When darkness falls the true love story of Rotorua’s geothermal wonderland comes to life…

Until now, the magic hidden within Te Puia has remained a secret that only Mother Nature has truly been exposed to. For the first time, the geothermal valley is revealed under night skies, providing a multi-sensory experience that can not be replicated anywhere else in the world.

Meet with your guide at the Main Entrance to Te Puia under our waharoa (gateway). After a brief kōrero (talk), you will be escorted to Te Heketanga-ā-Rangi, our superbly carved and architecturally designed, Māori feature.

When darkness falls the true love story of Rotorua’s geothermal wonderland comes to life…

Until now, the magic hidden within Te Puia has remained a secret that only Mother Nature has truly been exposed to. For the first time, the geothermal valley is revealed under night skies, providing a multi-sensory experience that can not be replicated anywhere else in the world.

Meet with your guide at the Main Entrance to Te Puia under our waharoa (gateway). After a brief kōrero (talk), you will be escorted to Te Heketanga-ā-Rangi, our superbly carved and architecturally designed, Māori feature.

Enjoy a delicious Hāngī Buffet Dinner at Te Puia's Pātaka Kai Restaurant, Bar, & Café - the only restaurant in the world that overlooks the magnificent Pōhutu Geyser.
Dine on the deck or inside, while enjoying the full view through floor-to-ceiling glass windows.

Each dish has a twist of authentic Māori cuisine then crafted with locally sourced and freshly prepared ingredients by our award-winning chefs. From Steamed Puddings to Kai Moana (Seafood), Manuka Smoked Ham, Hāngī Chicken, Pātaka Kai has something to tempt all taste buds with their tantalizing dishes.

The menus are smartly sophisticated – infusing Māori flavours, with an array of global cuisines and cooking styles. From our popular corn & watercress soup, served alongside fresh homemade bread to a range of kai moana (seafood) with a crisp salad buffet, your meal will begin with a light entrée, to prepare you for the main course to follow.

This half-day geothermal experience completely immerses you in the unique environment of Waimangu Volcanic Valley.

You can explore the world’s youngest geothermal valley at your own pace, with walking trails for all abilities and ambitions. Walks vary in length from 1.5km to 4.5km, covering a range of geothermal activity, hot springs, volcanic craters, nature and wildlife. Some highlights to look out for include the world's largest hot spring, the Mt Haszard trail, and the brilliant blue Inferno Crater.

The trails ultimately lead you down to the lake, where you’ll enjoy relaxing 45 minute cruise around the tranquil waters of Lake Rotomahana. Throughout the cruise, you'll encounter stunning geothermal activity only accessible by boat, as well as rare native birdlife. You can also listen to the historic stories of the lake, the Pink and White Terraces and the Mount Tarawera eruption from the onboard commentary.

This experience allows you to explore every corner of the world's youngest volcanic valley.

Get a double dip of fun at Velocity Valley and experience your choice of 2 rides from the Swoop, Freefall Xtreme, Shweeb and Agrojet - you'll want to do them all over again!

The 4 experiences to choose from are:

Swoop - Drop from 40 metres on this giant swing - sure to test your nerves.

Freefall Extreme - Feel the thrill of flight stepping into the wind tunnel and trying to hold you body stable while flying.

Shweeb - A unique peddle powered monorail where you dictate the speed. Thrilling speeds can be achieved.

Agrojet - e driven through a jetboat sprint course by a professional driver.

Why is it Chuffed Worthy?

If you're looking for a good time, it's pretty hard to look past Velocity Valley. There is an activity on offer for everyone, and the crew are dedicated to ensuring that every person who steps foot on the park has a ball!

Embrace nature’s sanctuary and slip into five mineral hot pools overlooking the Lake at Polynesian Spa Rotorua. Try the cold plunge pool, lounge on geothermal recliners and enjoy deluxe changing rooms.

Polynesian Spa is New Zealand’s original and iconic geothermal bathing experience, with exclusive access to both acidic and alkaline natural mineral springs, and unique spa therapies for the ultimate in rest and relaxation.

Polynesian Spa’s geothermal hot mineral waters are sourced from two natural springs and feed into 28 hot mineral pools.

The slightly acidic Priest Spring waters relieve tired muscles, aches and pains while the alkaline waters of the Rachel Spring will nourish your skin.

Includes access to:

• Four shallow Rachel Spring alkaline mineral hot pools ranging from 36-41 degrees
• One Priest Spring acidic mineral hot pool
• Cold plunge pool for hot-cold hydrotherapy to detoxify –alternate between hot and cold pools three times for best results
• Geothermally-heated poolside recliners
• Large indoor relaxation lounge overlooking the lake and gardens
• Premium changing facilities with towels, secure lockers, beautiful soap, shampoo and hairdryers provided

Why is this Chuffed Worthy?

Established in 1972, the Polynesian Spa is NZ's original & most iconic geothermal bathing experience. It is internationally renowned & recognised as one of the top 10 spas in the world. These waters have been flocked to for their relaxing & healing qualities since the 1800's. If you haven't had a soak at the Polynesian Spa before, it's high-time you did. If you have, we probably don't need to convince you to come back for another visit!

The Tarawera and Lakes Eco-Tour takes you on a deeper journey through the Rotorua Lakes District with the highlight being a visit to Lake Tarawera, not only a stunning setting, but home to Mt Tarawera which changed our entire history in 1886. On the journey to Tarawera, visit the stunning Lake Okareka for our first splashdown. A small lakeside community within a bird sanctuary. We discover Tikitapu (Blue Lake) with its incredible colours and natural surrounds. After that you'll pass the most sacred Lake in the area Rotokakahi, along with the Buried Village of Te Wairoa before engaging in the spectacular view of Mount Tarawera.

Rotorua Duck Tours is the first, and still, the only company in New Zealand to provide the unique and exciting opportunity to explore a special part of New Zealand in an authentic amphibious WWII landing craft. Experience the thrill of riding in New Zealand’s only genuine operating WW2 landing crafts through these spectacular lake settings, volcanic craters and natural landscapes is something that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

Why is this Chuffed Worthy?

The idea of Rotorua Duck Tours kicked off across the Weir family Christmas table one year, and brothers Peter & Trevor decided to put their money where their mouths were & see it to fruition! Since their first tour in 2003, thousands of visitors & locals alike have enjoyed the entertaining & unique tours. Still family owned & operated today, the Duck tours are an iconic Rotorua activity that we think everyone needs to experience at least once!

The Duck is a truly magnificent vehicle able to travel on land and water. Come and experience Rotorua and its lakes from a totally unique perspective.

This tour is broken into two parts which includes a tour through the city, it’s amazing gardens, iconic buildings, and geothermal areas before heading out for Splashdown into two of Rotorua’s most stunning lakes. The lakes part of the tour includes splashdown onto Lakes Tikitapu and Okareka, magnificent views of Mt Tarawera and lush native forests.

Rotorua Duck Tours is the first, and still, the only company in New Zealand to provide the unique and exciting opportunity to explore a special part of New Zealand in an authentic amphibious WWII landing craft. Experience the thrill of riding in New Zealand’s only genuine operating WW2 landing crafts and seeing beautiful scenery en route, it promises to be a real highlight of your time in Rotorua.

Why is this Chuffed Worthy?

The idea of Rotorua Duck Tours kicked off across the Weir family Christmas table one year, and brothers Peter & Trevor decided to put their money where their mouths were & see it to fruition! Since their first tour in 2003, thousands of visitors & locals alike have enjoyed the entertaining & unique tours. Still family owned & operated today, the Duck tours are an iconic Rotorua activity that we think everyone needs to experience at least once!

This is a great way to experience the beauty of the Rotorua Lakes! Enjoy a two and a half-hour tour (including transport) with Paddleboard Rotorua on one of Rotorua's stunning lakes. You will have the opportunity to swim, explore the shorelines, take photos of the scenery and test your skills on a stand-up paddle board.

The Paddle Board Tour is a unique, relaxing yet adventurous way to experience the scenery of the Rotorua Lakes. Paddle Board Rotorua are specialists at taking their customers to beautiful locations while having a fun and genuine time doing it. Experience the wonders of Lake Tarawera or the secret caves of Lake Okareka while in the competent hands of expert guides. Quality instruction by the guide will have you mastering paddle-boarding quickly allowing you to experience the freedom of gliding over the water. Paddle boarding is such an eco-friendly way to travel around the lakes which makes the experience that much more engaging as you interact with the nature in this unique way.

Tours take place on either Lake Okereka, Lake Tikitapu or Lake Tarawera. Weather conditions determine the best location.

It's been famous for over 25 years since it first launched in Rotorua and it is still the world's biggest ZORB site. Get amongst the fun superman diving into a giant inflatable ball and rolling down Mt Ngongotaha. Try not to laugh, it's impossible.

This package entitles you to two ZORB rides each - the Straight & Sidewinder tracks!

The experience of rolling down a hill inside a giant inflatable ball has been an iconic adventure experience since Andrew and David Akers invented and developed the first ever ZORB site in the world back in 1997 at this very location!

This experience combines the Hell’s Gate’s Mud Bath and Spa and a geothermal walk  for a uniquely Rotorua experience

1. Mud Bath and Spa: The healing properties of the geothermal mud and sulphur mineral water have been used by local Māori for over 800 years. Open and clean your skin by lathering it in our unique mud, before exfoliating and cleansing with a soak in the sulphur spa. Your body and soul will feel revitalised after this soothing experience. Includes bathing in the world-famous mud baths, then soaking in the sulphur spas and cool plunge pool.
2. Take a guided or self-guided interactive tour of New Zealand’s most active geothermal reserve, see erupting waters, an active mud volcano, land coral and a hot waterfall. Experience getting your hands and feet dirty in our healing mud foot pool or try your hand at Māori carving. You’ll soon discover the legends and myths behind Hell’s Gate.

Why is this Chuffed Worthy?

Some of the Chuffed team took a visit to Hells Gate to walk through the Geothermal Reserve before trying out the Mud Bath & Sulphur Spa. We found it to be an incredibly unique & relaxing experience and were blown away by the Kaitiakitanga & Manaakitanga of the Hells Gate team. This site is extremely significant to Maori culture, which makes us all the more lucky to be able to experience it! Pro tip - take old swimwear or rent some on site, as the sulphur can be tricky to get out of clothing!

Enjoy a thrilling mix of dropping down three waterfalls, pushing through 14 rushing rapids, and paddling through calm waters of recovery where you can look back in awe at what you have achieved.

The Kaituna Waterfall Experience is suitable for many ages and stages from nature lovers to adventurous first-timers (13 years and over) and total thrill-seekers. Soak up the calm peacefulness of the lush native bush surrounding the Kaituna River and realise what 100% Pure New Zealand really means. You will appreciate the warmer waters of the North Island as the water splashes over the raft while you take on the rapids with your expert guide.

The area is steeped in Māori history and you will learn about the history and caves where the women and children were hidden and then later used as the burial ground for Chief Tutea – hence the naming of the mighty waterfall the Tutea Falls.

The Tutea Falls on Kaituna (Okere) River, Rotorua is the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall at an almighty 7 metres. There is plenty of time to build up anticipation and practice your newly acquired skills in the rapids and two smaller waterfalls before the big drop.

Thanks to its beauty and healing properties Tikitere has been a destination for spa and nature seekers since 1871. In 1934 noted Irish playwright, George Bernard Shaw, visited and cited it as inspiration to change his once atheist beliefs. In awe of the boiling mud and steam billowing into the sky, Shaw is said to have exclaimed “this could be the very gates of hell.” Upon hearing this, local Māori decided the English name for the area would become Hell’s Gate.

Hell’s Gate mud spa is a historic New Zealand experience. The healing properties of the geothermal mud and sulphur mineral water have been used by local Māori for over 800 years. Open and clean your skin by lathering it in our unique mud, before exfoliating and cleansing with a soak in the sulphur spa. Your body and soul will feel revitalised after this soothing experience.

This experience includes bathing in the world-famous mud baths, then soaking in the sulphur spas and cool plunge pool.

Why is this Chuffed Worthy?

Some of the Chuffed team took a visit to Hells Gate to walk through the Geothermal Reserve before trying out the Mud Bath & Sulphur Spa. We found it to be an incredibly unique & relaxing experience and were blown away by the Kaitiakitanga & Manaakitanga of the Hells Gate team.  This site is extremely significant to Maori Culture, which makes us all the more lucky to be able to experience it! Pro tip - take old swimwear or rent some on site, as the Sulpher can be tricky to get out of clothing!

Secret Spot Hot Tubs

You’ll find a relaxed atmosphere and friendly welcome when you discover this secret spot in the forest.

It’s all about connecting you with nature, friends, and family after your day’s adventures. Bathe in your own cedar hot tub surrounded by native trees and ferns, while you receive tub-side bar service at the push of a button.

The fresh (non-geothermal) water comes from a aquifer spring, which is heated to just the right temperature for you to enjoy a relaxing 45-minute soak. The tubs can fit up to six people and come with complimentary drinking water and lockers. You can bring your own swimwear, or there is swimwear, towels, and robes for hire. Check in 15 minutes before your booked soak time.

Explore the unique café and bar in a backyard setting – which has smooth manuka-roasted coffee, Good George craft beer and cider, and Mills Reef wine.

Have a bite to eat, play lawn games and enjoy the outdoor campfires, or unwind with a “Shinny Dip” in the cute foot hot tubs, free with any drinks purchase.

Feel the need for speed as you jump into the driver’s seat for an exhilarating Raceline Karting experience. Concentration, skills and a big dose of brave, will help you make the most of the world-class karting track and give it all you’ve got. The track is 1.2 km long with 11 corners, 6 hairpin turns, 150 metre straight and you'll reach speeds up to 100km/h - this will thrill you.

Test your limits in a safe and controlled environment, at Rotorua’s International Kartsport Raceway high up on the Mamaku Plateau, with top of the line Sodi 390cc 4 stroke karts imported from France. Off Road NZ is the only place in the country where you can race these incredible, state of the art machines on the same track as the professional racers.

Geared up and ready to roll, experience the rush of G-Force as you take on hairpin corners and flowing curves with speeds reaching close to 100 km/hour on the 150-metre straight. Go for a personal best or race each other to beat the clock and cross that finish line.

This experience is the Arrive and Drive Package which gives you 10 minutes of racing time on the track each.

If you love it (which you will) you can upgrade to more tack time when you are there.

Why is this Chuffed Worthy?

James from Chuffed has visited Off Road NZ at least 20 times in the last 15 years - with his wife, visiting friends and family, groups of friends....the Go Karting never fails to impress. Part of it's charm is it's remote location on a 125 hectare farm 25 minutes drive into the hills from Rotorua.  The fun is addictive, and the competitive spirit against yourself and your friends comes to the fore. So when Chuffed was born - Off Road NZ was one of the first calls James made to see if they wanted to be a partner. And lucky for everyone they said yes.

You might want to consider adding their 4WD bush safari and monster truck experience to you visit also.