Tours, sightseeing tours, activities & things to do | Viator.com
Rotorua
Trip Planning & Itineraries
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Rotorua is far and away the most popular and, inevitably, the most commercialised tourist destination on the North Island.
Nicknamed Sulphur City, it has the most energetic thermal activity in the country, with bubbling mud pools, gurgling hot springs, gushing geysers and evil eggy smells hovering around.
Rotorua also has a large Maori population, and this is the best place in NZ to experience a traditional hangi (meals cooked in an earth oven) and Maori concert.
Take a helicopter to the top of a volcano
From USD $408.15
The island rises over 300 meters (nearly 1000 feet) above sea level but 70% of the whole structure is under the water, making it New Zealand's largest volcano. Trek up to the crater through remains of Sulphur Works, boiling water, crystallized sulphur and much more.
Learn about New Zealand's geology
From USD $87.96
Drive through New Zealand's farmland and native forests to the country's largest boiling mudpool and a series of colorful hot springs at Wai-o-tapu. A local naturalist explains the volcanic processes of Rotorua and all of New Zealand. Learn all about vulcanology, New Zealands flora, fauna and Maori history.
A taste of Maori culture
Maori culture is a major attraction in Rotorua and, although it has been heavily commercialised, it's worth investing in the experience. The two big activities are concerts and hangi, and often the two are combined.
The concerts are put on by locals. Chances are, by the evening's end you'll have been dragged up on stage, experienced a Maori hongi (nose-to-nose contact), and have joined hands for a group sing along. Other features of a Maori concert are poi dances and action songs.
