Rotorua: Redwoods, Geothermal Wonders and Māori Culture

Rotorua brings together towering redwood trees and forest trails with geothermal landscapes, Māori culture and mineral pools. In Whakarewarewa Forest, also known as the Redwoods, trails wind between the trees; at Kuirau Park, you’ll encounter steaming water and hot springs. There are also experiences at Te Puia and the pools at Polynesian Spa. This lets you plan your trip around the activities that interest you most.

Forest trails for cycling and hiking

Whakarewarewa Forest offers more than 180 kilometres of mountain biking trails through native and introduced forest. There is also a network of mountain biking and walking trails among the giant redwood trees. The 33-kilometre Whakarewarewa Forest Loop is mostly a one-way route in a clockwise direction; trail conditions can change, so check them before setting out.

For a short walk, the easy Redwood Memorial Grove Track is an option: it is two kilometres long and crosses a boardwalk over an old thermal pond. The 3.4-kilometre Waitawa Walk passes through the Redwoods and a stand of Douglas firs. For views, the 4.8-kilometre Quarry Lookout Track looks out over the Redwood Grove, the city of Rotorua and Lake Rotorua. The 7.5-kilometre Pohaturoa Track leads to a lookout over the geothermal valley of Whakarewarewa, Rotorua and Lake Rotorua.

For much longer outings, there are two other options: the Whakarewarewa Circuit is a 34-kilometre, full-day walk around the forest, estimated to take about eight hours. The challenging Tokorangi Pa Track is 11.5 kilometres long and leads to the site of an old Māori pā, a fortified settlement of which nothing remains today. The 3.6-kilometre Mokopuna Trail combines walking and cycling and was designed for easy family outings. The 1.7-kilometre Puarenga Stream Track is also a family-friendly combined walking and cycling trail; there is a scenic picnic area by the stream.

The walking trails in Whakarewarewa Forest start at Redwoods isite. You can get a map of the forest trails there. Entry to the forest and its trails is free.

Geothermal activity at Kuirau Park and Sulphur Point

Natural geothermal features are on display at Kuirau Park: water boils and bubbles, and steam rises. The park is said to be New Zealand’s only free public geothermal park. Trails lead to a crater lake, mud pools, hot springs and a free thermal foot bath. The park is free to enter, within walking distance of the city centre, and offers free parking. Barbecue areas, picnic tables, a children’s playground and toilets round out the visit.

A farmers’ market takes place at Kuirau Park every Saturday from 6 am to 1 pm. Check the market hours before your visit. Sulphur Point provides access to the Rotorua Walking Track and opportunities to observe wildlife and the colourful Sulphur Flats.

Māori culture and geothermal experiences at Te Puia

The Te Ra Guided experience at Te Puia takes you through impressive geysers, bubbling mud pools and native bush. At the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, carvers and weavers keep traditional skills alive. The Te Ra + Haka experience includes a traditional Māori cultural performance; at the Kiwi Conservation Centre, visitors can see native kiwis up close.

Food is also part of what’s on offer: the Tuku Iho Trail includes a tasting of sweet corn cooked in natural geothermal hot-water pools. Pātaka Kai Restaurant serves meals with views over the geothermal valley. This means Te Puia brings together cultural, natural and culinary experiences without presenting them as the same experience.

Mineral pools and wellness

Polynesian Spa has 28 mineral pools in four areas. Its geothermal water comes from two springs: the acidic Priest Spring is considered beneficial for muscle tension, while the mineral-rich Rachel Spring nourishes the skin. The areas include historic Pavilion Pools, which are for adults only, as well as family pools with a freshwater swimming area and a waterslide.

Polynesian Spa also offers hydrotherapy, geothermal mud wraps, body and facial treatments, and yoga, meditation and sound healing classes. Pool layouts and programmes may change, so check the current offerings before your visit.

When looking for a hotel in Rotorua, you can first decide what you want to focus on during your trip: forest trails, geothermal activity, Māori culture or pools.

Explore more destinations: Mourea, Reporoa, Okere Falls, Atiamuri, Waikite Valley, Lake Tarawera, Hamurana.

Back to the main travel overview: Rotorua District.