Experiences for families (Explore)

Experience Rotorua’s wild side on a guided 4WD buggy adventure through the native forests and rolling hills of Mount Ngongotahā. Travelling in a comfortable six-seater buggy driven by an experienced guide, this experience combines off-road excitement with some of the region’s most spectacular scenery.

After a short check-in and safety briefing, it's time to climb aboard and head deep into the bush along historic forestry trails. Along the way, towering silver ferns, native birdlife, and rugged landscapes create an authentic New Zealand wilderness experience, while guides share fascinating stories of Rotorua’s history, Māori culture, and the legends surrounding the sacred Spirit Mountain.

The journey reaches its highlight at elevated lookouts overlooking Lake Rotorua, Mokoia Island, and the surrounding countryside — a rewarding contrast to the thrill of the off-road tracks below. Blending adventure, culture, and unforgettable scenery, this is a memorable experience for families, groups, and anyone wanting to explore a different side of Rotorua.

Get ready for an action-packed adventure on the waters of Lake Rotorua. After arriving at the lakefront, you'll receive a safety briefing and be fitted with the necessary gear before boarding a powerful jet boat. As the engine roars to life, hold on tight as you accelerate across the lake at speeds of up to 85km/h, skimming across the water and experiencing the thrill of famous 360-degree spins. Along the way, your driver shares fascinating stories about Rotorua's history, culture, and iconic landmarks surrounding the lake.

The excitement continues as you race across the open water, combining adrenaline-pumping manoeuvres with spectacular views of one of New Zealand's most famous geothermal regions. Between bursts of speed, there are opportunities to take in the scenery and learn about the people and events that have shaped Rotorua into the cultural heart of the country.

What makes this experience truly special is its unique blend of high-speed thrills, local storytelling, and stunning lake scenery. Perfect for adventure seekers this jet boat ride delivers excitement from start to finish. You'll leave with a smile on your face, lasting memories, and a newfound appreciation for the beauty and culture of Rotorua.

Step into one of Rotorua’s most iconic geothermal wellness experiences and discover why Hell’s Gate has attracted visitors seeking relaxation and rejuvenation for generations. Surrounded by steaming landscapes and bubbling geothermal activity, this unique spa experience combines natural beauty, Māori heritage, and centuries-old healing traditions in a truly memorable setting.

Upon arrival, you'll be welcomed into a geothermal wonderland where local Māori have valued the therapeutic properties of mud and mineral-rich waters for more than 800 years. Begin by covering your skin in warm geothermal mud, allowing its natural minerals to cleanse and nourish while you unwind in the world-famous mud baths. After rinsing off, continue your journey with a soothing soak in the sulphur spas, where the mineral waters help relax tired muscles and leave your skin feeling refreshed. For an added boost, take a dip in the cool plunge pool before returning to the warmth of the spas.

What makes this experience especially unique is its rich history and extraordinary setting. Known as Tikitere, the area has been a destination for wellness seekers since the 1800s and earned its famous name after playwright George Bernard Shaw reportedly described the dramatic landscape as looking like "the very gates of hell." Today, visitors can enjoy the same healing environment while immersing themselves in a place deeply connected to Māori culture and tradition.

Journey beyond Rotorua’s city limits and discover the breathtaking beauty of the Tarawera Lakes on a unique amphibious adventure that travels seamlessly across both land and water. Surrounded by pristine forests, volcanic landscapes, and crystal-clear lakes, this unforgettable sightseeing experience showcases some of the region’s most spectacular natural scenery while revealing fascinating stories of the area's history and Māori heritage.

Upon arrival, you will board an authentic WWII-era amphibious vehicle before setting off on a guided exploration through the stunning Tarawera region. Along the way, entertaining commentary brings the landscape to life as the journey winds through scenic countryside and reaches a series of beautiful lakes. The excitement builds with multiple splashdowns as the vehicle transitions from road to water, cruising across three remarkable lakes and providing unforgettable views of Mount Tarawera and the surrounding wilderness. Each lake offers a different perspective, creating a constantly changing backdrop throughout the adventure.

What makes this experience truly special is the rare opportunity to explore several of Rotorua’s most scenic lakes in a single journey aboard an iconic amphibious vehicle. Combining natural beauty, local culture, and the thrill of travelling across both land and water, it delivers a memorable experience that appeals to travellers of all ages. From the first splashdown to the final lakeside views, this remarkable adventure leaves lasting memories of one of New Zealand’s most extraordinary landscapes.

Experience New Zealand's original geothermal bathing destination with the Deluxe Lake Spa at Polynesian Spa Rotorua. Overlooking the tranquil shores of Lake Rotorua, this premium wellness experience invites you to unwind in five naturally heated mineral hot pools while surrounded by peaceful lakeside scenery. Combining world-renowned geothermal waters with modern comfort, it's the perfect escape for relaxation & rejuvenation.

Upon arrival, enjoy access to premium changing facilities complete with towels, secure lockers, luxury shower amenities, and hairdryers before making your way to the exclusive Deluxe Lake Spa. Soak in four Rachel Spring alkaline mineral pools, heated between 36–41°C to leave your skin feeling nourished, or immerse yourself in the famous Priest Spring acidic mineral pool, renowned for helping ease tired muscles and aches. Enhance your visit with a refreshing cold plunge for hot-and-cold hydrotherapy, relax on geothermally heated recliners, or unwind in the spacious indoor lounge overlooking the lake and beautifully landscaped gardens.

What makes this experience truly special is Polynesian Spa's exclusive access to both natural acidic and alkaline mineral springs, creating a wellness experience found nowhere else in New Zealand. Blending geothermal heritage, luxurious facilities, and stunning lake views, the Deluxe Lake Spa offers a peaceful sanctuary where every soak leaves you feeling refreshed, restored, and connected to the natural beauty of Rotorua.

Get ready for an action-packed Rotorua adventure at Velocity Valley, the region’s home of speed and adrenaline. Set in one beautiful location, this leading adventure hub brings together a thrilling mix of New Zealand favourites, with the 8 Pass offering plenty of opportunities to pedal, free fall, launch, propel and swoop. Designed for families, friends and groups, it’s an exciting way to experience some of Rotorua’s most adventurous attractions in one place.

After arrival and the necessary safety briefing, the adventure begins with eight individual rides to enjoy across the four available attractions. Take on Swoop and drop 40 metres on a giant swing, experience the sensation of flying in the Freefall Xtreme wind tunnel, pedal the unique Shweeb monorail and control the pace, or hold on for an exhilarating Agrojet sprint through a jetboat course with a professional driver. With eight rides to share among the group, there’s plenty of flexibility to mix and match the thrills or return to a favourite.

Perfect for an adventurous day out or someone who loves trying something new, the 8 Pass delivers a full day of excitement, laughter and unforgettable moments. From the nervous anticipation before each ride to the rush of completing it, every attraction offers a different challenge and a new story to tell. It’s an unforgettable way to experience Rotorua’s adventurous spirit and create memories that will last long after the final ride.

Get amongst Rotorua's ultimate 4WD adventure, one that puts you in control!

Buckle up in an off road vehicle for an adventure deep into a native NZ forest. You'll tackle steep climbs, thrilling descents, water holes and mud in this awesome off road adventure.

On arrival you'll be familiarised with your custom built Suzuki Jiminy and then head out to the forest trails, that were originally build by loggers in the area for getting timber out of the ranges. Rugged and remote, there are many obstacles for you to navigate on the way!

With instruction from a professional guide, you tackle the terrain. Tight, twisting bends, deep muddy holes, a seven metre-high luge, steep climbs and thrilling descents – this is uncharted territory with challenges that come thick and fast.

Don’t hold back, get hands on and let the good times roll!

The 4WD Bush Safari Experience

• Unforgettable self-drive 4WD adventure
• High-performance 4WD Suzuki Jimny
• Automatic transmission and power steering
• From 45 minutes to 1 hour
• Departures from 9am with last tour at 4pm

Experience the best of Hell’s Gate with a journey that combines Rotorua’s geothermal landscapes, rich Māori heritage, and renowned natural wellness experiences. Set within New Zealand’s most active geothermal reserve, this immersive adventure invites you to discover bubbling mud pools, steaming cliffs, and fascinating cultural stories before unwinding in the region’s famous healing waters.

Begin with a guided or self-guided interactive walk through the geothermal reserve, where you'll encounter erupting waters, an active mud volcano, a steaming hot waterfall, and unique geothermal formations. Wander through native bush shrouded in clouds of steam, learn about the legends connected to this remarkable landscape, and enjoy hands-on cultural experiences such as Māori carving and the healing mud foot pool. The geothermal walk typically takes between one and one and a half hours, allowing plenty of time to explore the reserve's most iconic features.

After your geothermal adventure, relax and rejuvenate with Hell’s Gate’s world-famous mud baths and sulphur spas. Cover your skin in mineral-rich geothermal mud before soaking in the warm sulphur waters, a wellness tradition local Māori have embraced for more than 800 years. Complete the experience with a refreshing dip in the cool plunge pool and enjoy the revitalising effects of Rotorua’s natural geothermal environment. Combining extraordinary scenery, cultural discovery, and deep relaxation in one unforgettable experience, Hell’s Gate offers a uniquely Rotorua adventure that will leave you feeling refreshed, inspired, and connected to one of New Zealand’s most remarkable landscapes.