Public Places & Spaces

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! 
 

Showing 12 out of 20.
Boyes Beach & Park

Public Places & Spaces, East

Boyes Beach is one of the largest beaches on Lake Ōkareka and a great attraction during the warmer months, and popular for swimming, fishing and picnicking.

Centennial Park

Public Places & Spaces

Situated on the slopes of Tihi-o-tonga in Rotorua south.

Government Gardens

Public Places & Spaces

Government Gardens is a beautiful public park situated along the edge of Lake Rotorua and just minutes from the city centre.

Guy Roe Reserve

Public Places & Spaces, South

A popular location for fishing, picnics and boat activities.

Hinehopu Reserve

Public Places & Spaces, East

At the eastern end of Lake Rotoiti is Hinehopu Reserve, well-known for shoreline fishing.

Kaharoa Kōkako Track

Public Places & Spaces, North

This track offers a great opportunity to hear the enchanting dawn chorus of New Zealand's native kōkako birds.

Rotorua Library Te Aka Mauri

Public Places & Spaces

Come relax with your favorite book or learn something new. There's something for everyone at the local Rotorua Library.

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!

Lake Ōkareka Walkway

Public Places & Spaces

Lake Ōkareka is popular with water skiers, swimmers, boaties and walkers.

Lake Okataina

Public Places & Spaces

The name Okataina means "The lake of laughter", a shortened form of the original name Te Moana-i-kataina-a-Te Rangitakaroro.

Lake Rerewhakaaitu

Public Places & Spaces, South

Camping, picnicking, swimming and boating are all popular recreational activities at Lake Rerewhakaaitu Recreational Reserve.

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.