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FREE THINGS
Feel the spirit of Rotorua
You don't have to spend a lot of money to feel the spirit of Rotorua.
Below are a selection of places that you can visit for FREE.
Kuirau Park
Ranolf Street, Rotorua
The northern end of Rotorua (opposite our B&B) has a public park that is definitely alive and well. Walking tracks lead to numerous areas of vigorous geothermal activity including mud pools and steaming pools of water. Provided you stay on the cool side of the safety fences, visitors are generally quite safe.
The park has a couple of foot bathing sheds where you can soak your feet in hot thermal water as well as many landscaped areas to sit or to take a picnic. more..
Download and print our handy map of Kuirau Park.
(There is currently no commercial map available)
The northern end of Rotorua (opposite our B&B) has a public park that is definitely alive and well. Walking tracks lead to numerous areas of vigorous geothermal activity including mud pools and steaming pools of water. Provided you stay on the cool side of the safety fences, visitors are generally quite safe.
The park has a couple of foot bathing sheds where you can soak your feet in hot thermal water as well as many landscaped areas to sit or to take a picnic. more..
Download and print our handy map of Kuirau Park.
(There is currently no commercial map available)
The Lakes
6 Tarawera Road, Rotorua
Start by following the road to Lake Tarawera (past the Burried Village) and get a coffee, ice cream or meal at The Landing Cafe. There is a short bush walk that leads to a small secluded beach - a perfect place to sit and look jealously at people who own motorboats. Then on the way back stop at the point between the Green Lake (Lake Okareka) and the Blue Lake (Lake Tikitapu) where there is a popular walking track. You can walk all the way around the Blue Lake on this track, or you can just stroll for 1/2 hour and wander back.
At the picturesque Blue Lake you can chill out on the beach opposite the holiday park, go for a refreshing swim in summertime, or watch the various events that occur on the lake throughout the year.
more..
Start by following the road to Lake Tarawera (past the Burried Village) and get a coffee, ice cream or meal at The Landing Cafe. There is a short bush walk that leads to a small secluded beach - a perfect place to sit and look jealously at people who own motorboats. Then on the way back stop at the point between the Green Lake (Lake Okareka) and the Blue Lake (Lake Tikitapu) where there is a popular walking track. You can walk all the way around the Blue Lake on this track, or you can just stroll for 1/2 hour and wander back.
At the picturesque Blue Lake you can chill out on the beach opposite the holiday park, go for a refreshing swim in summertime, or watch the various events that occur on the lake throughout the year.
more..
Hemo Gorge Trail
Hemo Road, Rotorua (beginning from the Te Puia car park)
If you feel like a short gentle walk (and have your own car) drive to the southern most car park at Te Puia, Hemo Road, and start the 1.5km walk that begins through the carved gateway that is entrance to the Whakarewarewa Valley. This walk is just a small part of the 66km Te Ara Ahi Cycle Trail.
This pretty walk follows alongside the Puarenga Stream which meanders around lichen-covered rocks, tumbling over small rapids and through native tree fern forests. The walk is an easy one with just a few minor inclines here and there but is also shared with mountain bikers who also use the trail. There are several seats along the way over-looking the stream if you did feel like taking a rest.
At the end of the walkway you'll pass under another Maori carved gateway which will lead you to the Mountain Bike Rotorua headquarters (about another 200 meters) where you can stop for a hot coffee or a bite to eat at their outdoor café. Then simply return the way you came.
more..
If you feel like a short gentle walk (and have your own car) drive to the southern most car park at Te Puia, Hemo Road, and start the 1.5km walk that begins through the carved gateway that is entrance to the Whakarewarewa Valley. This walk is just a small part of the 66km Te Ara Ahi Cycle Trail.
This pretty walk follows alongside the Puarenga Stream which meanders around lichen-covered rocks, tumbling over small rapids and through native tree fern forests. The walk is an easy one with just a few minor inclines here and there but is also shared with mountain bikers who also use the trail. There are several seats along the way over-looking the stream if you did feel like taking a rest.
At the end of the walkway you'll pass under another Maori carved gateway which will lead you to the Mountain Bike Rotorua headquarters (about another 200 meters) where you can stop for a hot coffee or a bite to eat at their outdoor café. Then simply return the way you came.
more..
Ohinemutu Village
Huranga Street, Ohinemutu, Rotorua
View an intricately carved Maori meeting house and enter a 1901 Tudor-style church set amidst steaming geothermal vents at the edge of Lake Rotorua.
In pre-European times, Ohinemutu was the main centre for the Lake Rotorua region - visitors and food arrived at this bustling settlement before going on to the surrounding villages. Standing on the forecourt of the marae, as steam rises through the pavers from the earth below, you can feel the spirit of this significant place. The carving on the large meeting house is exquisite and highlighted by hundreds of inlaid shiny paua shells.
Towards the lake's edge is the magnificently decorated Saint Faiths church. Inside the church, Maori carvings and woven panels add a unique dimension to the European Tudor-style architecture.
A memorable feature is a large window etched with the image of Jesus clad in a Maori cloak - he appears to walk towards you across the surface of the lake. At Ohinemutu you can see how the Maori and European cultures have collaborated. Free entry.
more..
View an intricately carved Maori meeting house and enter a 1901 Tudor-style church set amidst steaming geothermal vents at the edge of Lake Rotorua.
In pre-European times, Ohinemutu was the main centre for the Lake Rotorua region - visitors and food arrived at this bustling settlement before going on to the surrounding villages. Standing on the forecourt of the marae, as steam rises through the pavers from the earth below, you can feel the spirit of this significant place. The carving on the large meeting house is exquisite and highlighted by hundreds of inlaid shiny paua shells.
Towards the lake's edge is the magnificently decorated Saint Faiths church. Inside the church, Maori carvings and woven panels add a unique dimension to the European Tudor-style architecture.
A memorable feature is a large window etched with the image of Jesus clad in a Maori cloak - he appears to walk towards you across the surface of the lake. At Ohinemutu you can see how the Maori and European cultures have collaborated. Free entry.
more..
Waiotapu Stream
Waiotapu Loop Road, 40km south of Rotorua
Best known by locals and now backpackers, this is a point where a hot stream and a cold stream meet, so you can jump between the two. There are mixed reviews now that it's better known, but it is still a great free experience of Rotorua's thermal activity.
Since these hot pools are 'natural' they don't have temperature controls! Beware of straying from the 'used area'. There are bathing areas on both sides of the bridge.
This stream was once a popular spot for skinny dipping, but these days due to the stream being mentioned in every guide book and travel App it has become busy with textiled bathers. Nude bathing 'may' be possible if you are lucky enough to strike it when no one is there or there are other nude bathers already there (which is rare these days).
more..
Best known by locals and now backpackers, this is a point where a hot stream and a cold stream meet, so you can jump between the two. There are mixed reviews now that it's better known, but it is still a great free experience of Rotorua's thermal activity.
Since these hot pools are 'natural' they don't have temperature controls! Beware of straying from the 'used area'. There are bathing areas on both sides of the bridge.
This stream was once a popular spot for skinny dipping, but these days due to the stream being mentioned in every guide book and travel App it has become busy with textiled bathers. Nude bathing 'may' be possible if you are lucky enough to strike it when no one is there or there are other nude bathers already there (which is rare these days).
more..
Kerosene Creek
SH5, Rotorua
About 20 minutes south of Rotorua on SH5 on the left just before the Wai-O-Tapu turnoff, you will see the small road sign marked 'Kerosene Creek'. Follow the unsealed road until you reach the end where there is a large parking area. Follow your ears toward the sound of the flowing stream. The waters that flow down Kerosene Creek come from a hot water spring and vary in temperature from warm to hot. There are two waterfalls, one small creates a natural bubbling spa pool effect, the other is 30 metres downstream and falls approximately 2 metres with a larger swimming area below. (pictured)
Once a local secret for skinny dipping, this spot has now become a popular destination for people wishing to bathe in the warm thermal water and take in the natural surroundings for free. Skinny dipping is sometimes possible in the first small waterfall if there are no textile bathers in there before you or in another bathing spot about 20 meters past the large waterfall. Most textile bathers head to the large waterfall. Generally most people are accepting of nude bathers, especially in this natural and un-commercialised area. It is not advised to go after dark, as there has been some car break-ins reported there in the past.
more..
About 20 minutes south of Rotorua on SH5 on the left just before the Wai-O-Tapu turnoff, you will see the small road sign marked 'Kerosene Creek'. Follow the unsealed road until you reach the end where there is a large parking area. Follow your ears toward the sound of the flowing stream. The waters that flow down Kerosene Creek come from a hot water spring and vary in temperature from warm to hot. There are two waterfalls, one small creates a natural bubbling spa pool effect, the other is 30 metres downstream and falls approximately 2 metres with a larger swimming area below. (pictured)
Once a local secret for skinny dipping, this spot has now become a popular destination for people wishing to bathe in the warm thermal water and take in the natural surroundings for free. Skinny dipping is sometimes possible in the first small waterfall if there are no textile bathers in there before you or in another bathing spot about 20 meters past the large waterfall. Most textile bathers head to the large waterfall. Generally most people are accepting of nude bathers, especially in this natural and un-commercialised area. It is not advised to go after dark, as there has been some car break-ins reported there in the past.
more..
Government Gardens
Fenton Street, Rotorua
Explore historic gardens that surround a Tudor-style spa bath house and an ornate Mediterranean-style public swimming pool. Peer through the steam into ancient bubbling geothermal pools.
The Government Gardens are situated on the lake's edge in downtown Rotorua. This site is of legendary and historical importance to local Māori people, for here many significant battles have taken place.
In the late 1800s, the Māori people gifted 50 acres of this land to the crown.
The land was a scrub-covered geothermal area with several therapeutic pools. The scrub was cleared and formal gardens planted. Several large trees remain from those early days, including multi-trunked Japanese firs and an unusual Californian weeping redwood.
Realising the opportunity to create a South Pacific spa attraction, in 1908 the New Zealand government opened a large and elaborate bath house, built in the Elizabethan Tudor style of architecture. Today this magnificent building houses a museum and an award-winning exhibition on the days when people came from all over the world to 'take the waters'.
more..
Explore historic gardens that surround a Tudor-style spa bath house and an ornate Mediterranean-style public swimming pool. Peer through the steam into ancient bubbling geothermal pools.
The Government Gardens are situated on the lake's edge in downtown Rotorua. This site is of legendary and historical importance to local Māori people, for here many significant battles have taken place.
In the late 1800s, the Māori people gifted 50 acres of this land to the crown.
The land was a scrub-covered geothermal area with several therapeutic pools. The scrub was cleared and formal gardens planted. Several large trees remain from those early days, including multi-trunked Japanese firs and an unusual Californian weeping redwood.
Realising the opportunity to create a South Pacific spa attraction, in 1908 the New Zealand government opened a large and elaborate bath house, built in the Elizabethan Tudor style of architecture. Today this magnificent building houses a museum and an award-winning exhibition on the days when people came from all over the world to 'take the waters'.
more..
Rotorua Night Market
Tutanekai Street, Rotorua
This high profile, main street location with new permanent lighting and sound will come alive every Thursday night, providing a community focal point for the many thousands of Rotorua's visitors and local families alike.
Permanent LED street lighting matched perfectly with the crisp white peaked canopies of the stalls will provide a lively market environment with the many market stalls showcasing their wares giving shoppers the opportunity to interact with producers, chefs, artisans, artists and designers from in and around our region including existing Tutanekai Street retailers who will complement the marketplace.
Taste authentic artisan products, savour a selection of wine, boutique beers, handcrafted cheese, honeys, preserves, oils, chutney and jams. Sample the food from various ethnic eateries with flavours from around the world; French patisseries, handmade Italian pasta, Indian and of course our local kai.
more..
This high profile, main street location with new permanent lighting and sound will come alive every Thursday night, providing a community focal point for the many thousands of Rotorua's visitors and local families alike.
Permanent LED street lighting matched perfectly with the crisp white peaked canopies of the stalls will provide a lively market environment with the many market stalls showcasing their wares giving shoppers the opportunity to interact with producers, chefs, artisans, artists and designers from in and around our region including existing Tutanekai Street retailers who will complement the marketplace.
Taste authentic artisan products, savour a selection of wine, boutique beers, handcrafted cheese, honeys, preserves, oils, chutney and jams. Sample the food from various ethnic eateries with flavours from around the world; French patisseries, handmade Italian pasta, Indian and of course our local kai.
more..
Kuirau Park Weekend Market
Kuirau Park, Rotorua
Every Saturday morning no matter what the weather, the Kuirau Park weekend market is held.
It is fast becoming one of the attractions in Rotorua with both locals and visitors heading there for breakfast.
There is freshly made food such as rewena bread (Māori bread) along with other Māori foods. You will have to try these. There is food from other cultures as well, such as Indian and Asian.
Jewellery, second-hand items, clothing and fresh fruit and vegetables are also available.
more..
Every Saturday morning no matter what the weather, the Kuirau Park weekend market is held.
It is fast becoming one of the attractions in Rotorua with both locals and visitors heading there for breakfast.
There is freshly made food such as rewena bread (Māori bread) along with other Māori foods. You will have to try these. There is food from other cultures as well, such as Indian and Asian.
Jewellery, second-hand items, clothing and fresh fruit and vegetables are also available.
more..
The Redwoods
Longmile Road, Rotorua
If you love the outdoors this area is for you!
Escape into the beautiful Whakarewarewa Forest, one of Rotorua's most spectacular natural assets. Famous for its magnificent stands of towering Californian Coastal Redwoods, it is just five minutes drive from the city centre. Here you can experience some of the finest walking and mountain bike trails in the world, not to mention taking in superb panoramic views of Rotorua city, lake and surrounding district.
If mountain biking is your thing the Whakarewarewa Forest has one of the oldest mountain bike networks in the country. These master-crafted trails are an unbeatable blend of riding surfaces, topography and scenery. With around 90km of continually evolving trails, there is something to cater for all levels of rider, from beginners and family groups through to experts looking for extreme action.
Entry to the forest, tracks, gift shop and visitor centre is FREE.
more..
If you love the outdoors this area is for you!
Escape into the beautiful Whakarewarewa Forest, one of Rotorua's most spectacular natural assets. Famous for its magnificent stands of towering Californian Coastal Redwoods, it is just five minutes drive from the city centre. Here you can experience some of the finest walking and mountain bike trails in the world, not to mention taking in superb panoramic views of Rotorua city, lake and surrounding district.
If mountain biking is your thing the Whakarewarewa Forest has one of the oldest mountain bike networks in the country. These master-crafted trails are an unbeatable blend of riding surfaces, topography and scenery. With around 90km of continually evolving trails, there is something to cater for all levels of rider, from beginners and family groups through to experts looking for extreme action.
Entry to the forest, tracks, gift shop and visitor centre is FREE.
more..
Ngongotaha Trout Hatchery
1130 Paradise Valley Road, Ngongotaha, Rotorua
This trout hatchery is the New Zealand Fish & Game Eastern Regional Headquarters. Each year around 100,000 trout are hatched here, and once big enough are released into the lakes providing new stock for trout fishing in New Zealand.
It is free to visit and wander through the native bush walk, enter the hatchery building where you'll see thousands of baby trout and feed the larger trout that are reared in various holding pools throughout the park. Bags of fish food are available for just $1.
The hatchery is close to Wingspan and Paradise Valley Springs so is a great addition if you plan to visit those attractions in the same area.
more..
This trout hatchery is the New Zealand Fish & Game Eastern Regional Headquarters. Each year around 100,000 trout are hatched here, and once big enough are released into the lakes providing new stock for trout fishing in New Zealand.
It is free to visit and wander through the native bush walk, enter the hatchery building where you'll see thousands of baby trout and feed the larger trout that are reared in various holding pools throughout the park. Bags of fish food are available for just $1.
The hatchery is close to Wingspan and Paradise Valley Springs so is a great addition if you plan to visit those attractions in the same area.
more..
Wai-O-Tapu Mud Pool
Wai-O-Tapu Loop Road, SH5, 27kms South of Rotorua
If you want to see an awesome mud pool which is free to visit during your stay in Rotorua then head to Wai-O-Tapu Loop Road (opposite the Wai-O-Tapu Tavern, 25 minutes south of Rotorua, or about half way between Rotorua and Taupo) and take the first left at the sign that simply says 'Mud Pool'.
This mud pool is one of the best examples in the area without having to pay a ticket price to see it. It is fiercely boiling and constantly puts on an exciting show of bubbling, plopping and exploding mud, sometimes over a meter in height. If you are wanting to visit the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland (see the 'Geothermal' tab) then don't forget to visit this mud pool on your way there or when you come out. Its well worth a look.
more..
If you want to see an awesome mud pool which is free to visit during your stay in Rotorua then head to Wai-O-Tapu Loop Road (opposite the Wai-O-Tapu Tavern, 25 minutes south of Rotorua, or about half way between Rotorua and Taupo) and take the first left at the sign that simply says 'Mud Pool'.
This mud pool is one of the best examples in the area without having to pay a ticket price to see it. It is fiercely boiling and constantly puts on an exciting show of bubbling, plopping and exploding mud, sometimes over a meter in height. If you are wanting to visit the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland (see the 'Geothermal' tab) then don't forget to visit this mud pool on your way there or when you come out. Its well worth a look.
more..
Okere Falls Track
Trout Pool Road off SH33, Rotorua
Okere Falls is located 21 kms from Rotorua on the Rotorua to Tauranga highway. A 30 minute (1.2 km) scenic bushwalk on a well-formed track takes you through lovely New Zealand native bush until you reach the scenic lookouts over Okere River and its spectacular waterfalls. From the main lookout platform by Hinemoa's Steps you can watch rafters and kayakers sweep over the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world.
There are numerous information panels along the track, interpreting the human and natural landscape. A wide grassy area beside the main carpark provides a good site for a picnic, public toilets are provided here as well. The trout pool is a popular fishing spot, and trout are often seen swimming gently against the current.
more..
Okere Falls is located 21 kms from Rotorua on the Rotorua to Tauranga highway. A 30 minute (1.2 km) scenic bushwalk on a well-formed track takes you through lovely New Zealand native bush until you reach the scenic lookouts over Okere River and its spectacular waterfalls. From the main lookout platform by Hinemoa's Steps you can watch rafters and kayakers sweep over the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world.
There are numerous information panels along the track, interpreting the human and natural landscape. A wide grassy area beside the main carpark provides a good site for a picnic, public toilets are provided here as well. The trout pool is a popular fishing spot, and trout are often seen swimming gently against the current.
more..
Papamoa Beach
Left from Pacific View Road, Papamoa
Rotorua is not noted for its clothing optional sand beaches, but if you do feel like nude sunbathing or taking a swim in the ocean over the summer months then Papamoa Beach in Tauranga is the place to go. The distance from Rotorua City to Papamoa is 67.5kms or approximately 1hour driving time making it an easy day trip to enjoy at the beach.
Papamoa has miles of white sandy beach that stretches from Mount Maunganui in the west to the Kaituna River in the east and the ocean is wonderful to swim in and play in the waves. It is generally quite safe to swim here and is popular on hot sunny days.
The so called 'nude zone' does not stretch the full length of this beach however. The easiest way to get to the 'nude zone' of the beach is to drive to along Papamoa Beach Road and park on the grass verge opposite the beach access boardwalk which is between Sandhurst Drive and Oceania Sands Way. The 'nude zone' is on both sides of the boardwalk until the over-looking houses begin again.
more..
Rotorua is not noted for its clothing optional sand beaches, but if you do feel like nude sunbathing or taking a swim in the ocean over the summer months then Papamoa Beach in Tauranga is the place to go. The distance from Rotorua City to Papamoa is 67.5kms or approximately 1hour driving time making it an easy day trip to enjoy at the beach.
Papamoa has miles of white sandy beach that stretches from Mount Maunganui in the west to the Kaituna River in the east and the ocean is wonderful to swim in and play in the waves. It is generally quite safe to swim here and is popular on hot sunny days.
The so called 'nude zone' does not stretch the full length of this beach however. The easiest way to get to the 'nude zone' of the beach is to drive to along Papamoa Beach Road and park on the grass verge opposite the beach access boardwalk which is between Sandhurst Drive and Oceania Sands Way. The 'nude zone' is on both sides of the boardwalk until the over-looking houses begin again.
more..