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Into the Woods: Rotorua's Creative Retreats and Eats

Wooden hot tub with the forest in the background.
Story Rotorua
In the heart of Rotorua’s forested landscape, a network of trails, cabins, and cafés offers a slower way to explore.

Secret Spot

Customer walking into the wooden cabin building of Secret Spot.
Place Rotorua
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Secret Spot is an award-winning forest bathing retreat tucked into the heart of Whakarewarewa Forest in Rotorua.

Black Label Barbecue

Busy dining room full of customers sitting at tables at Black Label Barbecue.
Place Rotorua
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Black Label Barbecue is Rotorua’s hot spot for a genuine barbecue fix.

El Mexicano Zapata Express

Plates of food being delivered by a server at El Mexicano Zapata Express.
Place Rotorua
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First opening in 2017, El Mexicano Zapata Express is located in a spot once occupied by the beloved Joe’s Diner, famous for staying open until 2 or 3am and earning a...

Mekong Buffalo

Colourful mural on the wall behind a table and chairs in the dining room of Mekong Buffalo.
Place Rotorua
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In the heart of Rotorua’s CBD, Mekong Buffalo is a restaurant celebrating bold Southeast Asian flavours and culture.

Pig & Whistle

Outside of the Pig & Whistle heritage building with a red telephone box and large tree.
Place Rotorua
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The Pig & Whistle is the quintessential Rotorua pub, where warm, friendly hospitality meets generous meals and a lively atmosphere.

Mr Wolf

Exterior of Mr Wolf in Rotorua.
Place Rotorua
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Located in a beautiful, historic building in the heart of Rotorua, Mr Wolf has quickly become a favourite café for locals and working professionals.

The Regent Room

Glasses of wine and main dishes on the table at The Regent Room.
Place Rotorua
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For a dining experience that feels like a royal affair, look no further than The Regent Room centrally located in the heart of Rotorua.

River's Catch

Owners sitting outside River's Catch, Rotorua
Place Rotorua
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At River’s Catch in Rotorua, you’re not just grabbing dinner on the go, you’re getting a feel-good experience crafted with...

Spa City Noodle Bar

The interior of Spa City Noodle Bar.
Place Rotorua
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Spa City Noodle Bar, located in the heart of Rotorua, is a vibrant and modern eatery specialising in Sichuan-inspired noodle dishes.

Eighty Six

Eighty Six coffee spot on Rotorua's lakefront.
Place Rotorua
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Eighty Six is a charming coffee spot located at Rotorua’s lakefront, offering a steady stream of great brews and views.

Snug

People inside Snug.
Place Rotorua
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Nestled on Rotorua's Fenton Street, Snug is a charming coffee and smoothie bar that has quickly cemented itself as a favourite amongst locals.

Patrick’s Boutique Bakery

Chocolate Eclairs at Patrick's Boutique Bakery.
Place Rotorua

Patrick's Boutique Bakery is a hidden gem in Rotorua, perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth or an appreciation for artisanal baking.

Dine Around The World in Rotorua

Server delivering a tray of Japanese food at Yamato.
Story Rotorua
Rotorua is certainly known for its geothermal wonders and cultural heritage, and when you’re a destination that attracts visitors from all over the world, it’s only apt that the culinary scene is also deliciously diverse.

Boasters Coffee Roasters

The busy cafe interior of Roasters in Rotorua.
Place Rotorua
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A coffee roastery, cafe and retail store all wrapped up into one, Boasters is a family-owned business getting Rotorua on a good buzz.

The Fainting Goat

Customers dining in the sunny front courtyard of The Fainting Goat bar.
Place Rotorua
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A fun, funky and family-friendly gastropub located in the heart of Rotorua’s CBD, complete with a pinball machine.

Ani’s Gin Bar & Tapas

A beautiful plate of food on a white table at Ani's in Rotorua.
Place Rotorua
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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...

Eastwood Café

The green entrance of Eastwood Cafe, framed by large triange frames.
Place Rotorua
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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.

6 Neat Rotorua Activities and Where to Treat Yourself After

Canopy Tours Ultimate Cliff Walk in Rotorua.
Story Rotorua
Tucked within the geothermal heartland of the North Island, Rotorua is the ultimate playground for anyone who loves a mix of adventure, nature and relaxation. Whether you’re into zipping through redwood forests, visiting one of the region’s numerous bubbling mud pools or soaking up some local history, Rotorua’s natural attractions cater to all. With its unique mix of geothermal landscapes, forests and lakes, there’s an adventure waiting for everyone, regardless of whether you're a seasoned adventurer or just looking for a tranquil escape into nature. But the fun doesn’t have to end when the adventure does. Rotorua is also home to a vibrant food scene, perfect for rewarding yourself after a day of exploring. Our guide showcases six of the best Rotorua activities and the perfect spots to unwind and indulge afterwards. After all, what’s an adventure without a well-deserved treat?

Te Pā Tū

Bowls of weaved bowls on a table at Te Pa Tu in Rotorua.
Place Rotorua
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Te Pā Tū in Rotorua is a celebration of Māori culture—history, traditions, aspirations, and, of course, kai (cuisine).

Poco Tapas & Wine

A table setting underneath a window looking out towards a sunny Rotorua street.
Place Rotorua
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The entranceway to Poco Tapas & Wine (“Poco” meaning “a little” in Spanish) in Rotorua isn’t immediately evident from the street, but once...

Yamato

A waitress holding a bowl of food.
Place Rotorua Editor's Pick
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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.

Artisan Café

Flatlay of a salad and juice on a table.
Place Rotorua
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An easy-going eatery that is deservedly proud of its authentic approach to good food, good coffee and good service.

Zippy Central Café

The cafe interior.
Place Rotorua
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Fast-paced and a stone’s throw from the town centre, this local favourite café certainly lives up to its name.

Capers Café + Store

Syrup being poured onto a plate of brioche French toast.
Place Rotorua
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Capers is a fail-safe place to settle in for brunch, lunch, dinner, or simply a coffee and newspaper session.

Social Club

People dining inside Social Club.
Place Rotorua
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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.

Okere Falls Store and Craft Beer Garden

Flat-lay of a table of sweet and savoury dishes and coffee and cocktails at Okere Falls Store.
Place Rotorua Editor's Pick
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The Okere Falls Store and Craft Beer Garden team is big on walking the walk when it comes to giving our environment a helping hand.

Sabroso

Entrance to Sabroso restaurant.
Place Rotorua
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Full of classic Latino warmth and hospitality, you can expect to feel like more of an old friend here than a customer.

Stratosfare Restaurant

Close up of salads.
Place Rotorua
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Get your hungry self to this brilliant eatery, leagues above when it comes to the Rotorua dining scene (both metaphorically and literally).

Atticus Finch

A meat dish and a bread dish and a glass of beer sit on a table at Atticus Finch.
Place Rotorua
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With a menu designed to share, it pays to come here with a friendly group who won’t mind you digging your fork into a dish on their side of the table.

Ciabatta Café and Bakery

A female chef moves a tray of proving dough rolls.
Place Rotorua Editor's Pick
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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.

One of the Locals: The Insider’s Guide to Rotorua

People hanging out by Eighty Six, ordering coffee and enjoying the scenery.
Story Rotorua
Skip the usual online recommendations and tap into the true essence of Rotorua by exploring it like a local. The residents know all the hidden gems and unique spots that often go unnoticed by visitors.

The Vnam Kitchen

The interior of the Vnam restaurant.
Place Rotorua
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Vietnamese food lovers, Rotorua has the place for you.

BREW

People waiting for a table outside Brew.
Place Rotorua
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Loaded nachos, pizzas, burgers, fish and chips and rump steak; the best advice we can give you is to come to BREW bar hungry.

Terrace

Looking into the kitchen.
Place Rotorua Editor's Pick
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Strategically situated at the recently redeveloped Rotorua lakefront, this exceptional venue offers a number of beautifully designed event spaces paired with modern,...

Volcanic Hills Winery

Close up of wine bottles.
Place Rotorua
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Rotorua’s very own winery!

Night Moves: The Best Things To Do in Rotorua in the Evening

An outdoor dining area at dusk.
Story Rotorua
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.

Eat Streat

The V-shaped roof structure of Eat Streat against a pink and blue dusky sky.
Place Rotorua
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Ever-changing fluorescent lighting and activity from hungry wanderers make this bustling inner-city food alley a go-to spot for locals and tourists alike.