly marked sides for swimming and boating, a small lakefront playground, and a 5.6-kilometer loop track around the lake.
The track is easy, with gentle undulations and a few steps. It apparently takes most adults about 90 minutes to walk. It took us two hours, so we’re getting faster than we once were!
Even if you don’t want to do the walk, you could visit the lookout area, accessible by car or foot. It’s a slightly raised piece of land, just high enough to give lovely views of the green and blue lakes.
Kaituna River Waterfalls Short Walk
There’s a series of three beautiful waterfalls along a pretty hiking trail that we’d highly recommend visiting if you’re in Rotorua.
About 20 minutes drive from the city lies Okere Falls, Tutea Falls, and the Trout Pools. There are parking lots at Okere Falls and the Trout Pools, but you can walk between them if you want a picturesque short hike.
We parked at Okere Falls and ate our lunch on the benches before checking out the fall’s viewpoint.
These falls are notable because they’re located on the Kaituna River, where many rafting trips go. At both Okere and Tutea Falls, we watched a kayak and several rafts tumble down the falls, which was unique and remarkable. We walk many hiking trails, but this was the first time we’d been able to stop and watch something like this.
After Okere, the easy walking trail connecting them will take you to Tutea Falls in about 15 minutes or less.
At Tutea, you can watch for rafts from the waterfall’s viewpoint and then follow the steps down to a spectacular cave. If you don’t mind ducking a little, you can follow the cave’s U-shape from one end to the other (using a light is helpful).
From the cave, head back up the stairs and continue on the Okere Falls trail for another 10 or 15 minutes to the Trout Pools. Our kids loved playing at the little beach here, and the scenery is stunning.
Then, we returned to the Okere Falls car park along the same trail. The full walk, there and back is only about an hour. But allow longer if you want to take your time at the waterfalls. We spent about two hours there altogether, and I know our girls would have stayed to play an extra hour or two at the Trout Pools if they could have!
The Ngongotaha Trail
The Ngongotaha Trail is a flat, paved off-road path, perfect for families and beginner bike riders. It’s a shared trail for walking and bike riding.
The trail is about 5.5km each way, and there are several points you can access it, such as Lake Road, Kawaha Point Road, Preston Road, and Taui Street. Plus, you could continue from Lake Road and follow the bike paths into town.
Don’t confuse the trail with the Ngongotaha Nature Loop, which is a hill walk!
Other walks in Rotorua
There were a couple of other unique, family-friendly walks we had on our list, but didn’t quite get to. We will for sure go next time!
- Hamurana Springs – a beautiful paid walk at the north end of Lake Rotorua (you can also enjoy a lakeside walk before or after your visit).
- Putaruru Blue Spring – another gorgeous, crystal-clear spring, 51km west of Rotorua, on the way to Hamilton.
Lakes
Rotorua is nestled on the southern shores of Lake Rotorua, the area’s largest lake. However, there are many other beautiful lakes to explore nearby. Here are a few of our faves that we haven’t already mentioned.
Lake Okareka
Lake Okareka is one of the best family-friendly lakes near Rotorua. We recommend starting at Boyes Beach, which is fantastic for swimming, kayaking, etc., when the weather conditions are agreeable!
Boyes Beach has a playground and toilet block, so it’s a good place to start your adventure. You can stroll along the Lake Okareka Walkway from here, an easy path from which to enjoy the gorgeous scenery.
We walked from Boyes Beach to the Lake Okareka Campground. That part of the walkway is 1.4km each way and takes you past two rock jumping locations.
Lake Rerewhakaaitu
Rotorua has many well-known lakes nearby, such as Rotoiti, Rotoma, and the Blue and Green Lakes. However, there are several lesser-known ones, and Rerewhakaaitu is one of them.
Rerewhakaaitu is about 36 kilometers south of Rotorua, offering a tranquil spot to chill. A few basic campgrounds are also around the lake.
We stopped at the Guy Roe Reserve campground during a summer weekday outside the school holidays. No one was camping, and just two vehicles visited while we were there.
The lake is weedy in places, but there are suitable spots for swimming, and the water is lovely and clear. You do need to boil water for drinking, though.
Rerewhakaaitu is a fab place to take kayaks or just picnic for a few hours like we did. There was even a little floating platform with a tiny slide. Check it out if you’re looking for a quiet place to relax in nature.
Other lakeside spots
There was one other lakeside destination we had on our list that we didn’t make it to this time – Stoney Point Reserve on Lake Tarawera. It looks like a fantastic place for swimming and kayaking.
Adventure Activities
There is no shortage of adrenaline-pumping activities in Rotorua. The daredevils in your family will want to check these ones out!
The Skyline Gondola and Luge
The Rotorua Luge is such a fun day out for the whole family. We went for Romy’s 5th birthday, the first time I’d visited since I was 11!
Kids as young as two can ride the luge with a grown-up. There are several routes to suit everyone, and you can go pretty fast, even on the scenic path!
You buy your tickets at Skyline Adventures (the Luge base) and then ride a gondola to the top of the hill. From there, you zoom down and then ride a chairlift back up.
Different packages are available, so you can choose how many rides you want. Apart from the luge, Skyline Rotorua also has a giant swing and zip-line. The hill also features mountain biking trails, so you can buy packages for that if you wish, with some of the gondola carriages assigned for bikes.
Plus, the cafe at the top is a fab spot for enjoying a meal or coffee with a view.
Velocity Valley
Ayla was stoked to check off a bucket list activity and have a go at simulated skydiving! Kids aged 5 and older can experience the Freefall Xtreme at Velocity Valley Adrenaline Park in Rotorua. Ayla had heaps of fun!
The park has several other exciting attractions. You can try one or two, or get a multi-pass.
The Sweet Racer is a pedal-powered monorail, or for high-speed fun, try the Agro Jet, a thrilling speed boat ride.
They also have the Swoop, an exhilarating bungy swing, and Vertigo, their premium attraction. It’s a 43m Freefall onto a net without a bungy! This cord-free version replaced the classic Rotorua Bungy.
Finally, there’s the Freestyle Airbag, but that’s under maintenance right now.
We definitely recommend checking out Velocity Valley Adrenaline Park as a fantastic place for extreme sports tasters!
Waterworld Waterparks
If you’re visiting Rotorua during summer, check out the Waterworld Waterparks website. They run giant waterslides and aqua parks (inflatable playgrounds on the water) at various locations around New Zealand.
During the 2025-2026 summer, they had an aqua playground at Lake Tikitapu (the Blue Lake) and these awesome Megaslides on the hill at the Rotorua Adventure Playground.
Colin and the girls opted for the incredibly fun 90m and 150m Megaslides! They went nonstop up and down for their 90-minute session. So yep, you’ve got to be prepared to walk up the hill each time… Bonus fitness session combined with an exhilarating ride down!
For the water slide, kids need to be at least 4 years old and able to swim. 4-9-year-olds must slide with an adult.
Waterworld Waterparks do change locations, so make sure you check where they’ll be for each upcoming summer.
Other Adventure Activities in Rotorua
We certainly haven’t done all the adventure activities on offer in Rotorua. Here are a few others you may want to check out:
- Zorbing – a kiwi invention involving rolling down Mt Ngongotaha in a giant inflatable ball! Discover the Sidewinder track, straight track, MEGA track, and Pipeline!
- Try Rotorua Canopy Tours for ziplining adventures.
History and Culture
Rotorua is one of the best places to experience New Zealand’s history and culture. Here are a few ideas for places to visit
The Buried Village of Te Wairoa
The Buried Village of Te Wairoa near Rotorua is one of New Zealand’s most significant archeological sites. In 1886, the Mount Tarawera volcano erupted, burying the village under volcanic mud.
Today, the excavated sites at Te Wairoa are a poignant reminder of its history. The museum and walkway through the village tell stories of the people who lived there and the massive impact of the disaster on the surrounding communities.
The eruption buried the Pink and White Terraces, which were made from silica and were a significant tourist attraction at the time. Seeing the pictures reminded me of visiting the beautiful travertine terraces at Pamukkale in Turkiye.
At the Buried Village, you can see original excavated artifacts and structures, as well as recreated whares (houses) typical of the era.
Kids can follow clues around the village if they need something else to keep them engaged!
The natural surroundings are absolutely stunning, and the village is home to Te Wairoa Falls. A gorgeous walk along the Te Wairoa stream (crystal-clear water!) leads to a powerful 30-metre waterfall. There are a few steps to walk down to appreciate the falls from their base.
We definitely recommend a visit to the Buried Village to learn more about New Zealand’s history and to spend time appreciating the area’s incredible nature.
The Rotorua Night Market
The Rotorua Night Market is on every Thursday (weather permitting) from 4:30-8:30 pm. It’s a fantastic option for families to have a night off cooking, enjoy live entertainment, and browse the craft stalls.
We were impressed with the range of international cuisine available from the food trucks. The food is super delicious, and there’s something for every taste. In 2026, you’ll find the night market on Tutanekai Street in town.
Other Cultural Activities and Experiences
Other cultural experiences in Rotorua you may want to explore include:
- Te Pa Tu – The Gathering Place. Also known as the Tamaki Maori Village, it’s the place to go for authentic Maori cultural experiences.
- Mitai Maori Village – a traditional Maori village offering cultural performances, hangi (ground-cooked meal), and guided bush walks.
- Whakarewarewa – The Living Maori Village – another excellent choice for traditional Maori performances and feasts.
Indoor Activities
Rotorua has several indoor entertainment options for rainy days. Here are a few ideas.
Motion Entertainment
Motion Entertainment in Rotorua is one of those places most kids will love to play as long as they’re allowed! I find it a massive sensory overload, but it seemed like a good rainy-day option, and we were looking for somewhere to hang out with our friends.
We went to the indoor trampoline park and got pulled into the video games. None of us had a clue what we were doing, though🤣.
The trampoline park is great, and has had an upgrade since we first visited two years ago. Bookings are for an hour, and you must wear Motion Entertainment trampoline socks.
This place is really a one-stop shop for kids’ entertainment. It has a Chipmunks Playland, a mini golf course, several escape rooms, tenpin bowling, virtual reality, a ninja park (think climbing walls, high ropes, and obstacles), and more!
Other Indoor Activities for Families
Other indoor activity options for families to consider in Rotorua include:
- The 3D Trick Art Gallery for fun photos
- The Wall and Basement Cinema – go indoor wall climbing before enjoying a movie!
- 3Mirage – The Ultimate audio-visual sensory experience
Additional Ideas
We haven’t yet covered everything there is to do in Rotorua with kids! Here are a few other ideas for family outings that don’t quite fit the above categories!
Mazes
Rotorua has a couple of mazes for family-friendly fun. We went to the Wonderworld 3D maze (the wooden one). There’s also the Amazeme maze, the hedge one, with a similar offering.
You get a worksheet to take around the maze. As you make your way around, you can answer the questions and find letters to unscramble a word at the end (keeps older kids occupied).
The maze also has giant board games you can play at the start and finish, and a couple of other mini attractions, including a seemingly out-of-place neon cave (looks like a rave room without the music)😆
Mini Golf Rotorua With Rabbits
There’s a gorgeous mini golf course on Fairy Springs Road where giant rabbits hop freely around the course! The rabbits are super cute and chill. You can learn their names and a bit about them at the entrance. They have plenty of hutches around the course and are very happy to be patted. You can also purchase rabbit food at the counter.
There are other fun features on the course, including a bubble machine, fairy garden, fairy lights, and smoke machines! We definitely recommend a visit here with the kids.
Other Ideas for Things to do with Kids in Rotorua
A few other places and experiences we haven’t tried that you may want to consider include:
- Rotorua Self-Drive Rail Cars
- The National Kiwi Hatchery to learn about important kiwi conservation work
- Rotorua Duck Tours, for rides on New Zealand’s only genuine operating WW2 landing crafts (amphibious vehicles).
- The Agrodome – a working farm with shows, animal interactions, and wool demonstrations.
Things to do in Rotorua with kids | In conclusion
Rotorua is a place where family fun comes naturally. From racing down luge tracks to discovering hidden hot springs, there’s much to enjoy with the kids. Dive into these experiences, and you’ll leave Rotorua with many great memories that’ll keep you smiling long after the trip.
If you’re heading to the central North Island, you may also want to read about these fantastic things to do with kids in Whakatane, family-friendly activities in Taupo, these tips for walking in the Whirinaki Forest Park, and our experiences hiking the Galatea Foothills Trail.
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