You’ve had a great day exploring all of the fantastic activities in Rotorua during the day and now you’re ready to add some extra fun into your evening! Here are our must-do activities for Rotorua at night, there is something for everyone with fun guaranteed!
Te Puia Geyser at Night Experience
Explore the wonders of this geothermal valley under the night skies with Te Puia’s magical Geyser’s by Night evening tour! Join your personal tour guide and a small group and explore the geothermal valley, learning about it’s rich history and ever changing landscapes. From mudpools to geysers, this tour is a really unique way to see and learn about the history of this valley and the Maori tribes who have resided here for centuries.
Tours run for around 90 minutes on Wednesday – Sunday evenings and pre booking is necessary.
Redwoods Nightlights
We can’t forget about the famous Redwoods Nightlights! An absolutely stunning and a beautiful way to see the Whakarewarewa Redwoods forest at night! Walk along the swing bridges which are set 9 – 20m up in the trees and enjoy the magical lights and lanterns along this hour long experience. If you have gone up in the day be sure to head back again at night for the walk is a totally different experience!
Combined with a nice dinner out (see our suggestions here) you could have a romantic evening with your significant other or take the kids along early to see the Nightlights and then come back for a quick swim in our heated outdoor pool before bed!
Mini Golf Rotorua
Enjoy an evening of fun at Mini Golf Rotorua, there are bunnies, twinkling lights and lots of fun to be had! In a unique magical setting, the 18 hole course is laden with friendly bunnies and lots of trick shots to be attempted! Located on Fairy Springs road at the base of the Skyline Gondola.
Photo Credit – Mini Golf Rotorua
Hot pools
Being in a geothermal hot spot we naturally need to include our favourite spots to have a hot soak – the perfect evening activity to do in Rotorua at night!
Secret Spot Hot Tubs
Located at the Waipa Carpark on the edge of the Whakarewarewa Forest the Secret Spot is known for their spring water hot tubs but also as a great place to have an evening drink amongst native NZ plants. Grab a mulled wine, hot tea or one of their Good George selections and enjoy a peaceful evening with your friends. Even better, roll up your pants and soak your shins in one of the famous shinny dips! Warming for the toes!
Waikite Valley Thermal Pools
Just off the main road headed south towards Taupo are the unique geothermal pools hidden in Waikite Valley. We love the low key atmosphere, the range of different pools and the stunning tranquil setting. You can also walk the Te Manaroa Spring Walkway and Eco-Trail before your soak to gain more insight into the geothermal surroundings. The pools do start draining around 7:30 so it’s a great early evening activity and an aura-some place to take the kids for a Rotorua at night experience!
Polynesian Spa
The closest hot pools to Aura – the Polynesian Spa is the iconic geothermal bathing experience. With different areas of pools to choose from, all pools are fed with mineral water from the nearby Rachel Spring and a refilled daily. Our favourite area to relax in is the Pavilion pools with six pools of different temperatures to choose from. There is also the Family Pools for those with small ones or if you are wanting something extra special, hire out one of their private pools for thirty minutes.
