Rotorua Activities
Explore Rotorua
Rotorua, a town set on its namesake lake on New Zealand's North Island, is renowned for its geothermal activity and Maori culture. In Te Puia’s Whakarewarewa Valley, there are bubbling mud pools and the 30m-tall Pohutu Geyser, which erupts many times daily. It’s also home to a living Maori village and the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, with traditional wood carving and weaving schools. However, there’s more to Rotorua than its culture:
- Its great people
- Beautiful Wilderness Walkways
- Short drive to Mt Maunganui and Taupo
- Excellent restaurants
- Maori cultural experiences
- Adventure activities
- Mountain biking
- Gysers and hot pools
Check out The Backpacker Group to see what deals you can get with many activities in the region.
The History Of Rotorua
Rotorua is unusual among New Zealand cities in being neither a port nor originally a farm service centre. Rotorua was built in the early 1880s by the government, as a town for tourists visiting the ‘hot lakes’. It was laid out on the Pukeroa–Oruawhata block, land leased from Ngāti Whakaue near the Māori lakeside settlement of Ōhinemutu. This arrangement with the tribal owners broke down, and the government became the sole owner in 1888. The arrival of the railway in 1894 spurred growth. The government developed a European-style spa with ornamental gardens, and bathing and therapeutic facilities. After the Second World War, growth was also fostered by forest, farm and hydroelectricity development.
What our previous guests have said
We had a great time in Rotorua at your place. Everything is close by and handy to go to. All the staff in the backpackers are all so welcome and kind and
Miho, Auckland
Thank you so much for the organisation and the hosting of our team this week. We appreciate the help and service provided to us. We had a great week of
Hayden, Palmerston North Boys High School - June 2025
I messaged to say I had a bad cough and I asked if I could change to a smaller dorm so I would disturb less people- they gave me a room to myself with extra
Niamh, Ireland
Everything was so perfect. Must go place. Rock solid backpackers going to be my fixed place to stay in future travels. Best place ever. Always very happy with
Camper760250, TripAdvisor
Thank you so much for having us, was the best accommodation we have stayed at and look forward to coming back next year. Everything was amazing. We look
Raukawa Basketball 2021
Rock Solid backpacker in Hinemoa Street Rotorua is one of the most amazing backpackers in Rotorua With multiple activities such as rock climbing whether your
RodneyST, TripAdvisor
A wonderful stay at this hostel. Very large tidy kitchen, cubicle bathrooms/showers and extremely friendly and helpful staff who went above and beyond to
Odyssey66530867997, TripAdvisor
The staff were so amazingly helpful and knowledgeable, especially dale, who not only helped me get a free shuttle service for one thing I was doing but also
Alice, Great Britain
Dear Dale and Staff members! A Huge Thank You for all your assistance during our stay at Rock Solid Backpackers! I can honestly say the accommodation for boys
Tania, Australia
Lovely hostel. My double room was big and the heater worked well. The bathrooms were clean and large. The hostel is very centrally located, but there is ample
Isabel, TripAdvisor