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.
Wonderworld Amazement Park
Family Fun, East
Wonderworld's 3D mega maze has been a Rotorua icon for more than 40 years. Now under new ownership and extensively renovated with new attractions added, there's even more to enjoy!
Agrodome
Family Fun, North
The world-renowned Agrodome features Rotorua’s favourite Farm Tour, Farm Show AND their newest furry resident, Shaun the Sheep!
Rotorua Ziplines
Family Fun, East
Rotorua Ziplines will have you soaring over waterfalls and through stunning native forests whilst being immersed in the rich Māori history of our special slice of the world, Ōkere Falls, Rotorua.
The National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa
Family Fun, North
The whole family will love the Kiwi Hatchery! It’s the only purpose-built kiwi conservation centre in the world that’s open to the public, and is New Zealand’s only open-to-view kiwi hatchery and rearing facility.
Adventure Games Rotorua
Family Fun
Adventure Games Rotorua gets your team out and about, working together to solve an exciting mystery. You’ll love the challenge of solving the puzzles and clues, at the same time learning something about local history, culture and nature. Developed by Escapade, New Zealand's best rated escape room business.
Rotoiti Water Shuttles
Family Fun, East
Indulge in a genuine off-the-beaten-track geothermal experience.
Whakarewarewa Forest (the Redwoods) Walking Trails
Family Fun, South
The Whakarewarewa Forest or Redwoods walking trails all start at the Redwoods i-SITE, where you can pick up a map before heading to explore the forest walks.
Geyser By Night at Te Puia
Family Fun
When darkness falls, the true love story of the city's geothermal wonderland comes to life.
Steaming Cliffs Kayak at Lake Rotomahana
Family Fun, South
Explore the amazing scenery of Lake Rotomahana on this spectacular guided kayaking tour.
Horse Trekking Lake Okareka
Family Fun, East
Trek on horseback through 500 acres of native bush and 1,500 acres of working sheep and cattle farm with stunning views of Mount Tarawera and lakes Okareka and Tarawera.
Action Bug - Rangitāiki with Riverbug.NZ
Family Fun, 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.