The Best of Rotorua
After Rotorua there is so much New Zealand has to offer. From the North Island to the South you will not want to miss out!
We have put together a guide to help you get the most out of your trip.
The four must-see New Zealand locations
Auckland Auckland South Rotorua Queenstown
Whether you are an overseas tourist wanting to explore the best New Zealand spots or a local Kiwi looking for a stay-cation this season, we have weaseled down the top four must-see places to visit in this beautiful country we call New Zealand. If you are here for an event like the English and Irish Lions 2024 tour or the World Master’s games the below lists will help you to build the perfect New Zealand itinerary to get the most out of your stay. With plenty of domestic flights from Air New Zealand and Jetstar it’s never been easier to discover the rest of New Zealand on a short schedule.
Rotorua
If you want to get a feel for true New Zealand culture then Rotorua is an absolute must. Experience traditional Maori customs, performances, food, relax in the geothermal hot pools, be wowed by the geysers and try one of the many adventure activities that are bound to get your blood pumping. Located just minutes from the Redwoods forest, and the closest hotel to the incredible geysers, Holiday Inn Rotorua is a family friendly location that caters to all ages. With a geo-thermally heated outdoor pool and two spas it also makes for a relaxing place to unwind after a day of activities.
We recommend 2-3 days in Rotorua.
Adrenaline activities
From rolling down a hill in an inflatable ball (trust us it’s more fun than it sounds) to high ropes courses, whitewater rafting and speed-racing down a track in a go-kart we call a luge, there is heaps of fun activities in Rotorua suitable for all ages. One of the most unique activities to the location is mountain biking through the Redwoods forest – a must for anyone with an afternoon to spare. Holiday Inn Rotorua has fantastic bike cleaning and storage facilities, and is located just minutes from the forest making it the perfect base for your bike adventures.
Spa’s and hot pools
Rotorua is not only blood-pumping but the perfect place to reeeeeeeeeelax. The geothermal activity lends itself to incredible naturally heated hot pools and the mud is famous for its skin benefits for health and wellness. The most popular destinations are Polynesian Spa for a more intimate couples experience, Blue Baths have a rich history, Hells Gate is open late and popular with all, and Waikite Valley is great for couples and families alike.
Traditional Maori customs
Rotorua is rich in Maori culture and Whakarewarewa The Living Maori Village gives daily tours with iconic Maori cultural performances, traditional food and the chance to experience a traditional Maori village. Another great location to get a true Maori experience is at the Tamaki Maori Village.
Family Attractions
Rotorua is full of fun activities for the whole family and Holiday Inn Rotorua is the perfect place to stay with our Kids Stay and eat free program. Our VIK (Very Important Kids) program also gives children access to the top family activities in Rotorua with discounts and special offers. One of the top destinations is Rainbow Springs - a great opportunity to see native New Zealand animals including the Kiwi and to enjoy the natural environment.
Dining
You don’t have to go far to enjoy one of Rotorua’s most famous and well-loved restaurants. Holiday Inn Rotorua’s Chapman’s Restaurant offers an extensive array of fresh seafood, contemporary international dishes and a daily roast on its popular buffet menu. For more options, the best area to explore is the aptly named Eat Street in town with many great options including Atticus Finch, Ambrosia, Solace, Mac’s Steak House, and Brew.
Day Trips
A day trip from Rotorua is a great way to explore without having to pack up your bags every day. Using Rotorua as a base you can see a lot in a two and a half hour radius. For some, the only reason they’ve heard of New Zealand is due to Lord of the Rings! Hobbiton is under an hour away and a great day out whether you are a fan of the movie or not. Waitomo Caves is two hours away and one of the must-see New Zealand attractions with black water rafting, cave walks, abseiling, and canyoning. The Tongariro Crossing is just over two hours away and a challenge worth taking on! We offer complementary car parking with your stay making it easy to come and go as you please.
