Rotorua, Family Activities

One of Rotorua's most essential attractions, Wai-o-Tapu is an incredibly colourful grouping of hot springs, geysers, pools and more that's amazing to see! Located just 20 minutes from Rotorua city, Wai-o-Tapu offers a variety of volcanic spectacles each with their own distinct character, shape and texture formed purely by the forces of nature - it's the most colourful geothermal in all of New Zealand and provides visitors with some great angles and viewpoints for snapping some amazing photos of its offerings. Tickets to Wai-o-Tapu will allow you the freedom to explore the grounds at your own pace; explore the three separate tracks that each emphasize a different aspect of the grounds including perhaps its most famous site - the Champagne Pools, a bubbling hot spring around 65 metres wide with a striking orange border and vibrant, bubble-filled water contained within.

• A choice of packages allowing you to experience the Agrojet, Freefall Extreme, Swop, Shweeb Racer or the Rotorua Bungy activities
• Complimentary scheduled transfers twice daily from the Rotorua CBD

Experience the ultimate thrill at Velocity Valley's 43-metre vertical drop in Rotorua, known as 'Vertigo'. This cutting edge attraction includes being dropped from 43-metres high into a huge safety net. Exclusively available at Velocity Valley and one of the most adventurous activities in New Zealand, Vertigo Rotorua is sure to leave you breathless and craving more!

Velocity Valley is renowned for its world-class adventure activities, and Vertigo Rotorua is no exception. Whether you are a thrill-seeker or an adrenaline junkie, this ride will take you to new heights of excitement. Don't miss the opportunity to conquer your fears and experience the thrill of Vertigo at Velocity Valley in Rotorua!

Based out of the Mountain Bike Rotorua HQ located at the edge of the world famous Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest MTB park, our guides stand ready to get you out and explore the most extensive mountain bike trail network in the country.  Our beloved forest has options for all experience levels and our professional guides are well versed at catering to all comers - from beginner right through to elite riders.  

The bikes you will use on your Redwood Forest mountain biking tour will be the latest model premium full-suspension, and these will be adjusted to your needs on the day, ensuring total comfort and impeccable safety during your ride. Your mountain biking tour will be customised by your guide on the day to deliver to your group's level of experience so that you all have the most enjoyable time possible.

Family groups and kids welcome (minimum age 8 years).  

Explore the rich and scenic history of Rotorua in a 'duck' amphibious vehicle. The WW11 Military landing craft is great fun, and with the famous 'conducktor', you'll have the time of your life exploring the many lakes and estuaries of Rotorua.

Rotorua City & Lakes Tour
Discover local landmarks, including the Museum, Government Gardens, Lake Rotorua, Mokoia Island, Geothermal Sulphur Point and Blue baths, as well as a multitude of picturesque and gorgeous surrounding areas.

Tarawera & Lakes Tour 
This two hour tour heads straight into the action of the 'splashdown' on Lake Okareka. From there, you will journey to the sacred Lake Rotokakahi (green lakes), before seeing the spectacular views of the volcanic domes of Mount Tarawera. While there, you will be entertained with an informed story on the destructive eruption of Tarawera in 1886.

Child rates for 2-16 year olds.  Free for under 2s.

Velocity Valley's experienced, professional jet boat drivers will quickly turn your nerves into thrills as they expertly navigate their way through multiple hot laps of the 1km Agrojet sprint course. You will experience 3 G's of force and 100km an hour speeds as your driver negotiates islands, sharp turns and sweeping bends. With the wind in your hair and your heart in your throat, you will experience the thrill of a lifetime before your driver finishes off with the famous roaring 360-degree Hamilton Jet spin.

Minimum height 1m.

The amazing Rotorua Swoop is the extreme version of a swing, but with a major difference – the Swoop allows you to free-fall from 40 metres (head first!) and reach speeds of up to 130kmph!

First, you step inside the specially designed hang gliding harness and will be wrapped up in a comfortable cocoon – either by yourself, or with up to two other friends ( the more friends, the greater the thrill). Next, you are raised ever-so-slowly, ensuring that you have plenty of time to build that spine-tingling anticipation and adrenaline. While you’re up there, check out the great view of the surrounding scenery around Velocity Valley, as well as the other attractions; that is, if you can keep your eyes open for long enough! When you reach a whopping 40 metres in height, you are given the okay to pull your own ripcord and – if you can actually muster up the courage to pull the cord – you will begin your long, Swooping descent.   Minimum height 1m to participate.

Are you looking for a Rotorua rafting adventure with a mix of scenery and gentle rapids? The Grade 2 Rangitaiki river rafting is the perfect choice! Join River Rats Rotorua for an unforgettable journey down the lower Rangitaiki River, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and Grade 2 rolling rapids. Suitable for the whole family, aged five years and above!

River Rats Rotorua is renowned for providing top-notch rafting experiences, and the Grade 2 Rangitaiki river rafting trip is no exception. Whether you're a first-time rafter or travelling with the family, this activity promises excitement and fun for everyone. The professional River Rats Rotorua rafting guides will make you feel confident and safe as you navigate this section of the Rangitaiki River.

Rangitaiki River Rafting offers a blend of fun rapids and beautiful scenery, including native forest, gushing waterfalls and a dramatic rock gorge. As you start off from the base of Aniwhenua Falls, your guide will provide clear instructions on how to tackle the gentle rolling rapids, as well as providing informative and entertaining commentary along the way. During the tour, you will stop off to enjoy a delicious picnic-style lunch surrounded by this picturesque landscape.

If you want to experience the thrill of flying through the incredible surrounds of native New Zealand forest, then Rotorua Canopy Tours can provide you just that.

The Ultimate Tour is bigger, faster and longer than The Original Tour. The 3.5 hour experience consists of 1200m of ziplines, an 18m abseil, swingbridges, a 400m long zipline, a 50m high cliff walk and spiral staircases! This is the ultimate way to explore the treetops and the breathtaking lake views.

Relive the sounds, sights and smells of a time before men left their indelible imprint upon nature. This is New Zealand in all of its glory and you will never forget it!  Minimum age 10 years.

Visit three of the best Rotorua attractions and save with this Rotorua Attraction Pass! With this value for money pass, you will be able to experience some of the region's unmissable highlights including the popular geothermal area of Te Puia where you'll be able to take in the sights while learning of Maori culture, take a ride on the Rotorua Skyline Gondola for some great views then enjoy a delicious buffet lunch at the top, and cap it all off with a relaxing visit to the Rotorua region's widely-acclaimed Polynesian Spa where you'll be able to relax in the naturally-heated geothermal waters that are the ultimate stress reliever.

Strike Zone have activities and fun for everyone in the family. While the main activity is Tenpin Bowling - 12 fully automated lanes all with children's bumpers to stop the ball from dropping into the gutter. We also have Timeout Video & Redemption Games, Pool Room and the Silver Spoon Cafe.

Rotorua Aquatic Centre provides an array of water activities. Choose from indoor or outdoor pools, the lazy river, splash pad and much more. The indoor pool has inflatables and a Tarzan swing and the 18 metre fun pool has two water cannons and water bikes! Children will love the lazy river which provides a continuous current around a central island with a water geyser and fog.

Where the only way is slideway!  Experience the thrill of racing on an indoor oval track in a purpose built go-kart. The track is designed for full drifting action and full adrenalin fun. With a special track surface you can feel the drifting sensation as you slide around the corners. Minimum age 12 years for drivers and minimum height 1.5m.

Offering amazing tours on SUPs (Stand-Up-Paddleboards) in the Rotorua area. With 4 trips available around Rotorua's spectacular waterways there are small coves, beautiful scenery and legendary natural hot springs waiting to be discovered. Min 10 years of age and must be able to fit safety gear. Family's who might have younger children, these guys can tailor trips, please contact for more information.

Challenge our 18 hole Mini Golf championship course that is great fun for the whole family. Play day or night under flood lights. Music, sounds and stunning water features all add to the entertainment. Find us located next to Skyline Skyrides and Rainbow Springs.