Rotorua Maps

A vibrant city centre

The central business district (CBD) of Rotorua sits on the shores of its namesake lake and is surrounded by an array of world-class visitor activities including attractions, weekly outdoor markets, retail, eateries, entertainment and accommodation.

Rotorua and our lakes

The Rotorua region is fondly known as North Island Lakes District of New Zealand. With 18 lakes in the region, Rotorua is a paradise for boaters, fishermen, water skiers, wakeboarders, paddle boarders and kayakers.

All lakes are easily accessible by car, and camping sites are dotted around the shorelines, as are barbecues for public use. There's plenty of room for everyone; in summer, when coastal beaches are crowded, you can find solitude here.

Whakarewarewa Forest

Known by locals as The Redwoods, the 55,000ha Whakarewarewa Forest is a perfect playground for walkers, hikers, horse riders and mountain bikers with magnificent stands of towering native and exotic trees.

Rotorua is New Zealand’s mountain biking mecca with Red Bull rating the Whakarewarewa trails in the top eight of the world and Australian Mountain Bike Magazine claiming them to be the best. You’ll see why when you explore any of the nearly 200km of trails that cater for every rider, from beginners to experts alike.

Click here for a Mountain Bike Map of Whakarewarewa Forest.

For those on foot, there is an array of hiking and running trails from short easy circuits to full day hikes which start off in the majestic Redwood Grove. Going further afield will take hikers through a diverse range of native plants and exotic trees, leading to spectacular views of Rotorua.

Click here for a Walking Trails Map of Whakarewarewa Forest.

Rotorua Region

Throughout the wider region, the lakes, forests and mountains provide a wide variety of walks.

Check out this brochure on Walking and Hiking in Rotorua (PDF).

Explore our beautiful region

Rotorua has many kilometres of walking tracks just waiting to be explored. From lakeside strolls to trails for the more intrepid hiker, there is something for every age, interest and level of fitness.

Check out this brochure for Walking and Hiking in Rotorua (PDF).