Rotorua is well known for its 18 lakes, three major rivers and heaps of ways to enjoy many of them – even at night.
Swimming, fishing, lakeside picnicking, paddle boarding and other water sports are the obvious activities, so hook up the boat, grab your floaties and head to Rotorua.
You can also soak away your worries at one of two secluded thermal hot water beaches accessible only by boat, luxury catamaran, floatplane or hike. Take a canoe, kayak or paddle board tour across a lake to see glow worms at night.
Do you prefer something a bit faster? Choose from an exhilarating jet boat experience through a tangled, man-made river at break-neck speed, or scream across Lake Rotorua in a jet boat that takes you to tour pristine Mokoia Island. You can even combine a jet boat ride with a unique geothermal experience at a natural hot water fall and hidden geothermal valley called The Squeeze.
Finally, one of Rotorua’s world-famous adventures is a must-do for adrenaline junkies: a whitewater rafting trip on the famous Kaituna River where you’ll drop off the world’s highest commercially raftable waterfall.
Check out our majestic lakes, including Lake Tarawera, Lake Rotoiti, Lake Ōkareka and the blue waters of Lake Tikitapu.
New Zealand Whitewater Academy
Lakes & Rivers, East
New Zealand Whitewater Academy is a place of whitewater excellence, providing top-of-the-line whitewater workshops, courses and excursions.
Rotoiti Water Shuttles
Lakes & Rivers, East
Indulge in a genuine off-the-beaten-track geothermal experience.
Steaming Cliffs Kayak at Lake Rotomahana
Lakes & Rivers, South
Explore the amazing scenery of Lake Rotomahana on this spectacular guided kayaking tour.
Lake Tikitapu
Lakes & Rivers, East
Lake Tikitapu, affectionately known as Blue Lake, is a local favourite and well known to regular visitors to Rotorua.
Action Bug - Rangitāiki with Riverbug.NZ
Lakes & Rivers, South
Try something truly new! This Action Bug tour mixes a Riverbug with generous portions of whitewater in a breathtaking gorge on the Rangitāiki River between Rotorua and Whakatāne. This is an unforgettable experience that's unique to the Bay of Plenty.
Fish & Game Eastern Region
Lakes & Rivers
Fish & Game Eastern Region manages the trout fishery of the region including the world-famous Rotorua lakes.
Kaitiaki Adventures - Rafting the Kaituna River
Lakes & Rivers
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.
Rotorua Duck Tours - Amphibious Sightseeing and Informational Tours
Lakes & Rivers
Guided sightseeing tours of Rotorua and the lakes region in a WWII amphibious landing craft. Splashdown onto pristine lakes surrounded by beautiful native forests. Rotorua Duck Tours are the perfect introduction to Rotorua’s geothermal and Māori history.
Paddle Board (SUP) Tour
Lakes & Rivers
Paddle Board Rotorua provides the most stunning stand-up paddle adventures in Rotorua and are one of the best ways to experience the Rotorua Lakes District. Explore the native New Zealand scenery that surrounds the shorelines of the beautiful Rotorua Lakes with our expert local guides who are passionate about our backyard and all that our city has to offer. A must do experience during your time in Rotorua.
Waimarino Kayak Tours to hot pools and glow worms
Lakes & Rivers, West
Waimarino Kayak Tours showcases beautiful Lake Rotoiti in Rotorua which boasts a large range of native birds and stunning bush.
Paddle Board Rotorua glow worm tour
Lakes & Rivers, West
A glow worm tour with Paddle Board Rotorua is simply one of the best evening experiences to do in Rotorua.
Hot Water Beach at Te Rātā Bay
Lakes & Rivers, East
Tucked away on the southern shore of Lake Tarawera, a hot spring trickles down a small stream and into the lake, creating our very own hot water beach at Te Rātā Bay.