Discover Rotorua's best places to eat, drink, shop, and more with our guide.
Bubbling mud pools, impressive forests, and a township deservedly proud of its Māori heritage makes Rotorua a hot spot (quite literally) for visitors passing through.
With a landscape like Rotorua's, it would be rude not to make the most of it, so those who visit are often found on the mountain bike trails, luge, gondola, or even white water rafting.
When it comes time to rest the body, it’s easy to agree that Rotorua really does come out on top thanks to the mind-boggling array of natural geothermal pools. Take a wander around the lake itself and see the magic that lies below the surface, then sink into one of the many local hot pools and feel any big city worries just slide away.
Tourism has always played a big part in Rotorua’s history. The city's famed pink and white terraces (considered one of the eight wonders of the world), impressed visitors back in the 19th century before they were destroyed by the Mount Tarawera eruption.
Night Moves: The Best Things To Do in Rotorua in the Evening
When you're out having a good time, the last thing you want to do when the sun sets is call it quits and head back to your hotel room. Fortunately, there's no shortage of activities in Rotorua to keep the fun going well into the night. So whether you're after an adrenaline rush, a meal or drink worth savouring or simply a quiet way to unwind under the stars, here's our guide for what to do in Rotorua after dark.
The People Behind the Places: Meet Rotorua’s Hospitality Heroes
What separates a good restaurant or café from a great one are the people behind the counter or in the kitchen. Hospitality staff are the keys to bringing a venue to life, and Rotorua has no shortage of hospitality heroes. From chefs with decades of experience to community champions and service aficionados, here are the people who go above and beyond to make their customers’ experiences special.
From Filled Cronuts to Fresh Fare, Here's Your Guide to Rotorua's Foodie Scene
Whether you’re short on time or you’re just eager to go straight to the best, keep scrolling to find out where to eat and what to order in Rotorua.
Explore our Directory
View AllBoasters Coffee Roasters
A coffee roastery, cafe and retail store all wrapped up into one, Boasters is a family-owned business getting Rotorua on a good buzz.
Poco Tapas and Wine
The entranceway to Poco Tapas & Wine (“Poco” meaning “a little” in Spanish) in Rotorua isn’t immediately evident from the street, but once...
The Fainting Goat
The Fainting Goat is a fun, funky and family-friendly gastropub located in the heart of Rotorua’s CBD, complete with pinball machine.
Eastwood Café
Located on the open, airy ground floor of the Scion Research Centre, Eastwood Café in Rotorua is a tad off the beaten track but worth the detour.
Te Pā Tū
Te Pā Tū in Rotorua is a celebration of Māori culture—history, traditions, aspirations, and, of course, kai (cuisine).
Ani’s Gin Bar & Tapas
One hundred per cent Māori owned and featuring exclusively New Zealand-based produce and drinks, dining at Rotorua's Ani’s Gin Bar & Tapas feels like you’re...
Yamato
Bowls of hot sticky rice, thick udon noodles and hot miso broth sound like your kind of thing? Then you best get yourself down to Yamato.
Rotorua Night Market
Every Thursday from 5 pm enjoy shopping street-side at an impressive range of boutique food, arts and produce stalls.
Social Club
Social in name and character, this eatery is a bright and vibrant place to park up with a group of friends any time of the day.
Capers Café + Store
Capers is a fail-safe place to settle in for brunch, lunch, dinner, or simply a coffee and newspaper session.
Stratosfare Restaurant
Get your hungry self to this brilliant eatery, leagues above when it comes to the Rotorua dining scene (both metaphorically and literally).
Ciabatta Café and Bakery
Come early enough and you’ll be privy to the glorious sight of fresh pastries being wheeled out of the kitchen and into the display cabinet.
Artisan Café
An easy-going eatery that is deservedly proud of its authentic approach to good food, good coffee and good service.
Zippy Central Café
Fast-paced and a stone’s throw from the town centre, this local favourite café certainly lives up to its name.
McLeods Booksellers
An independent, family-owned bookshop in the heart of Rotorua, celebrating over 75 years in the biz.
Brew
Loaded fries, pizzas, burgers, fish and chips and rump steak, the best advice we can give you is to come to BREW bar hungry.
ahu boutique
A clear Māori influence means the pieces at ahu boutique are stunningly unique.
