Looking for things to do in Rotorua with kids these school holidays?

Looking for things to do in Rotorua with kids these school holidays? We know holidays are all about having fun and enjoying new experiences with family and friends. Sometimes it’s a small getaway for a couple of days to discover new places. Or, getting out and about in your local neighborhood for a day of adventurous activities. If you ever get stuck for ideas to keep the kids entertained these school holidays check out this action packed one-day itinerary of family friendly activities in Rotorua for you and your kids to enjoy.

1 day of school holiday fun – things to do in Rotorua with kids:

Morning: Breakfast at Capers Cafe

Experience the forest: Rotorua Canopy Tours

Lunch: Ciabatta Bakery

Get to the Lakes: Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake)

Evening: Dinner at Abracadabra and soak at Polynesian Spa

Morning: Breakfast at Capers Cafe

Wake up bright and early and enjoy a family breakfast at Capers. The breakfast menu starts at 7am and the food never disappoints. The menu has a large variety of food, so the kids will be able to find something that suits their palette. Kids breakfasts, pancakes or french toast will set them up for a day. And we promise there are some awesome food options for you as well!

Experience the forest: Rotorua Canopy Tours

It is now time to experience one of the best activities to do in Rotorua during the school holidays – ziplining through native forest with Rotorua Canopy Tours.

It is the perfect activity to keep the kids entertained for 3 – 3.5 hours but you don’t have to do any of the entertaining. Just sit back and take in the views of native forest while creating memories with your family. You can leave everything else up to the two very entertaining and experienced guides that will lead your small group through a network of ziplines, swings bridges and a conservation trail. The best time of the day to visit Rotorua Canopy Tours is in the morning while the forest is still waking up and coming to life.

Not only does the tour consist of ziplining but it is also very educational. The guides teach you all about the native forest and the damage that pests are causing to our native forests. Fun AND educational in the one tour, what more could you possibly want when looking for things to do in Rotorua with kids?

things to do in rotorua with kids - rotorua canopy tours

Photo: Rotorua Canopy Tours providing the best morning entertainment for your family these holidays. 

Lunch: Ciabatta Bakery

After an adventurous and educational time with Rotorua Canopy Tours there will be a few hungry tummies. So, we have the best lunch stop for you! Ciabatta Bakery is delicious and one of the Rotorua Canopy Tours teams favourites! The sandwiches are tasty and massive! Our favourite is the Chookie. Finish off your lunch with a delicious sweat treat – the Go-Nuts (Cronut) is a local must try. After one of the best lunches in town you and the kids will be rearing to go again.

Get to the Lakes: Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake)

Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake) is a beautiful area of Rotorua that visitors love just as much as the Rotorua locals. The 5.5km loop around the lakes edge is reasonably flat with minimal hills. So, it is perfect when looking for things to do in Rotorua with kids. You could easily spend a few hours at the lake playing on the playground, taking a dip in the clear blue waters or building sandcastles in the sand.

Things to do in rotorua with kids

Photo: Lake Tikatapu providing endless amounts of fun for an awesome school holiday activity.

Evening: Dinner at Abracadabra and soak at Polynesian Spa

After a busy day enjoying the Rotorua outdoors you deserve a delicious dinner and a way to finish off your day the best way possible. Abracadabra Cafe & bar is one of our local favourites for children and adults, and for very good reason. With a rustic bohemian feel along with delicious Mexican and Moroccan cuisine it is a must try in the opinion of the locals!

And if you still have energy and want to do one last activity you should go and check out Polynesian Spa! It is relaxing for the whole family. The kids will be kept entertained by the slide in the family pool while you can sit back and relax in the hot pools.

We know that entertaining the kids in the holidays can be a bit expensive. So, we have a deal for you so you can experience both Rotorua Canopy Tours and Polynesian Spa at discounted rate! Check out the zip & soak combo here.

soak in rotorua

As zipline guides in Rotorua, we’re not just passionate about adventure—we’re also passionate about good kai (food). After a day of soaring through the treetops,...

November is the ideal month to enjoy the lush beauty of New Zealand’s Rotorua bush walks. In the Central North Island, Rotorua is known for...

November is the perfect time to lace up your boots and hit New Zealand’s Central North Island Bush Walks. Our native forests are alive with...

Join our global community

Enter your information and unlock a world where connections flourish and a sense of belonging awaits.

ADVENTURE, NATURE, AND YOU – ATTACHED IN AN EPIC GUIDED EXPERIENCE