Discover Rotorua

Find awesome places to visit, sleep, eat, drink and shop near you.

Featured Rotorua Businesses

What's On in Rotorua this week
Wed 17 JunSocial Skate NightsToi Ohomai Institute of Technology
Sat 20 JunDarkest Night 2026ZORB Rotorua
Wed 17 JunAre You Smarter Than A Drag Queen? – Trivia NightUrban Gusto
Thu 18 JunReel Queer Short FilmsReading Cinema
About Explore Rotorua

Part of the Explore NZ network - a New Zealand directory helping locals and visitors find and support great local businesses.

More about us →

Rotorua: A Heartland of Geothermal Wonders and Māori Culture

 

Rotorua is located in the Bay of Plenty region on New Zealand’s North Island and is famous worldwide for its geothermal activity, Māori culture, and stunning natural landscapes. Originally inhabited by Māori as early as the 14th century, the area later attracted European settlers in the 19th century who were drawn to its unique hot springs and natural beauty. Over the years, Rotorua has developed into a dynamic tourism and cultural centre.

Surrounding Rotorua, you’ll find areas like the Redwoods Forest with its famous walking and cycling tracks, and the stunning lakes of Okareka, Tarawera, and Tikitapu, all popular for boating, fishing, and hiking. Just a short drive away, visitors can explore the towering volcanic peaks of the Central Plateau or relax in nearby natural hot springs. This blend of geothermal wonders, forests, and lakes gives Rotorua an incredible diversity of landscapes and activities.

Rotorua today is a bustling community with a robust economy centred on tourism, adventure sports, and cultural tourism. Its unique combination of thermal features, Māori heritage, and outdoor activities has made Rotorua one of New Zealand’s top destinations to live, work, and explore, attracting visitors from all over the globe.