North Island · Explorer’s field notes

How to Rotorua

Steam rising from the streets, geysers, bubbling mud and the living heart of Māori culture.

Rotorua videos from the Hôtel du Van founders are coming soon to the Stay Scene channel.

AVOID · Rotorua

What to avoid in Rotorua

Rotorua Central Mall — parking is terrible and there are ANPR cameras everywhere.
Stepping off marked paths in thermal areas; the crust can be thin and scalding.
Leaving bags visible in the van at lake and forest car parks.

The top ten

Places to explore, eat and stock up along the way.

1See & do
Te Puia
Watch Pōhutu geyser erupt and see master carvers and weavers at work.
Hemo Road, Rotorua 3010
2See & do
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
The Champagne Pool and Artist's Palette in impossible colours. Arrive for the 10:15am Lady Knox Geyser.
201 Waiotapu Loop Road, Rotorua 3073
3See & do
Redwoods Treewalk
A suspended walkway through 120-year-old redwoods — magical after dark with lanterns.
1 Long Mile Road, Whakarewarewa, Rotorua 3010
4See & do
Polynesian Spa
Lakeside mineral pools at dusk: the reward for a day on the road.
1000 Hinemoa Street, Rotorua 3010
5See & do
Skyline Rotorua
Gondola views over the lake, then race the luge back down.
178 Fairy Springs Road, Rotorua 3015
6See & do
Hell's Gate
Wild geothermal park with a mud bath and the Southern Hemisphere's largest hot waterfall.
351 State Highway 30, Tikitere 3074
7See & do
Kuirau Park
Free public park with steaming lakes and warm foot pools. Perfect for little ones.
Ranolf Street, Rotorua 3010
8Eat
Eat Streat
A covered, geothermally warmed dining strip — choose from a dozen kitchens.
Tutanekai Street (lake end), Rotorua 3010
9Eat
Atticus Finch
Shared plates and local wine, loved by locals and travel writers alike.
Eat Streat, 1106 Tutanekai Street, Rotorua 3010
10Coffee
Capers Epicurean
Generous breakfasts, great coffee and a deli to fill the van's fridge.
1181 Eruera Street, Rotorua 3010

Do not make these mistakes!

1. Parking at Rotorua Central
Tight bays and number-plate cameras on every entry. Park on the street near the lakefront and walk instead.
2. Putting your head under in natural hot pools
Geothermal water can carry amoebic meningitis. Keep your head above the water — especially children.
3. Missing the geyser
Lady Knox erupts once a day at 10:15am. Arrive by 9:45 or you'll only see steam.

Continue the voyage

Photos are AI-generated illustrations. Opening hours and rules change — check before you go.