BEST THINGS TO DO IN ROTORUA WITH KIDS

INSIDE: Everything you need to know about things to do in Rotorua with kids in tow. Updated 2024.

ROTORUA NEW ZEALAND.

Don’t even think about missing it.

It’s touristy, expensive, and smelly at times, BUT the range of New Zealand attractions you can visit and things you can do here is GIGANTIC.

There’s something fun for every one of your family.

Our last visit, we stayed four days.

We needed ten.

We’ll be back soon.

Take a look at some of the fun things you can do in Rotorua for families below.

Disclosure: This article, written by a real human (me), without AI input, may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links, we may receive a small commission at NO COST to you. For our Disclosure and Disclaimer statements, and an explanation of our Advertising policy please click here

Table of Contents

BEST THINGS TO DO IN ROTORUA WITH KIDS

Correct at time of publication on Roam the Gnome. Please check with venue for updates. We apologise in advance if there have been any changes we are unaware of. All prices in NZ dollars, unless otherwise stated

Here’s our top family things to do in Rotorua on holidays.

No.1: Hobbiton in Matamata

Ok.

We know Hobbiton is not strictly in Rotorua, but it’s close enough.

Visiting Hobbition is the NUMBER ONE REASON people visit New Zealand.

Here’s a sneak peek inside:

Everything you want to know about visiting Hobbiton Movie Set in Matamata

It IS a touristy trail, with group after group walking in each other’s footsteps one after the other, and there’s not much time to breathe, or limited time to soak up the atmosphere as the ‘tour’ runs on a tight schedule…

BUT you are NEVER going to see anything like this adorable movie set ever again.

Don’t be daft.

Book a ticket now.

(We all LOVED it!)

RELATED: Best New Zealand Souvenirs for Family, Friends and Gifts (UNIQUE!)

No.2: Visit the Hobbiton Shop

If you are a fan of the Hobbit, or Lord of the Rings, you will LOVE the Hobbit shop at the end of the Hobbiton Movie Tour in Matamata, New Zealand.

It’s full of exclusive merchandise, AND it’s the only place you can buy Hobbiton BEER!

Have a look inside below:

Take a SNEAK PEEK into the Hobbiton Gift Shop on the Tour

No.3: Rotorua Duck Tours

Not every tour starts with a hands-on lesson on “How to Blow a Duck Quacker Whistle”.

But the ones that do?

You know you are in for a fun ride.

Rotorua Duck Tours takes you on a FUN Tour of Town on a Truck-Boat!

The DUCK TOUR in Rotorua is the funniest way to tour the sights of this city

This is one Rotorua tour you must book if you have a sense of good humour, and love a laugh.

This is top of the list of the best things to do in Rotorua with toddlers!

It definitely doesn’t matter how much noise they make!

Hot tip: Book tickets with Get your guide here (Bestseller)

Explore Rotorua with Rotorua Duck Tours

A tour guide can make or break a tour.

Bad ones can ruin your day, but when you are lucky enough to get a good one, even their terrible, horrible, very bad, no-good jokes can be tolerated.

Our ConDucktor guide was Marcus. (See what they did there!)

We met him at the Rotorua Duck Tour office in time for the 11am departure.

The funny, running commentary started from the moment he sat down at the wheel to give us the safety demonstration.

We knew this was going to be a tour to remember!

10 year old Ned has a funny sense of humour like his dad, and he giggled and laughed out loud at Marcus’s banter throughout the entire 90 minute trip.

I’m NOT exaggerating.

(Hot tip: When you book a family trip, do ask for Marcus. You can tell he’s practiced this routine many, many times and he’s TOP NOTCH with the kids.)

The Duck Boat Tour journey starts when you board the strangest truck we’ve ever seen.

It’s not anything like the Duck Boat Tours we have at home, all fancy-pants and modern and touristy.

No.

On the Duck Tour Rotorua style, you travel on an authentic World War 2 Landing Crafts Amphibious Vehicle – one of only 900 left in operation around the world, despite there being more than 20,000 of them made.

Duck is the nickname for DUKW.

This is the military equipment code used to identify the features of the vehicle – D is the year the truck was made, U for amphibian, K for front wheel drive, and W for rear wheel drive.

The kids loved the look of this old-world truck, but I was very wary of this heavy metal monstrosity.

It does not look like it should go anywhere near water, let alone try to float.

(Luckily, I was in for a welcome surprise.)

So, the first thing I did was spot the location of the life jackets!

Duck Tour of Rotorua City and Lakes

This Rotorua Sightseeing tour starts with a circle of Rotorua City and skirts the edge of Lake Rotorua, taking in the views, and the pong!

Marcus told us a bunch of age-appropriate stories (some true, others stretched a little for entertainment value) and we learned the history of the town, as we rumbled through the Government Gardens, past the Blue Baths and the Polynesian Spa.

We discovered why two of the main cross streets are named Hinemoa and Tutanekai

(Hint: It’s the myth of Rotorua’s star-crossed lovers)

And why New Zealand’s second most-photographed building, the Rotorua Museum, is now caged in temporary fencing.

(Read why here.)

Chugging around the streets of Rotorua in this Duck Boat was fun in itself.

Spying the faces of unsuspecting and mystified tourists as we QUACKED our lungs out at them made me laugh out loud.

The boys were mesmerised watching Marcus crunch the gears and work the pedals of the Duck Boat as we gained speed too.

Rotorua Duck Tour visits the Rotorua Lakes District

Part two of the Rotorua Duck Boat Tour begins with a climb up the steep hill next to the Redwoods Forest.

Marcus made the most of his captive audience during this slow arduous climb by scrolling his playlist and blaring epic THEMED MOTIVATION SONGS for us to sing along to.

(Yes, the Rocky theme song was in the list.)

Who could resist?

Not us!

Shortly, it was time to dive into the first of two lakes we were to explore.

This was the moment we’d all been waiting for.

The splashdown.

It didn’t disappoint.

Once we were in the centre of the lake, and away from any potential obstacles, he invited the kids to drive the boat.

Ned drove first, followed by a very enthusiastic Jack, who did not want to give up the driving seat once he’d claimed it.

The drive out of the lake was equally fun, and we all – the Chinese family from Auckland, the two young German men, and our lot – craned our necks out of the windows to watch.

We all agree that driving in and out of lakes on a Duck Boat is something everyone should do at least once in their lives.

It’s a bit odd, and not something you can do every day.

Pop it on your bucket list.

Fun Fact: This is an all-weather activity with clear roll-down sides for winter and rainy days.

If you are looking for a serious Rotorua Lakes tour on the WWII Landing Craft DUWK, this might not be the tour for you.

But if you and your kids are amused by silly antics such as waving madly to passersby while quacking loudly on bright yellow duck whistles, partaking in theatrical singalongs, and being pumped for water landings with Mission Impossible tunes, then you are in the right place.

We LOVED it!

The Rotorua Duck Tours trip was without doubt the best tour we’ve taken in years.

We highly recommend it for families. The kids will never forget it.

Rotorua duck tours – Location, Tickets, Opening hours

Address: The Rotorua Duck Tours office is at 1241 Fenton Street Rotorua, New Zealand, 3040
Telephone: +64 7 345 6522
Email: [email protected]
Website: Click here

Rotorua Duck Tour Times

Rotorua City and Lakes Tour departs at:

11am, 1pm and 3.30pm during Summer (October to April) and
11am and 2.15pm in Winter.

The tour runs for 90 minutes.

The Tarawera & Lakes Tour departs at:

3.30pm in Summer (October to April) and
2.15pm in Winter.

The tour runs for 2 hours.

Rotorua Duck Tours Price

The Rotorua City and Lakes Tour we did costs:

Adults $75 NZ
Kids $50 NZ
Children under 2 FREE!
Family pass for 2 + 2 is $175 NZ (Save $75!)
Additional children $40 NZ

Book tickets here with Get Your Guide

The Tarawera and Lakes Tour costs:

Adults $95
Kids $60
Family pass for 2+2 is $225 (Save $85!)

Rotorua Duck Tours Discount?

The Rotorua Superpasses DO include Rotorua Duck Tours.

Check the Rotorua Superpass discount passes out here.

Check the Rotorua Duck Tours Facebook page for seasonal discounts on offer from time to time.

How to get to Rotorua Duck Tours departure point

By Car/Taxi/Uber: Rotorua Duck Tours depart from:

the Rotorua Duck Tours office on Fenton Street, or
the Rotorua i-SITE Visitor Information Centre at 1167 Fenton Street just up the road.

Rotorua Duck Tours Parking

There’s paid parking available throughout the town.

Find free parking on the lake-side end of Hinemaru Street.

Nearest takeaway coffee and/or food options:

There’s lots of cafes and food options around town.
BYO snacks and water bottles for the journey.

Toilets: Our tip – go before you ride. There are toilet facilities available mid-way on the tour, when the duck boat tours stop for a short break at the second lake.
Disability access: Customers need to be able to navigate the stairs on entry only.

No.4: Rotorua Railcruising

The coolest form of transport in town is a once-in-a-lifetime rail cruiser ride!

Rail Cruising Rotorua is definitely the most unique travel experience you can have in New Zealand

Read our review here

No.5: Visit the best Rotorua Thermal Park – Hells Gate Geothermal Park

Walk next to bubbling hot Geothermal Pools on a free guided tour at this natural wonder (entry fees for the park apply)

Ned decided he didn’t need to go to school anymore after this tour, because he learned so much!

Read our epic review here (it’s the longest review with pictures we’ve ever done!)

A visit here is an authentic, hands-on, non-touristy, Maori experience in Rotorua.

A must do in Rotorua. Make it a priority.

Hells Gate Geothermal Park and Mud Spa – Location, Tickets, Opening hours

Book tickets here with Klook

Address: Hells Gate Rotorua Geothermal Park is located at State Highway 30, Tikitere, Rotorua. It’s Rotorua’s most active geothermal field.
Telephone: 07 345 3151
Email: [email protected]
Website: Click here

Hells Gate Opening Hours

Monday – Sunday
8.30am – 10.00pm (Summer 1 Oct – 2 Apr)
8.30am – 8.30pm (Winter 3 Apr – 30 Sep)
Open daily except Christmas Day.

Entry Fees

Geothermal Park Entry, including the Maori Carving experience:

Adults $35 NZ
Child $17.50 NZ
Family $85 NZ (2 adults, 2 kids aged 5-15 years)
Kids 4 and under FREE

Hells Gate Mud Spa Retreat deals

Entry to the Mud Spa, Sulphur pools, and Twilight Spa is extra, and NOT included in general entry to Rotorua Hells Gate thermal park.

The Special Combo best value package is the best deal , which includes:

entry to the Thermal park
a Geothermal Walk guided tour
Maori wood carving activity, and
a visit to the Mud spa and Sulphur spa

Click here for packages.

Massage, facials and other therapies also available for additional fee.

How to get to Hells Gate Geothermal Park and Mud Spa

By Car:

Travel east from Rotorua on SH 30.
Approximately 5 minutes past airport, turn right toward Whakatane and proceed 3kms to Hells Gate.
Click here for google map directions

Hells Gate Parking

Plenty of free parking out the front.

Nearest takeaway coffee and/or food options: Cafe on site at the Hell’s Gate Geothermal reserve
Toilets: Yes, including baby change table. Next to the cafe, and another block of toilets at the spa.
Disability access: Yes
Closest ATM: Hells Gate Geothermal Park and mud bath spa has credit card and EFTPOS facilities.
Shade: No. BYO hat and sunscreen for the walk.

No.6: Try Maori wood carving

You can try your hand at authentic Maori carving on wood at Hells Gate Geothermal Park in Rotorua too.

This Maori carving experience is included as part of the entry fee!

Enter through the Waharoa carved gateway

To enter the Hells Gate thermal park, you must enter through the Maori carving of a gateway.

The gateway features the Maori carving of Rangiteaorere, the chief of the local tribe at top.

The carving on the left side of the gateway is of the Chief of his Father’s tribe, and on the right is the Commander of the Mother’s tribe.

Underneath, there is the face of Ruamoko, the God of Volcanic Activity.

Pass through these gates (pictured above) to obtain protection from the Chief against Ruamoko’s possible heated rage!

Everyone can join in the Maori carving experience to learn Maori carving techniques at Hells Gate.

Even the kids!

Our Maori host was an ex-teacher and super affable with good-natured charm.

His jolly smile, and can-do attitude was just what the boys needed, as carving Maori patterns in wood is harder than it looks!

We learned about carving designs into wood, and the easiest wood to carve.

We also heard stories of famous Maori carvers.

Fun fact: Did you know the word for carving in Maori is whakairo (carving)?

You’ll learn about Maori art, Maori history, Maori language, Maori sculpture, more about the island home life and Māori culture, and a few Maori words used by adults and children as you carve.

Pick up a few Maori carvings techniques as you whittle too.

This experience is a great introduction to Maori education for kids (and adults).

Kids under 12 need to be accompanied by a parent to help them with the tools.

It’s a good idea.

Those wood chisels are sharp!

New Zealand Maori Carving Designs

Pick the simplest of the Maori carving patterns.

Our hot tip is to pick a SIMPLE pattern from one of the five Maori carving symbols on offer.

Thank me later!

We can only imagine how difficult jade, pounamu greenstone, and bone carving fish hooks is for the people of this fascinating Maori culture.

No.7: Rotorua Mud Baths at Hells Gate Geothermal Park

The other reason to visit the Thermal Geysers in Rotorua is to try the Mud Spa!

Cover yourself in therapeutic mud in the mud pools, and laugh yourself silly with the whole family at this awesome geothermal mud spa in Rotorua!

Change of clothes required!

Be sure to bring some clothes you don’t mind getting smelly!

This is a bucket list adventure. Don’t miss it.

Bookings are essential after 6:00pm

Hells Gate Mud Spa Tickets

You can also visit the Hells Gate Mud Baths & Sulphur pool without going on a tour of the Thermal Park.

If you are limited with time, do the Mud Spa as your priority.

Buy tickets here with Klook

No.8: Tamaki Maori Village Cultural Tours

Do yourself a favour and book the Tamaki Maori Village Hangi Dinner and Show

We LOVED it!

The Maori hangi dinner is delicious, and the Maori cultural performances and interactive workshops are enriching, enlivening and highly entertaining.

It’s a top place to learn about Maori weaving and Maori carving, as well as other art forms.

Although we try hard to avoid tourist spots, this one is a winner.

We won entry as part of prize, and by golly, were we happy about that.

We wouldn’t have gone otherwise, but we are so glad we did.

This is a bucket list adventure. One of the best ‘touristy’ things we’ve ever done!

Book tickets here with Get your Guide (Bestseller)

No.9: Ride the Skyline Gondola in Rotorua

Ride the Skyline Gondola up a dormant volcano!

When you get to the top, there’s a WHOLE bunch of day adventures you can join including the luge (see below), a zipline, mountain bike park, nature trails and more.

No.10: Don’t miss the awesome Skyline LUGE ride!

Buy a Family Pass to ride the Skyline Luge.

Don’t miss this unique experience of riding a luge downhill with kids in their own luge car or on your lap!

This is an attraction that makes you feel ALIVE from head to toe.

Click here for details on everything you need to know about the luge experiences, including how to get luge discounts, and more.

No.11: Tirau Big Sheep & Dog

See the Big Sheep and Big Dog in Tirau.

These big icons in New Zealand are at the entry point of town, and make a wonderful insta pic!

Image credit: Paradise Valley Springs Rotorua

MORE FUN THINGS TO DO IN ROTORUA FOR FAMILIES

Here’s some more Rotorua kid friendly activities and attractions in Rotorua for families.

No.1: Paradise Valley Springs Wildlife Park

This Rotorua wildlife park has trout pools, a 20-ft.-high Treetops Boardwalk, native animals, native birds, farm animals & LIONS!

Feeding of the lions at 2.30pm daily.

Find it at 467 Paradise Valley Road, Paradise Valley

Allow 15 minutes from Rotorua city.

No.2: Rainbow Springs Nature Park, Big Splash Ride and The National Kiwi Hatchery

Opened in 1932, this zoo and wildlife park is one of the most long standing tourist attractions in the city.

Find it at 192 Fairy Springs Road, Fairy Springs

Big Splash is located within Rainbow Springs park.

Ride the nine minute log ride of discovery and finish with a big splash!

The National Kiwi Hatchery is one for the best Rotorua attractions for families who love nature, with a chance to see kiwi birds in real life.

Also located at Rainbow Springs nature reserve.

No.3: Kerosene Creek Hot Springs

Pack your swimmers and head to these Rotorua hot pools and natural hot springs area.

Walk in through the forest to find the waterfall & nature’s beauty!

Find them on Old Waiotapu Road, Waikato 3073, New Zealand

No.4: Mitai Maori Village

Another Maori culture experience in town, similar to Tamaki Maori village.

Find it at 196 Fairy Springs Road, Fairy Springs

Book tickets for the evening cultural tour here with Klook

No.5: Agrodome Rotorua

The Rotorua Agrodome is a working farm where you can:

see the Farm Show with sheep shearing demos and lots of laughter!
visit the Woollen Mill and Shearing Museum
visit the Farmyard nursery

Join the Agrodome tour by tractor where you can hand-feed and take photos with all sorts of friendly animals, including:

Romney sheep
cattle
deer
llamas
ostrich
pigs and
alpaca.

Located at 141 Western Road, Ngongotaha

Image credit: Redwoods Treewalk

No.6: Rotorua Redwoods Forest

The Redwoods Treewalk is possibly Rotorua’s best kept secret.

It’s 23 suspended walkways and bridges high up in the canopies of the 115 year old forest of Redwood trees.

Spectacular!

Find it at 1 Long Mile Road, access off Tarawera Road, Whakarewarewa

Book tickets here

Image credit: Velocity Valley

No.7: Agrojet NZ (& MORE Adventure Activities in Rotorua)

Agrojet is the FASTEST jetboating ride in Rotorua.

Located opposite the Agrodome, on 1335 Paradise Valley Road

Awesome activity for teens.

Book the Velocity Valley two ride combo with Get your guide

Choose either two or four iconic New Zealand adrenaline activities in one location in Rotorua:

Swoop Swing
Freefall Xtreme
Agrojet, or
Shweeb.

No.8: ZORB Inflatable Ball adventure

Ride the Zorb in Rotorua, all the way down grassy hills to the bottom.

Not for the faint hearted, this one.

Located at 525 Ngongotaha Road, Fairy Springs

Book tickets here with Klook

No.9: Te Puia Maori Village & Pohutu Geyser

The Te Puia Maori village is a top day out for families.

Learn about Maori history and culture at Te Puia with a day entry ticket.

Watch the Pohutu Geyser blow, see jumping mud pools, and get up close to adorable kiwi birds.

Book tickets here with Get your Guide

No.10: Whakarewarewa Village Tour

Last but not least, stop by Whakarewarewa Living Māori Village.

Owned and operated by local residents, this Maori culture experience lets you into the day-to-day life of Maori people.

Book tickets here with Klook

Image credit: Motion Entertainment Zone

WHAT TO DO IN ROTORUA WHEN IT’S RAINING?

No.1: Motion Entertainment Rotorua

Just near the Redwoods Forests in Rotorua, this is the ultimate spot when you are wondering what to do on rainy days in Rotorua.

There’s:

Chipmunks indoor play centre and cafe
Megazone Laser Tag games
Xtreme Air trampoline park (90 minute sessions)
XD Dark Ride
Lumberjack mini golf
Strike Zone bowling
Timezone Arcade games
Escape Masters escape room game

Save money by creating your own multi attraction combo ticket when you buy 2 or more attraction entry tickets.

WHERE TO SHOP IN ROTORUA FOR SOUVENIRS, GIFTS AND MORE

No.1: Jelly Belly NZ concept store

Try ALL the different Jelly Belly flavours at the Jelly Belly store in Rotorua.

Have a go at the BeanBoozled winning wheel when you browse the shop.

There’s even Jelly Belly artworks to look at!

No. 2: Traditional Maori weavings, Greenstone jewellery and more!

There’s a whole bunch of places you can learn about Maori carving designs and patterns, and art, and buy the pieces too.

Have a look here

WHERE TO EAT IN ROTORUA WITH KIDS

No.1: Ciccio Rotorua Italian Restaurant and Cafe

The BEST Italian Restaurant in Rotorua is definitely Ciccio Italian cafe & restaurant.

There’s all your fave pasta and pizza favourites, PLUS a KETO MENU!

Ciccio cakes are much loved by locals, and so are their FREAKshakes, and their ITALIAN HOT CHOCOLATE!

No.2: Rotorua Night Market Thursday

Rotorua Night Markets are a feast of food choices!

There’s food trucks and food stalls galore.

Plus, a few market stalls selling handmade craft, gourmet food souvenirs, and New Zealand gifts.

This is one of the best things to do in Rotorua at night time.

WHERE TO STAY IN ROTORUA WITH KIDS?

Need to book a family hotel in Rotorua?

Or fancy staying in a house with full kitchen instead?

Or travelling with family and want a family home where you can spread out a bit?

Hot tip: New Zealand Bach Houses

Book a bach.

These family holiday homes operate like AirBNB but predate AirBNB by decades.

Take a look at the family bach we stayed at last trip.

It was superb.

This one had a sunken lounge and a heated tub on the deck.

I just need to learn the knack of lighting a fire before we go next time so we don’t freeze to death!

But luckily there was a big basket of blankets.

WHERE IS ROTORUA? MAP OF ROTORUA

LOOKING FOR MORE FUN CITIES TO VISIT WITH KIDS?

Click the links in blue below for our Ultimate Family Travel Guides.