Free Activities to Experience in Rotorua

Wai-O-Tapu

If moneys a little tight but you’d still like to go away for a holiday, you don’t have to spend a fortune in Rotorua as there are plenty of free activities you can experience. Our room prices include a continental breakfast so take advantage of this and start off your day with a hearty meal. A suggestion for lunch is to cross the street and grab some food from Countdown and have a picnic at some of the fabulous places below:

Government Gardens - An important historical site, the land for the gardens were gifted by Maori to be enjoyed by the people of the world. The gardens are huge and there are buildings like the Te Runanga Tea House, Blue Baths and Gardner’s Cottage to enjoy. The Museum is currently closed for earthquake repair work, but you can still appreciate the outside of the building.

Okere Falls - This walk takes you along the banks of the Kaituna river with waterfalls, a cave, parts of the first power station and a trout pool. There is also a café close by if you need something to eat.

Ohinemutu Maori Village – A living Maori village on the shores of Lake Rotorua. The village features a Marae and St Faith’s church. Visitors are welcome to walk around and enjoy the steaming vents, boiling hot pools and natural beauty.

The Rotorua Redwoods – There are six sign posted walking tracks that cater for beginners and leisure walkers through to hikers looking for an extra challenge. Follow the colour coded arrows in the direction they are pointing to complete the circuit. Walks start at the visitor centre.

Kuirau Park – Touch base with all things natural. Experience thermal activity as you wander through the park on the paved footpaths, plus there are three-foot pools where you can soak your feet. There is also a children’s playground and an ornamental thermal pool.

Kerosene Creek – A short 30-minute drive from Rotorua. Made up of a waterfall that falls into a larger pool and smaller pools a little further upstream, they are a great place to relax and enjoy.

Wai-O-Tapu Swimming Hole – Located past the first entrance into Wai-O-Tapu, there is a second entrance that takes you down the road to a bridge. Below the bridge is a little swimming hole where one hot and one cold stream meet. You can move around to find the right temperature for you.

Lake Rotorua – Enjoy a stroll around the lakeside, taking in bird wildlife and a bit of geothermal steam scenery. The lake was formed from a volcano crater over 200,000 years ago. The walk takes around 1.5 hours.

Rotorua Markets – Held every Thursday night selling locally made products. You will find stalls selling artisan cheeses and pasta, coffee and wine, alpaca scarves and wraps, olive oils, international cuisine and clothing. There is also entertainment, and the surrounding shops stay open too.

Kuirau Park Flea Market – Held every Saturday Morning no matter the weather. Featuring freshly made foods, jewellery, second-hand pots and pans, clothing, fresh fruit and vegetables.

 

Insiders tip: book an apartment at Jet Park Hotel Rotorua which includes cooking facilities and dinner can be sorted too without breaking the bank.