5 weekend activities for families in Rotorua

February 24, 2020

When the weekend rolls around and you’re looking for fun experiences for the family, then Rotorua is the place to be. Check-out our top five activities for families.

1. A day out at Blue Lake

Frolic and fun under the sun, a day at Lake Tikitapu, also known as Blue Lake, is always a memorable one for everyone in the family. Swing on the swings, take a swim in the beautiful waters, kayak, canoe or walk the 5.5 km easy loop track through beautiful bush around the lake. There are BBQ facilities handy, a children’s playground when they kids need a run around and the holiday park next door has plenty of ice creams and snacks on hand to top off the day. Less than a 15 minutes’ drive from downtown Rotorua, Blue Lake is the perfect weekend day trip to enjoy quality family together.

2. Walk amidst gentle giants at Redwoods Treewalk

If you’re looking for family time in the great outdoors, the iconic Redwoods Treewalk should be at the top of your list. Suspended above the forest floor and beneath the shelter of the giant redwood trees, the Redwoods Treewalk is a magical experience in the heart of the Whakarewarewa Forest the whole family can enjoy. An award-winning eco-walk like no other, you’ll traverse 28 beautifully designed suspension bridges amidst a forest of 118 year old trees. With information panels and displays along the way, you and your family will gain plenty of fantastic knowledge and history of this unique experience. With both daytime and evening experiences available, it’s always a good time to do the Redwoods Treewalk.

3. Skyline Rotorua

When you want an action packed weekend, then head to Skyline Rotorua. Open year-round, you don’t need snow to ride the gondola up to this hub of activity. Mountain bike, zipline, zoom down luge tracks or get your adrenaline pumping on the Skyswing – there’s tons to see and do here for big kids and little kids alike. With several food outlets at Skyline, including the awesome Jelly Belly Store, you’ll be able to fuel your adventures at Skyline from sunup to sundown.

4. Polynesian Spa

Voted as one of the Top 10 spas in the world by Condé Nast Traveller, Polynesian Spa is a pampering experience for adults but also a fun-filled one for the kids. This well laid out complex has a network of areas for you to access the therapeutic benefits of geothermal mineral pools including private pools, family pools and the renowned Retreat Day Spa. Make the most of your time together with one of the family combo packages available. An on-site café with healthy juice blends, tasty smoothies, decadent ice creams, fresh sandwiches and baking is the perfect treat at the end of your visit. You can also visit the Spa Essentials Shop and recreate some of the indulgent spa life back at home.

5. Waimangu Valley

A visit to Waimangu Valley takes you on a journey through the world’s youngest geothermal system. Spectacular and awe-inspiring, this is where a great day out becomes once in a lifetime. The ultimate day at Waimangu Valley includes a scenic boat cruise and fantastic nature walk through a geothermal natural wonderland where you will rediscover the Pink & White Terraces – the former 8th Wonder of the World. Take in the unique bird and plant life and the dramatic volcanic landscape for an unforgettable family experience.