6 Best Things to Do in Rotorua These School Holidays
Rotorua is the ultimate family destination during the school holidays. Packed with exciting attractions, cultural experiences, and outdoor adventures, there are plenty of Rotorua school holiday activities that will keep the kids entertained and make your getaway memorable. If you’re wondering what to do in Rotorua with kids, we’ve rounded up six of the best family-friendly activities to try these school holidays.
1. Skyline Rotorua
For panoramic views and adrenaline-fuelled fun, Skyline Rotorua is a must. Ride the gondola up Mt Ngongotahā to take in stunning views of Lake Rotorua, then let the kids (and adults!) loose on the famous luge tracks. With options for different thrill levels, everyone can join in. Plus, there’s ziplining, a skyswing, and tasty dining at the top, making it one of the best things to do in Rotorua with kids.
2. Agrodome
Get hands-on with the Kiwi Hatchery and farm experience at Agrodome. The interactive farm shows are a hit with kids, featuring sheep shearing, working dogs, and plenty of laughs. Families can also meet cute farm animals up close on a farm tour – think alpacas, lambs, and visitors are even allowed to hand-feed the friendly animals. This makes Agrodome one of Rotorua’s top school holiday activities.
3. Secret Spot Hot Tubs
After a busy day exploring Rotorua, Secret Spot Hot Tubs is the perfect place to relax as a family. Nestled beside the Whakarewarewa Forest, each cedar hot tub is filled with fresh, spring-fed water and surrounded by lush greenery. Parents can enjoy craft drinks delivered at the push of a button, while kids will love the ice creams and cold plunge tubs. With new saunas and cold plunge tubs on their way, it’s a unique way to slow down and reconnect – one of the best Rotorua family activities to enjoy together.
4. ZORB Rotorua
If you’re looking for pure fun, ZORB is an absolute winner. This world-famous Rotorua activity lets you roll downhill inside a giant inflatable ball – an experience guaranteed to make kids and adults laugh (or scream) all the way to the bottom. Choose from different tracks (straight or twisty, all with water for splashy fun) and make memories that will have the whole family talking for weeks. It’s a must-do Rotorua school holiday activity for thrill-seeking families.
5. Rotorua Canopy Tours
For an adventure in nature, head to Rotorua Canopy Tours. Glide through pristine native forest on zip lines, swing bridges, and tree platforms, while learning about the incredible conservation work that’s brought the forest back to life. It’s an inspiring and unforgettable experience for school-aged kids and parents alike – equal parts thrilling and educational, and one of the best family-friendly attractions in Rotorua.
6. Te Puia
No visit to Rotorua is complete without experiencing its geothermal wonders and rich culture at Te Puia. Watch the famous Pōhutu Geyser erupt, marvel at bubbling mud pools, and see traditional Māori carving and weaving in action. The kids will love meeting the resident kiwi birds, while the guided tours and cultural performances make it a well-rounded family outing. Te Puia is one of Rotorua’s top attractions for families during the school holidays.
From rolling down hills in giant balls to soaking in forest hot tubs, Rotorua is packed with unique family-friendly activities that make the school holidays unforgettable. Whether you’ve got a few days or a whole week to explore, these six Rotorua school holiday activities are the perfect starting point for your family adventure.
Other great Rotorua family activities include visiting the Redwoods Treewalk with its magical suspension bridges and night-time lanterns, joining a fun and informative Rotorua Duck Tour on land and water, or enjoying a fun day at Motion Entertainment, one of New Zealand’s largest indoor entertainment centre.
