All the best walks in Rotorua from people who have actually done them; including ancient mossy forest, giant redwoods, stunning lakes and even a couple of night walk options where you can spot glow worms for free!

We’re sharing all the best things to do in Rotorua including hidden gems you won’t find anywhere else. Expect all the best geothermal areas plus hot springs, waterfalls, electric blue rivers for wild swimming, secret glow worm dells and even an amazing mossy canyon.

Rainbow Mountains offers one of the most spectacular views in Rotorua. The bright blue volcanic lake sits in front of deep red cliffs and steaming vents, creating a truly dramatic scene. You can stop at the viewpoint or continue to the summit for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. We’re sharing details on both walks.

Kerosene Creek is one of the best hot springs in Rotorua, a steaming thermal river surrounded by dense forest, complete with cascades and even a waterfall. We’re sharing everything you need to know to plan your visit, including how to avoid the crowds, what the trail is like, the best bathing spots and the truth about a few downsides too.

Walking in the ancient Whirinaki Forest feels like stepping back in time and it’s often described as New Zealand’s ‘dinosaur forest’. We’re sharing all the details on an easy walk encompassing sublime forest, waterfalls and even a moss covered canyon.

There are a couple different ways of exploring Rotorua’s glorious redwood grove. The first is along the paid tree top walk by day and by night, or on one of the free walking trails. We did both to bring you this guide on which is the best redwoods experience.

A mysterious mossy forest by day and a secret glow worm dell by night, the Te Auheke Track to Cascade Falls is one of the best walks in Rotorua.

Okere Falls is a lot more than just a white water rafting destination; with a great bush walk featuring three waterfalls, caves, a fabulous swimming hole and even glow worms if you come back after dark! We’re sharing everything you need to know about making the most of a visit to Okere Falls.

The Tarawera Trail is one of Rotorua’s best walks. Although it is predominantly through forest, the stops along the way are fantastic, with a crystal clear lake and several different hot springs. We’re sharing everything you need to know about the walk, including how to find the hot springs which are not signposted.

Rotorua’s Hot Water Beach is truly spectacular. The steaming spring water feeds into the crystal clear lake and creates a unique bathing experience. We’re sharing everything you need to know about visiting, including the various ways of getting there and what to expect from the spring itself.

Tarawera Falls is spectacular and the walk to get there is both easy and stunning in its own right. You’ll follow the turquoise river which is one of the most beautiful on the North Island. We’re sharing the safe places to swim, as well as details on the longer walk to the Tarawera Outlet.

There are lots of amazing tours you can take to see glow worms in Rotorua, but there are also many spots to see them for free and without a guide. We’re sharing three amazing, easy access places to find them with exact instructions for how to get there and what to expect.

We're sharing the quickest route to see the Pohutu geyser for free, including trail conditions and difficulty.