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

Come and explore the Rotorua Lakes on a truly unique and magical kayaking experience. This amazing evening adventure takes you along the lake shorelines in a guided scenic kayak tour as you discover small caverns home to a galaxy of glow-worms. One of New Zealand's premium glow worm experiences this tour is designed to create a magical and special trip for every customer.

Highlights:
• Sunset/Dusk/Night Kayaking
• Incredible Glow Worms
• Star Gazing (if clear skies)
• Only 15 minutes from Rotorua
• Perfect for all ages (5 years and over)
• Pick-up and return transfer from Rotorua Information Centre
• No experience needed

Your friendly guide will pick you up and shuttle you from Rotorua, past the iconic Redwood forest as you make your way to our base on the lake shorelines. Upon arrival you will gear-up and prepare for an epic night out with all activity equipment provided. Your guide will then run through safety and basic kayak instruction before you take the helm on the water. You will then begin exploring the shoreline and embracing the last light of the evening as you follow your guide around the lake edge. Once it’s dark, discover your adventurous side as your guide leads you inside small hidden caves home to galaxies of glow worms. Take ample time to enjoy the magical moments inside the caves before returning along your course in the dark. If it is a clear night the magic continues as the stars come out and the cloudy appearance of the milky-way fills the sky. Upon returning to the base you will feel like you have been in another world for the past few hours and will likely have made some new friends through the wonder of this shared experience.

Step into Wai Ariki, a place where Ngāti Whakaue culture, healing traditions, and warm hospitality converge. Nestled by the captivating Lake Rotorua, its name, ‘Chiefly Waters,’ reflects the majesty it holds. Experience a world of uniqueness that transcends borders and touches hearts. Wai Ariki awaits to embrace you with its magic.

This 90 minute massage and 60 minute bathing helps to induce a calm balance between your mauri (vital energy) and your wairua (spirit). Your choice of signature oil blends, infused with rongoā (plant remedies) further enhance this restorative massage.

Highlights:

• Wai Ariki Signature Mirimiri - spiritual and physical Māori healing massage
• Signature oil blends infused with rongoā rākau (plant remedies)
• Luxury within a multi award-winning cultural and architecturally designed building
• 3 exclusive bathing including geothermally heated sky/stargaze pool with stunning views of Lake Rotorua and Mokoia Island
• Adults only (16 years and above

Facilities:

• Outdoor loungers and indoor relaxation lounge with herbal tea and water
• Wheelchair accessible shower changing room / wheelchair lift into bathing pools
• Private showers and changing areas with hair dryers

Fly over Mount Tarawera, the site of the largest eruption in New Zealand’s living memory and gain an appreciation of how the 1886 eruption changed this stunning landscape.

From Mount Tarawera to Waimangu Volcanic Valley, view the eruption trail and surrounding lakes district. Enjoy informed commentary from your experienced local pilot/guide - all combined with the thrill of taking off and landing on water at the Rotorua City Lakefront.

This is a flight that will etch itself into your memory, leaving you with a profound appreciation for this unique combination of volcanic, geothermal and city landscapes that can be found nowhere else in the world.

This package consists of 3 activities to make an adreneline fueled day in Rotorua:

The activities are operated by two separate companies .

White Water Rafting - operated by River Rat Raft and Kayak

The Kaituna River has long been the home of thrill seekers looking for a whitewater adrenaline rush.

After meeting your guide, getting ready in wetsuits and life jackets you are off for an adventure down the beautiful Kaituna river gorge, with 3 rushing waterfalls, 14 rapids rapids and beautiful streches of gorge enclosed flatwater, this is a world class rafting adventure. Its reputed to have the worlds highest commercially rated water fall - the Tutea Falls at a full 7 metre drop. Time on the river is about 1.5 hours but allow 3 hours from check in, preparation and transfers to the river.

Driving Experiences - operated by Off Road NZ

Raceline Karting

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, make the most of the world-class karting track and give it all you’ve got. 1.2 km long with 11 corners, 6 hairpin turns 150 metre straight and 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.

Self Drive 4x4

The ultimate 4WD adventure that lets you take the wheel. Buckle up and take on an off-road adventure deep into native New Zealand forest. Back in the early 1900s the area Off Road NZ is set on, was used by logging pioneers who logged our native timbers until it was banned in the 1970s. The tracks that the pioneers used back then are the same tracks that you will be diving on, on this adventure.  Rugged and remote, the trail is full of unknowns with plenty of thrills along the way.

With instruction from a professional guide, you can tackle terrain made for 4WD adventures. 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. This activity lasts approximately 1 hour.

Why is this Chuffed Worthy?

Having done all these activities we can say if you are after an adventurous day - this is hard to beat. The Raceline Karting is addictive - you want to do more, the 4WD is a great challenge as it relies on you to make the move and drive the vehicle and the rafting is shear excitement and joy and very high heart beats. As a side note if this is all too much for you to stomach on one day you can do the activities separately on different days anytime in the validity period.

Join the crew from River Rats Rotorua for an epic adventure out on and in the water!

Start with a guided kayak trip across Lake Rotoiti to the Manupirua Hot Springs. These springs are naturally fed and are only accessible by water - there is no road access to this location.

There are 8 mineral hot pools to soak in, with varying temperatures & outlooks to the lake. There is a spot for all to enjoy this quintessentially Kiwi experience!

Here you can relax, soak in the water, the views and the atmosphere, and buy refreshments & snacks from the fully licensed cafe on site before enjoying a leisurely guided paddle back across the lake.

Why is this Chuffed Worthy?

The River Rats crew have been providing world class natural experiences on the rivers & lakes around Rotorua for over 20 years. They acknowledge their work relies completely on the natural environment in which they operate in, and have put measures in place every step of the way to ensure this is respected & cared for for future generations. They have committed to a raft (pun intended) of environmental pledges along the way, including sponsoring predator free Okere Falls, running their own conservation week annually, and committing to being carbon neutral by 2025! For an inspirational experience in a stunning natural environment, with responsible hosts, look no further!

Canopy Tours:

This adventure is located deep in an ancient native forest only 15 minutes from Rotorua. In the forest, that has been painstakingly restored over the last 10 years into a safe haven for native birds and creatures, you'll traverse this magnificent environment via a series of walking trails, suspended forest bridges and ziplines. It's a truly magnificent experience. If you're lucky you'll even handfeed wild native birds.

Soar through the trees and experience New Zealand’s ancient forest like never before. Step back in time in this native forest and come face to face with towering trees and native flora untouched for centuries in one of the most intact native eco-systems you’ll find anywhere in New Zealand. Immerse yourself in this breath-taking country the way it once was and hear the beautiful birdsong of New Zealand native birds including Tuis, North Island Robins, Kereru and Tomtits in their natural habitat.

Embark on a network of ziplines, swing bridges, cliff-walks, tree top platforms and more which journey deep into 500 hectares of ancient forest. A uniquely intimate experience, each tour has a limit of 10 people, meaning more time with your authentic guides who are highly trained to keep you safe, make you smile and teach you amazing things as they bring the forest to life.

It’s an adventure that puts you at the heart of the forest restoration story, with every ticket purchased contributing to conservation efforts. To date, 220 hectares of the Dansey Road Scenic Reserve have been restored by removing thousands of predators. Together with their customers, Rotorua Canopy Tours has brought the forest back to life and created a forest eco-sanctuary for birdlife to flourish.

Equal parts inspiring, fun and educational, this award-winning adventure is a must-do adventure activity perfect for all ages. Lose yourself on this engaging encounter with the natural world and create memories that will last a lifetime.

ZORB:

Ultimate Canopy Tour:

Soar through the trees and experience New Zealand’s ancient forest like never before. Step back in time in this native forest and come face to face with towering trees and native flora untouched for centuries in one of the most intact native eco-systems you’ll find anywhere in New Zealand. Immerse yourself in this breath-taking country the way it once was and hear the beautiful birdsong of New Zealand native birds including Tuis, North Island Robins, Kereru and Tomtits in their natural habitat.

Embark on a network of ziplines, swing bridges, cliff-walks, tree top platforms and more which journey deep into 500 hectares of ancient forest. A uniquely intimate experience, each tour has a limit of 10 people, meaning more time with your authentic Kiwi guides who are highly trained to keep you safe, make you smile and teach you amazing things as they bring the forest to life.

It’s an adventure that puts you at the heart of the forest restoration story, with every ticket purchased contributing to conservation efforts. To date, 220 hectares of the Dansey Road Scenic Reserve have been restored by removing thousands of predators. Together with their customers, Rotorua Canopy Tours have brought the forest back to life and created a forest eco-sanctuary for birdlife to flourish.

Equal parts inspiring, fun and educational, this award-winning adventure is a must-do adventure activity perfect for all ages. Lose yourself on this engaging encounter with the natural world and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Velocity Valley:

Velocity Valley, where speed, adrenaline and fear collide. With 4 iconic New Zealand adrenaline adventures within one location, we have something to cater for everyone.
Feel the high-speed acceleration as you drift our sprint course with the furiously fast Agrojet.
Take on the hair-raising flight as you defy gravity 9m above the ground with Freefall Xtreme.
Why not turn your biking experience upside down in our pedal powered pods with Shweeb Racer or leave you screaming for more with the Swoop giant sky swing as you share the fear with friends or family.
Lastly the ultimate and unforgettable adrenaline rush of the bungy jump from 43m high aboveground. With so much to offer why not take advantage of a double dip combo & your choice of two of the above?

Why is this Chuffed Worthy?

This experience was started in 2008 by two pioneering Kiwi mates who had a vision of delivering a mind blowing forest experience using a series of ziplines, swing bridges & elevated platforms - and it was recently ranked the #1 Nature activity IN THE WORLD by Tripadvisor! Praise doesn't get much higher than that. Not only is this a beautiful & thrilling forest experience, it is also environmentally responsible & educational.

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 everyone that steps foot on the park has a ball!

Paddleboard Tour:

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.

Lake Spa:

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. You'll have 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.

Why is this Chuffed Worthy?

Polynesian Spa is the most well know of all the Rotorua geothermal hot pool spas, and relaxing in the lakefront deluxe spa is absolute indulgence. Especially so after a relaxing & adventurous paddle boarding tour on one of the beautiful lakes this part of the world is famous for! 

Waimangu Volcanic Valley

Located approximately 20 minutes drive south of Rotorua through winding farmland you'll discover this wonderful hidden valley.

Billed as the youngest geothermal valley in the world, forming after the Mt Tarawera eruption in 1886, you can explore this young 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 viewed 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.

Allow at least 3 hours to get a good taste of Waimangu.

Polynesian Spa

Polynesian Spa is one of the oldest most established visitor attractions located in central Rotorua. It is without doubt the most well known and popular of the hot spring experiences.