Looking for incredible adventures that won’t cost a thing? Rotorua is a geothermal wonderland packed with free activities for all ages. From towering redwoods to bubbling mud pools, here’s our list of the top free things to do in Rotorua that you won’t want to miss.
- Walk Among Giants in the Redwood Forest
- Go mountain biking
- Walk around the scenic Blue Lake
- Check out the Rotorua Lake front
- Discover Geothermal Wonders at Kuirau Park
- Go to the beautiful Government Gardens
- Watch rafters and kayakers drop over the falls at Okere Falls
- Soak in the natural hot springs at Kerosene Creek
1. Walk Among Giants in the Redwood Forest
Start your adventure at the Redwood Forest, home to some of the most beautiful trails in Rotorua. Known for its towering Californian redwoods, this forest is a haven for walkers and nature lovers alike. Pick up a trail map at the i-SITE visitor centre and choose from a variety of tracks ranging from 1.7km to 34km.
Photo: Rotorua’s Whakarewarewa Forest has spectacular walking trails accessable for free. Credit: AA.com
2. Go mountain biking
One of the great things to do in Rotorua free is mountain biking! Rotorua is New Zealand’s mountain biking mecca, and provided you bring your own bike, the region’s world-class tracks don’t cost a thing to ride.
We highly recommend the Whakarewarewa Trails – Red Bull has rated them the best in the Southern Hemisphere! Weaving through native ferns and forest, beneath soaring canopies of Californian Redwood Trees. These trails were built by mountain bikers, for mountain bikers!
Photo: Find beautiful scenes and hidden spots on one of the best things to do in Rotorua free – mountain biking in the Redwoods Forest. Credit: RotoruaNZ
3. Walk around the scenic Blue Lake
During the summer months, an incredible day hike is the Lake Tikatapu loop track (Blue Lake) about 10 minutes drive from Rotorua. The lake itself lies within a volcanic crater and it’s a bright blue colour – perfect for a dip to cool off! The track is a 5.5km easy-going loop. Therefor, this is one of the must-do and it’s suitable for all fitness levels (including families).
Photo: Enjoy the views walking around the Blue Lake. credit: Rotorua Canopy Tours
4. Check out the Rotorua Lake front
A beautiful new boardwalk has reciently opened on Rotorua’s lake front. It features multiple wide pathways following the shoreline and projecting out over the lake. It is a perfect place for a run or a walk.
There is also an amazing new playground with two large smooth-surface loops for bikes, scooters and skateboards. Even a basketball half-court as well as spaces to sit, relax, and watch the action.
Photo: Explore the newly developed Rotorua lakefront. Credit: RotoruaNZ
5. Discover Geothermal Wonders at Kuirau Park
The city’s bubbling mud pools, shooting geysers and hissing steam vents are world famous, but you generally have to pay to see impressive examples of them. Not at Kuirau Park! A public park located minutes from Rotorua’s city centre – the park is home to numerous tracks leading to energetic areas of geothermal activity – a great way to get a geothermal fix all for free!
Photo: See some of the geothermal wonders of Rotorua all for free at Kuirau Park. credit: Newzealand.com
6. Go to the beautiful Government Gardens
Set right on the edge of Lake Rotorua is the Government Gardens, a place where many battles took place between Maori back in the early days. Today, it’s home to a gorgeous rose garden and manicured lawns. Soak up the scenery with a picnic lunch overlooking the historic Musuem that is currently closed after damages in an earthquake.
Photo: The Government Gardens are a great place to hang out and enjoy the sunshine. credit: Newzealand.com
7. Watch rafters and kayakers drop over the waterfall at Okere Falls
Enjoy a casual walk through native bush to a series of four stunning waterfalls and crystal-clear trout pools. Spend time watching the various rafting companies take guests rafting over the 7m Tutea Falls – the highest commercial raftable waterfall in the world. Okere Falls Scenic Reserve is about a 15 minute drive out of Rotorua.
Photo: Enjoy the stunning waterfalls and crystal clear trout pools of Okere falls. credit: River Rats
8. Soak in the natural hot springs at Kerosene Creek
Soaking in a hot spring surrounded by native bush is a relaxing and unforgettable experience! Kerosene creek is a natural freshwater hot spring only 30km south of Rotorua. The hot water from the natural spring bubbles up from the ground into the cool waters of the creek, creating the warm water.
Perfect activity for a rainy day in Rotorua. As the rain hits the water the steam sits low creating a cosy and relaxed atmosphere. This geothermal heated stream is the perfect place to blob out and relax while experiencing a New Zealand natural hot spring.
Photo: The natural hot spring at Kerosene Creek are one of the most unique and relaxing free things to do in Rotorua. credit: Stuff.co.nz
