Rotorua is a great place to create memories that you’ll be talking about for years to come.
Travelling with your family is exciting and loads of fun – especially when the best attractions, cafés, restaurants and free things to do are all within easy access (think: less time for backseat feuds!).
Feed the animals and your love for adventure
Who doesn’t love to stop and snuggle actual live giant bunnies on a mini golf course? Or feed furry alpaca, sheep and other farm animals at Rotorua Heritage Farm, or visit the small-animal enclosure at aMAZEme (also a great place to lose the kids for a while!)?
If adventure is at the top of your list, roll downhill in a giant inflatable ZORB, race each other on Luges at Skyline Rotorua, and much more.
Get out into nature
Geothermal parks always leave the kids in awe over the steam, bubbling mud, erupting geysers and colourful lakes that look like they’re straight out of a Dr Seuss book. Several hot pools have family zones for a bit of fun. Whakarewarewa Forest (aka “The Redwoods”) as well 14 of our 18 lakes are free to visit year-round.
Rainy day activities
If the weather isn’t cooperating, Rotorua has a number of activities for rainy day fun. Motion Entertainment has ten-pin bowling, mini golf, trampoline park, laser tag, escape rooms, Chipmunks Playland, and electronic games galore, all under one roof! The 3D Trick Art Gallery and a WWII amphibious duck vehicle tour are also on offer to keep everyone entertained.
Finding accommodation
To find the perfect place to stay in Rotorua for your family, we recommend booking through one of our two Rotorua i-SITE Visitor Information Centres for free and expert advice. Ask about Rotorua's range of family friendly places to stay.
For more inspiration or to help make the most of a long weekend in Rotorua check out this three day itinerary. And remember to sign up to our newsletter to keep up to date with the latest news from RotoruaNZ.
Fish & Game Eastern Region
Family Fun
Fish & Game Eastern Region manages the trout fishery of the region including the world-famous Rotorua lakes.
Kaitiaki Adventures - Mount Tarawera Crater Walks
Family Fun
Multi award-winning Kaitiaki Adventures is passionate about continually providing world-class adventure tourism experiences in Rotorua. They love to share Aotearoa’s stunning environment, history and unique Māori culture, all the while infusing your experience with the warm and caring manaakitanga (hospitality) Rotorua is renowned for.
Hell's Gate Geothermal Park & Mud Spa
Family Fun, East
Hell’s Gate is Rotorua’s most active geothermal reserve and New Zealand’s only mud spa complex.
Secret Spot Hot Tubs Rotorua
Family Fun, South
Secret Spot Hot Tubs Rotorua is the place you’ve been searching for to retreat from your busy life and have fun with friends and family. Secret Spot Hot Tubs has received the Global Award for the Luxury Forest Bathing Spa category in the World Luxury Spa Awards for two years running.
Rotorua Canopy Tours
Family Fun
Soar through the trees and experience New Zealand’s ancient forest like never before – in two award-winning zipline adventures. Lose yourself on this engaging encounter with the natural world, exploring ancient native forest via ziplines, suspended swing bridges, treetop platforms and more on this unforgettable nature adventure.
Swoop at Velocity Valley
Family Fun, North
Experience the giant sky swing as you SWOOP over Velocity Valley.
Te Puia
Family Fun
Discover one of New Zealand’s most magnificent geothermal wonderlands and Māori cultural centres.
Kaitiaki Adventures - Rafting the Kaituna River
Family Fun
Multi-award winning Kaitiaki Adventures is passionate about continually providing world-class adventure tourism experiences in Rotorua. They love to share Aotearoa’s stunning environment, history and unique Māori culture, all the while infusing your experience with the warm and caring manaakitanga (hospitality) Rotorua is renowned for.
Fancy Meow Cat Café
Family Fun
Fancy Meow Cat Café is New Zealand's only cat café with pure-bred cats and kittens.
Rotofobia Escape Adventure
Family Fun
The door closes behind you. You're locked in. You have 60 minutes to get out... Tick tock... Tick tock..
Redwoods Treewalk & Nightlights
Family Fun, East
Majestic and magical, the Redwoods Treewalk & Nightlights experience is truly a walk to remember.