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If you haven’t been already, Rotorua is an unmissable destination for when you next set foot in New Zealand. Famous for bubbling geysers, hot pools and beautiful lakes, the city is also a rich Māori cultural hub. If you’re also looking for the opposite of relaxation, Rotorua has plenty of adrenaline-fueling activities; including rafting down a seven-meter waterfall (not for the fainthearted, trust me).
In fact, there are so many activities in the area that you may be worrying about how to make the most of your time without feeling like you need to take out a bank loan to do it all.
Here’s a backpacker’s guide to free things to do Rotorua, including budget-friendly experiences to soak yourself into (literally).
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Where to stay in Rotorua
The number one way to save money when traveling in New Zealand – especially when you own or are renting a campervan – is to seek out free camping spots where possible. In Rotorua this becomes a little tricky, as at the time of writing this article there is currently one camping spot right in the center of the city – and it fills up fast.
However, if you don’t mind a scenic drive then there are two other great spots within 40 minutes – one in Hamurana Reserve and one in Okere Falls. Before you travel, I recommend downloading Campermate to make sure you’re up to date with the latest free camping areas, and find lots of other public amenities!
Alternatively, Rotorua has a wide selection of holiday parks to suit all travelers, even offering dorms if you do not have a campervan. I recommend checking out Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park, which is a stone’s throw away from the city’s main attractions (and it has a swimming pool).
Free things to do in Rotorua
Below, we have put together a list of the best free things to do in Rotorua that will give you a whole new perspective of this magnificent geothermal wonderland.
Kuirau Park and footbaths
An easy walk from the city center, Kuirau Park is New Zealand’s only free geothermal public park. It is a great spot to experience different natural phenomena. From steaming hot springs to bubbling mud pools, the walkways let you get up close and personal with the impressive power of nature.
One of the standout features of the park is the crater lake, which is often shrouded in mist and adds to the mysterious ambience of the experience. In the park, you’ll also find free geothermal mineral foot baths to give your feet a relaxing spa treatment while you enjoy the sounds of steaming vents around you.
Kerosene Creek
Once you’ve experienced dipping your toes into hot water, you might be craving a full-body soak. Well don’t worry, because a short drive outside of Rotorua will take you to Kerosene Creek, a natural hot spring nestled in the heart of the forest.
Unlike commercial hot springs, Kerosene Creek offers a completely natural experience (smells and bark included!), giving you the unique opportunity to have part of the river all to yourself and listen to the chirping of New Zealand’s diverse bird life. It’s also important to remember to keep your head above the water at all times to avoid any risks caused by geothermal bacteria.
A small warning about this experience: you’re going to want to shower afterwards as the smell of sulfur is extremely strong (and perhaps give your bathing suit a thorough scrub as well). But that aside, who else can say that they’ve had a bath powered by volcanic activity in the middle of woods?
Whakarewarewa Forest – Redwoods
If you want to spend a day exploring nature, head over to The Redwoods (Whakarewarewa Forest). With over 5600 hectares of forest, there are numerous hiking and mountain bike trails for you to explore while admiring the towering Californian Redwoods above you.
There are trails to suit all abilities and fitness levels, ranging from casual strolls through the trees to day-long ‘tramps’ for more experienced hikers. Upon arrival, pop by the visitor center for more information about which walks are recommended for you and pick up a map of the national park.
Hike Rainbow Mountain
For a longer day hike, I strongly recommend doing the Rainbow Mountain trek. One of the more ‘off the beaten track’ attractions, the mountain earned its name from its vibrant patterns created by centuries of volcanic activity, creating shades of red, yellow and orange on its cone.
The trail takes around two hours and takes you up a gentle incline through the bush, past stunning viewpoints such as the crater lake, which is a standout with its bright blue-green hue – and from pictures you would think its edited!
The start of the track is around a 25-minute drive from Rotorua city center, and there are limited amenities so try to take plenty of water and snacks for the top.
Ōhinemutu Māori Village
To immerse yourself in Māori culture, visit Ōhinemutu village just outside of Rotorua center. Explorers chose to settle here as the geothermal activity was extremely useful for all living aspects, such as cooking, bathing and heating.
Visitors are welcome to wander around the village free of charge and enjoy learning about traditional Māori architecture, including a beautifully carved meeting house and the historic St. Faith’s Anglican Church. Here, you’ll also be able to see how steam vents have become an integrated part of daily village life.
If you’re willing to stretch your budget, Rotorua is home to Māori performances and dinner experiences in nearby villages. To see the haka performed in-person and watch a hangi feast be prepared by an earth oven, this GetYourGuide tour provides the ultimate educational and entertaining evening out.
Hamurana Springs (small cost)
To escape the sulfur and experience cooling freshwater, Hamurana Springs is a tranquil reserve for those who love scenic walks and crystal-clear water.
The Hamurana Springs Walkway is a peaceful, well-maintained track that takes about 30–45 minutes to complete. The walk takes you back through the redwoods, and you’ll be surrounded by lush greenery, birdsong, and the gentle sounds of the spring-fed stream. Along the way, you’ll reach the main spring, Te Puna-a-Hangarua, which pumps out an impressive four million liters of water per hour!
Travel tip: The springs are around a 20-minute drive from Rotorua, with a small entry fee of NZ$18 per adult to support conservation efforts and track upkeep.
Government gardens
Finally, right in the heart of the city, you can enjoy a free stroll around one of the area’s most well-known landmarks. With stunning architecture and rich history, the gardens are beautifully maintained with colorful flowerbeds, historic buildings and geothermal features (in case you haven’t already realized, there’s a big theme to this article).
The gardens are also perfect for those who enjoy outdoor activities, with a bowling green, croquet lawn and even a golf course if you want to practice your swing. After a busy few days, it’s one of the best places to relax with a picnic in the New Zealand sunshine.
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