Need a quiet space to unwind? A secret hideaway from the restless kids? How about a little spot of nature or a picnic-perfect park?
Lots of public places and spaces are easily accessible in Rotorua, and most are free. From the recently renovated (and caffeinated!) Te Aka Mauri Rotorua Library, to Sulphur Bay Wildlife Refuge, to many of our 18 lakes. Don’t forget our most-loved Whakarewarewa Forest, the geothermal Kuirau Park in the heart of town, and the rolling, tree-lined hills of Centennial Park. Such perfect antidotes if you’ve been on the go.
The listings below will provide you with some great ideas and many won’t cost a thing!
Whakarewarewa Forest (the Redwoods) Mountain Biking
Public Places & Spaces, South
Whakarewarewa Forest, also known as the Redwoods, is a mecca for mountain bikers, with more than 180km of trails winding their way through native and exotic forest.
Lake Tikitapu
Public Places & Spaces, East
Lake Tikitapu, affectionately known as Blue Lake, is a local favourite and well known to regular visitors to Rotorua.
Sulphur Bay Wildlife Refuge
Public Places & Spaces
Explore an amazing geothermal area where threatened bird populations make their home.
Rotorua Museum: Outside the Walls Historical Government Gardens Tours
Public Places & Spaces
Discover Rotorua's rich culture, volatile landscape and legendary figures in this must-do FREE tour around the famous Rotorua Museum and Government Gardens.
Neil Hunt Park
Public Places & Spaces
Located 5 minutes drive from central Rotorua, Neil Hunt Park serves the local communities sport's and recreational needs.
Mt Kakaramea (Rainbow Mountain) Summit Track
Public Places & Spaces
A 2.5km walk or mountain bike ride to the top of Mt Kakaramea rewards you with breathtaking 360° views.
Lake Tarawera
Public Places & Spaces
One of the largest lakes in New Zealand, the picturesque Lake Tarawera (meaning ‘burnt spear’), is a firm favourite with boaties, and famous for the size and condition of its rainbow trout.
Lake Rotoiti
Public Places & Spaces
Lake Rotoiti is one of the three largest lakes in the Rotorua region. Surrounded by lush native bush, it also features glow worm caves and a secluded hot pool complex.
Lake Rerewhakaaitu
Public Places & Spaces, South
Camping, picnicking, swimming and boating are all popular recreational activities at Lake Rerewhakaaitu Recreational Reserve.
Lake Ōkataina
Public Places & Spaces
Lake Ōkataina is closed for one month effective from October 1st 2023. The name Ōkataina means "The lake of laughter", a shortened form of the original name Te Moana-i-kataina-a-Te Rangitakaroro.
Lake Ōkāreka Walkway
Public Places & Spaces
Lake Ōkāreka is popular with water skiers, swimmers, boaties and walkers.
Kuirau Park
Public Places & Spaces
Check out the natural boiling, bubbling and steaming geothermal action throughout Kuirau Park, New Zealand’s only free geothermal public park!