Custom Travel Itineraries to New Zealand since 1990
Ready to fuel your adrenaline in the heart of New Zealand’s adventure capital? Rotorua is your ultimate playground for thrilling experiences on water, land, and in the air. Whether you crave high-speed action, serene paddles, or breathtaking views, Rotorua has an adventure for every kind of thrill-seeker.
Rotorua’s sparkling lakes and rushing rivers are calling. Dive in and discover some of the best water adventures in New Zealand.
White Water Rafting
Kick things off with a wild ride down the Kaituna River with Kaitiaki Adventures or River Rats Raft & Kayak. Brave the famous 7-meter Tutea Falls, the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall. If you’re a first-timer, the Rangitaiki River’s Grade 3–4 rapids offer a fantastic introduction. Prefer to keep things calm? Opt for a scenic Grade 2 trip, perfect for families with kids as young as five.
River Sledging
Want to steer your own adventure? Try river sledging. Using flippers, you’ll navigate the rapids at eye level for a true up-close thrill.
Jet Boating
Hold on tight with Katoa Jet as you speed across Lake Rotorua at up to 85 km/h, spinning and zipping through the water. For an added bonus, take a jet boat ride to the hidden Lake Rotoiti Hot Pools, only accessible by water.
Kayaking & Paddle Boarding
Slow things down and soak up Rotorua’s natural beauty with a kayak or paddleboard tour. Join Taiao Adventures or Waimarino Kayak Tours for unique experiences like evening glow worm tours—paddle through caves lit up by nature’s own twinkling lights—or explore steaming geothermal cliffs on Lake Rotomahana.
Fishing & Cruising
If you’d rather relax, cast your line on Lake Tarawera with Cruise and Fish Rotorua and reel in rainbow trout or unwind in warm thermal springs. Pure Cruise also offers private charters on Lake Rotoiti, where you can swim, discover Māori food storage caves, or leap from towering trees into crystal-clear waters.
Get a fresh perspective on Rotorua’s incredible landscapes with sky-high adventures.
Ziplining & Canopy Tours
Fly through ancient forests with Rotorua Canopy Tours or Rotorua Ziplines. Walk across swing bridges, stand on treetop platforms, and zip through the air with breathtaking views all around. At Redwoods Altitude, tackle 25 jungle-style bridges and three flying foxes up to 25 meters high.
Scenic Flights
For a once-in-a-lifetime view, take a helicopter or floatplane tour with Volcanic Air. Soar above volcanoes, geothermal reserves, and vivid crater lakes for an unforgettable experience.
Rotorua’s diverse landscapes make it the perfect playground for adventure on land.
Off-Roading
Get behind the wheel with Adventure Playground Rotorua or Off Road NZ. Navigate native bush and old forestry tracks in a 4×4 buggy—drive yourself or let a guide lead the way.
Horse Riding
Prefer something more laid back? Saddle up with Adventure Playground Rotorua and trek through native bush and rolling farmland with panoramic views of Lake Rotorua. Treks cater to all ages and experience levels.
Mountain Biking
If you love mountain biking, you’ll find paradise in Whakarewarewa Forest. With over 200 km of trails, there’s something for every skill level. Mountain Bike Rotorua can get you geared up, and they even offer a drop-off service for gondola-assisted trails at Skyline Rotorua Mountain Bike Park.
Zorbing
Experience the iconic ZORB Rotorua. Climb inside a giant inflatable ball and roll down the hillside—warm water in winter, cool water in summer! With four tracks, including the world’s longest zig-zag track, you’ll be laughing the whole way.
Adventure Games
Combine puzzles with outdoor exploration with Escapade NZ. These adventure games will have you solving clues and uncovering local history as you wander through the stunning Government Gardens.
More Rotorua Thrills
For even more action, head to Velocity Valley. Try the Swoop giant sky swing, the Vertigo freefall drop, or test your skills clay bird shooting at Off Road NZ or Adventure Playground Rotorua. Speed demons will love racing around the world-class outdoor track at Raceline Karting.
No matter how you define adventure, Rotorua delivers. From roaring rivers to treetop ziplines and off-road thrills, every experience here will challenge, excite, and inspire you. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, unleash your inner adventurer, and make unforgettable memories in Rotorua, New Zealand.
Contact us today to start planning your adventure-filled trip to Rotorua, New Zealand!
