What to do in Bay of Plenty Region

Activities, attractions and tours
Rotorua Museum of Art and History which includes interior views as well as an individual child
Rotorua Museum of Art and History featuring heritage elements and outdoor eating
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
Rotorua showing a lake or waterhole
Rotorua showing markets and night scenes


Top places to visit

1. Polynesian Spa

Located adjacent to beautiful Lake Rotorua, the steaming baths of the Polynesian Spa are the perfect place to destress. Soak in steamy, cleansing water while you gaze out across the pristine lake. Escape to your very own private pool or play on the slides in the large family area.
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Polynesian Spa which includes a lake or waterhole

2. Skyline Rotorua

Skyline Rotorua cable car carries passengers up Mount Ngongotaha to a height of 487 metres (1,598 feet). Admiring the views isn’t the only thing to do at the summit. Sip a coffee in the café, fly over dense forest on the zip line or steer down the steep luge course.
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Skyline Rotorua

3. Lake Rotoiti

Take in views of forest-fringed waters, shimmering glow worm caves and the Southern Alps at Lake Rotoiti in the Nelson Lakes National Park. Surrounded by towering mountains, all the lakes in this park were carved out by glaciers over thousands of years and have remained largely untouched. As well as making for a spectacular landscape, this has also allowed native wildlife to thrive.
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Lake Rotoiti showing a lake or waterhole and tranquil scenes

4. Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest

Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest is a tranquil woodland park crisscrossed by trekking and biking trails. Set off on a hike past thermal ponds and geysers or admire eucalyptus trees and immense Californian Redwoods while horseback riding.
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Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest featuring forests

5. Lake Rotorua

Visit Lake Rotorua and you will find no shortage of things to do. Swim in the calm, clear waters by the city’s edge or set off on foot in search of your own private bay. Kayak to mystical Mokoia Island or sit back and relax on a boat cruise.
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Lake Rotorua featuring a lake or waterhole and a park as well as a small group of people

6. Mitai Maori Village

The Mitai Māori Village gives you and your family the chance to experience Māori food, art and traditions. The tours are not only educational, they are also very impressive and enjoyable.
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Rotorua showing indigenous culture, a river or creek and rainforest
Beautiful view of the beach with palm trees

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What to do in Bay of Plenty Region


Discover the most popular places to visit in Bay of Plenty Region

Explore areas of Bay of Plenty Region

Mount Maunganui showing a sandy beach, general coastal views and a city

Mount Maunganui

5/5(1 area review)

Mount Maunganui is popular for its beaches, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Pilot Bay Beach or Maunganui Beach.

Mount Maunganui
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Papamoa Beach

Unique features of Papamoa Beach include the beaches and shopping. Make a stop by Papamoa Beach or Wairakei Reserve while you're exploring the area.

Papamoa Beach
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Papamoa

While visiting Papamoa, you might make a stop by sights like blokart Recreation Park and Looking Glass Garden.

Papamoa
Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve showing a river or creek and a bridge

Whakarewarewa

The panoramic lake views and luxurious spas are just a few highlights of Whakarewarewa. Make a stop by Whakarewarewa: The Living Maori Village or Te Puia New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute while you're exploring the area.

Whakarewarewa
Lake Okareka showing a lake or waterhole

Lake Okareka

Travellers like the parks in Lake Okareka, and Lake Tikitapu is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Lake Okareka
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Bowentown

Bowentown is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Waihi Beach and Coromandel Peninsula.

Bowentown

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 


 

Day trip destinations from Bay of Plenty Region