Rotorua is full of different adventures and activities to do during the day, but the fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. Here are a few ideas to help you out with some things to do in Rotorua at night.
Top things to do in Rotorua at night:
- Rotorua Canopy Tours Twilight Zipline Experience
- Have a bite to eat down Eat Street
- Soak at the Polynesian Spa
- Experience the Redwoods Treewalk
- Head to the Pig & Whistle
- Play Mini Golf
- Check out the Rotorua night market
- Experience Māori culture at TE PĀ TŪ
- Venture up the Skyline Rotorua Gondola
1. Twilight Zipline Tour
Have you experienced an ancient forest at night? Rotorua Canopy Tours is now offering Twilight Zipline Tours!
The twilight tour captures that magical period between daylight and darkness. The forest undergoes a mesmerizing transition as the sun’s light gradually fades and the boundaries between day and night blur. You will depart in the daylight on the award-winning Original Canopy Tour, embarking on ziplines, swing bridges, and tree-based platforms. If you fear spiders and insects, you will be out of your comfort zone on this experience. These creepy-crawlies emerge at night and occupy nocks and crannies of tree trunks and platforms. An exciting world we tend to tread right past in daylight.
Head torches, wet weather gear and extra warm clothing are supplied (if needed). All you need is your sense of adventure! Click here to learn more about Rotorua Canopy Tours Twilight Tours.
Photo: In the native forest at night with Rotorua Canopy Tours
2. Have a bite to eat down Eat Street
One of the best things to do in Rotorua at night is to grab a bite to eat. Head down to Eat Street, the most colorful, atmospheric street in Rotorua, to find a range of different restaurants, cafes and bars. You’ll find some of the top places to eat in Rotorua and be spoiled for choice with a range of food and drinks from Indian, Italian, Mediterranean, Stone Grill, Thai, locally crafted beer and a whole lot more! Find this Rotorua hot spot at the lake end of Tutanekai Street.
Photo: Eat Street has an awesome atmosphere at night.
3. Soak at the Polynesian Spa
After a day of ziplining or mountain biking, one of the most relaxing things to do in Rotorua at night is to soak at Polynesian Spa on Hinemoa Street. You can unwind in the luxury outdoor spa among the New Zealand flora or the outdoor adults pool that overlooks stunning Lake Rotorua. You can even take the whole family and enjoy some fun and games in the family spa!
Book a zip and soak combo with Rotorua Canopy Tours and Polynesian Spa and save $10.
Photo: Best way to end a long day is with a hot soak at Polynesian Spa. Credit: Polynesian Spa
4. Experience the Redwoods Treewalk
The thought of walking through a forest at night in darkness might not sound so appealing, but you’re in for a treat at the Rotorua Redwoods Treewalk. The treewalk takes you off the forest floor via a boardwalk from tree to tree and is magnificent at night – lit up by colourful lights and lanterns. It really is a must see to give you a whole new perspective of what the forest looks like at night.
Photo: The Treewalk in Rotorua at night is simply magical. credit: Treewalk.co.nz
5. Head to the Pig & Whistle
Gather your friends and enjoy some fun in one of Rotorua’s oldest pubs. This pubs historic charm and atmosphere will provide you with great tap beer and amazing food. Don’t forget about the best curly fries in town also! On Thursday nights through to Sundays they have live music and it’s some of the best around town. You must go and check it out for yourself – located on the corner of Haupapa and Tutanaki Street.
Photo: Pig and Whistle makes for a great night out with friends and family. Credit: www.myguiderotorua.com
6. Play Mini Golf
Opposite our very own Rotorua Canopy Tours HQ is the very bright and colorful Mini Golf NZ. There are heaps of twinkling lights so it’s difficult to miss! Try and find some furry rabbit friends jumping around and enjoying the 18-hole experience with you. When it comes to things to do in Rotorua at night, this is an ideal hot spot for the whole family to enjoy.
Photo: Mini golf under twinkling lights is a great thing to do in Rotorua at night. credit: RotoruaNZ
7. Check out the Rotorua night market
On a Thursday evening is the famous Rotorua Night Market, right in the centre of Rotorua CBD. It’s a great place to taste a variety of different foods, shop for some locally made arts and crafts and soak in the atmosphere with entertainment from talented local musicians.
Photo: The Rotorua Night Market is the place to be on a Thursday night. credit: Stuff.co.nz
9. Venture up the Skyline Rotorua Gondola
The last of our things to do in Rotorua at night is to head up Mount Ngongotaha by gondola to Skyline Rotorua. At the top you’ll get some epic views and can enjoy a meal at Stratosphere Restaurant or go on the incredible night luge. You’ll have a blast riding under the stars as their colourful disco lights light the way down the luge tracks. Check out Night Luge Rotorua for the latest info on dates and times the night luge is operating.
8. Venture up the Skyline Rotorua Gondola
The last of our things to do in Rotorua at night is to head up Mount Ngongotaha by gondola to Skyline Rotorua. At the top you’ll get some epic views and can enjoy a meal at Stratosphere Restaurant or go on the incredible night luge. You’ll have a blast riding under the stars as their colourful disco lights light the way down the luge tracks. Check out Night Luge Rotorua for the latest info on dates and times the night luge is operating.
Photo: Luge is a blast, race your family and friends down the hill at Skyline. credit: Skyline
