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Rotorua Family-friendly activities

Our most recommended Rotorua Family-friendly activities

Rotorua Forest 3-Hour Zipline Canopy Tour

1. Rotorua Forest 3-Hour Zipline Canopy Tour

Join in a small-group zipline tour that will have you soaring through Rotorua's forest canopy. Switch between the six zipline cables suspended 22-meters above the ground and see the forest from a different perspective.  When you arrive at the base, you'll receive a warm welcome from the front office team. Check-in and meet your down-to-earth highly experienced kiwi guides who will kit you out with all necessary equipment for the day's weather. A quick 10-minute van ride and you'll arrive at the Dansey Road Scenic Reserve.  Your guides will share fascinating New Zealand eco-tour knowledge with your group, which is limited to just 10 people. At the first platform after a safety briefing, you’ll be off, exploring the native forest on 1.2 km network of Rotorua ziplines, swing bridges and treetop platforms. In total there are 6 ziplines totaling more than 650 meters, the highlight for most being the jaw-dropping 220-meter 'tui song' zipline that departs from 22 meters up a 1000-year-old tree.  Your trusty guides will be clipping you on and off all of the safety systems during your tour, your guide will even slow you down as you arrive at each platform. You will not be required to operate any of the equipment on the tour. This allows you to enjoy the ziplines and take in the magical native forest. 

Okere Falls: Zipline over Waterfalls Experience

2. Okere Falls: Zipline over Waterfalls Experience

Are you ready to soar over waterfalls, zoom through pristine native forests, and be enlightened through a hands-on cultural and ecological experience in Okere Falls, Rotorua? If so, then Rotorua Ziplines has you covered. Suitable for a wide range of ages and abilities, a network of ziplines, swing bridges, and boardwalks will have you in awe for 2.5 hours as you fly, walk and gaze at the stunning taiao (Environment) that is Ōkere. Born through an intimate connection with the Ōkere Awa (Kaituna River), this joint venture between Ngāti Hinerangi and Rotorua Rafting’s Ōkere Falls born and bred, Sam Sutton, has been created to showcase its mauri (spirit) and importance with Aotearoa’s soon to be premier zipline experience. End the experience with a tree in your name as the Rotorua Ziplines reforestation project plant it's way towards 60,000 native trees by the end of 2025 to see Ōkere Falls thrive for generations to come.

Rotorua: ZORB Inflatable Ball Rides

3. Rotorua: ZORB Inflatable Ball Rides

Take on an iconic New Zealand experience in Rotorua. Roll down a hill inside a specially designed giant inflatable ball. Choose from a single, double or triple ride option when booking. On the day, opt for a H2OGO (wet) ride. On warm days, superman dive into the H2OGO on your own or with friends as you slip, slide and laugh your way down the slope. The specially designed ball means you remain will right-side up and not get dizzy. On cold days, stay warm in the H2OGO with warm water used for the rides. Hot spas will keep you toasty in between rides, an outdoor fire will pump serious warmth, and there will be heated changing rooms for afterwards. Delicious coffee made by baristas will also available on-site. 

From Rotorua: Lake Taupo & Orakei Korako Geothermal Park

4. From Rotorua: Lake Taupo & Orakei Korako Geothermal Park

Get a fantastic geothermal experience without the thronging crowds with this day trip to Orakei Korako from Rotorua. Discover a geothermal park boasting the most active geysers in New Zealand. After exploring Orakei Korako, visit Huka Falls and the Taupo area. Depart Rotorua after pickup from your hotel between 9 AM-9:15 AM and travel to Orakei Korako. Somewhat off the beaten track, Orakei Korako, also known as the Hidden Valley, is nestled in the Taupo Volcanic Zone between Taupo and Rotorua. After a 45-minute drive to get there, take a short boat ride across the lake then enjoy 2 hours to explore the thermal area featuring up to 23 natural geysers in a constantly changing landscape. Marvel at the number of boiling hot springs and the vibrant colors all around you, or take a native bushwalk through this untouched geothermal paradise. Next, move on to Huka Falls and the Taupo area. Lunch is at your own expense but there are multiple places for you to choose to eat. In Taupo, be guided by your driver and visit the lake front and other interesting sights. Your driver will find out what interests you and, if possible, tailor the day to maximize the stops to suit your interests. Return to Rotorua after Taupo for drop-off at your accommodation between 3:30 PM-4:30 PM.

Rotorua: Explore The Lakes Half-Day Morning Tour

5. Rotorua: Explore The Lakes Half-Day Morning Tour

Immerse yourself in New Zealand's natural beauty on a morning tour from Rotorua to the lake district. See Hamurana Springs, Kaiutuna River, Okere and Tutea waterfalls, and explore a cave. Get great photos of the Green and Blue Lake and mighty Mount Tarawera on this half-day tour. Begin your day discovering the beauty of New Zealand's North Island with a visit to Hamurana Springs. Here, enjoy a walk to the largest freshwater spring on the island where 4.5 million liters per hour of crystal clear waters are laced with shades of turquoise, jade, and emerald in a tranquil setting of towering Redwood trees. Your next stop is the Kaituna River for a walk through the Native New Zealand forest with scenic lookouts overlooking the river. See the flowing waters of Okere Falls and Tutea Falls before descending Hinemoa's steps to the caves to experience the awesome power of nature. Continue your half-day tour toward the site of NZ's most recent volcanic eruption at Tarawera. Take in the stunning views of the Blue and Green Lakes, two lakes that sit side by side. There is plenty of time to enjoy the peaceful surroundings and take amazing photos of the colorful location. Finish your tour with magnificent views of Mount Tarawera and Lake Tarawera as you return to Rotorua.

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What people are saying about Rotorua

Wow, this was a great experience, especially because of the amazing guides Phoebe and Alex! Being in this super special forest has made me feel grateful for the nature even more. A lot of action, too, but the guides are actually protectors of the native forest and its fauna, which makes the price even mire worth it.

One of the best tours we've done in NZ! We had smiles on our faces the whole 3 hours. The tour was so organised and the guides were so friendly. They made sure everyone felt comfortable and safe. You will not regret booking this tour :)

The guides, Kyle and Jonny, were friendly and engaging, the ziplines were lots of fun and the scenery is beautiful. Even in the rain it was an amazing trip.

Excellent experience one not to miss. The guides were entertaining and their attention to safety was impeccable and reassuring.

Fantastic tour, so interesting and wonderful to see the sights.