10 Things to Do with Kids in Rotorua

Rainy day? Sorted. The Wall is Rotorua’s indoor climbing centre, right in the middle of town, with 56 different climbs and a wall reaching almost 18 metres at its highest, for those who’re feeling brave. Beginners are welcome too, and there’s a 15-metre ladder that’s especially popular with kids.

If climbing isn’t the mood, Basement Cinema (in the same building) have their two mini theatres right next door, which seat just 13 and 23 people, and screen a wide range of family-friendly films in comfy lounge-style seats.

You don’t need to be a serious hiker to see the Redwoods from up high. This Treewalk stretches 700 metres through the forest, crossing 28 suspension bridges between platforms sitting as high as 20 metres above the ground. The whole thing takes around 30 to 40 minutes, winding between beautiful giant redwoods that are around 120 years old. It’s suitable for families and all fitness levels, provided everyone can walk unaided. Purpose-built strollers are also available free of charge.

If the kids (or you) are into history, this is the perfect spot. The Buried Village tells the story of the 1886 Mt Tarawera eruption, which buried the village of Te Wairoa. Families can explore the archaeological site, visit the museum and try the VR experience - or head out along the Waterfall Trail.

Plus, Smith & Co Café is right there when everyone’s ready for a break. This lovely little tearoom has been part of the site for over a century, and they’re still serving up all the classic crowd-pleasers like fresh scones with jam and cream, homemade pies and, of course, a proper cup of tea.

Rotorua’s reputation for mountain biking is well earned, but you don’t need to be an expert to get amongst it. Whakarewarewa Forest is a gorgeous setting with around 150 kilometres of trails, ranging from beginner-friendly Grade 1 tracks right through to routes for experienced riders, meaning there’s suitable options for everyone’s confidence level. If you haven’t brought your own wheels, there’s bike hire available nearby too.

A soak in hot water is a famous Rotorua classic, and Polynesian Spa has options specifically designed for families, including a freshwater swimming pool and hydro slide for kids, plus two alkaline mineral pools for parents to have a soak while they watch. Across the complex there’s another 28 mineral pools fed by two natural springs. It’s right next to Lake Rotorua, so great for combining with other activities.

Pātaka Kai restaurant sits inside Te Puia, overlooking the Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley. Traditional hāngī is at the heart of the food, with chicken, lamb and vegetables alongside mānuka-smoked meats and seafood, freshly baked rēwena bread and familiar desserts like pavlova and steamed pudding too. Experience Māori kai and manaakitanga in a beautiful setting with an amazing view of Pōhutu Geyser right outside the window.

For animal-loving kids, seeing a kārearea fly overhead from just metres away is pretty hard to forget. Wingspan has been working with Aotearoa’s birds of prey since 1992. Their conservation work covers rehabilitation, research and breeding birds for release back into the wild, including more than 100 of our threatened native kārearea (falcon). Their shows give you a chance to see the birds in flight and learn about the falconry techniques used to train and rehabilitate them, or get an even closer look with their small-group meet and greets.

If you’re in town on a Thursday evening, head down Tutanekai Street. Weather permitting, the Rotorua Night Market runs from 5pm to 9pm, with an awesome collection of stalls and food trucks selling all kinds of locally made arts, crafts and artisan goods. There’s live music too, which is always lovely to sit and listen to while you have your food.

The cabinets at Ciabatta Café & Bakery are packed with homemade snacks that’ll please even the fussiest of kids: freshly made artisan breads, pastries and generous sandwiches, plus plenty of sweet options. Their ciabatta and focaccia are particularly popular, or just swing by for a well-made coffee.

More than 40 ice cream flavours. Enough said, really. Lady Jane’s has been scooping the best ice cream in Rotorua since 1980, and sits at the end of Eat Streat, just a short walk from the lakefront. Alongside all those flavours, there’s also milkshakes and smoothies if ice cream somehow isn’t calling your name. For the really sweet-toothed, there’s the Danish cone: a big waffle cone loaded with your choice of ice cream, whipped cream, peanuts and sprinkles. Sugar rush incoming.

What can you do with kids in Rotorua when it rains?
Head indoors to The Wall for climbing or a film at Basement Cinema, soak in the family pools at Polynesian Spa or explore the museum at the Buried Village.

Is the Redwoods Treewalk suitable for young children?
Yes. The 700-metre walk takes around 30 to 40 minutes and suits all fitness levels, provided everyone can walk unaided. Purpose-built strollers are available free of charge.

Where can families eat in Rotorua?
Pātaka Kai at Te Puia for hāngī with a geyser view, Ciabatta Café & Bakery for cabinet food, Smith & Co Café for scones and Lady Jane’s for ice cream at the end of Eat Streat.

When is the Rotorua Night Market on?
Thursday evenings from 5pm to 9pm on Tutanekai Street, weather permitting.

Hungry for more? See our guide to Eat Your Way Around Rotorua.