7 Best Adventurous Things To Do In Rotorua, New Zealand

Looking for adventure things to do in New Zealand? The toss-up is between Queenstown and Rotorua. Both are internationally popular adventure destinations. In Rotorua, adventure awaits you no matter what your interests are. From among the numerous things to do in Rotorua that can thrill you or even scare you, you choose your bet. Luge, Zoom Zipline, River Rafting, Skyswing, Skydive, Canopy Tours, Swoop, Bungy… options galore.

New Zealand continues to keep its international borders closed for outsiders. Hence, for time being, only those within the country can bask in the adventure things to do in Rotorua. My brother facebook.com/tomyabhijith and his friends spent a few days in the town. The details and photos & videos are shared by him.

Velocity Valley

When you are keen to experience all the thrilling things to do in Rotorua, Velocity Valley is your dream destination. Founded in 1998, it is a world-famous hub for adventure activities. To pedal or freefall, swoop or splash, you have it all covered here.

Of course, you don't need to limit your exploration to Velocity Valley alone. Rotorua is a haven for adventure lovers.

Swoop

A superhuman free fall from above the beautiful Ngongotaha stream. You are placed in a pouch before the climb. Having been suspended in the air above 40 feet, you just pull the ripcord. The descent at around 130kph is sure to give a hair-raising experience. And it is one of the unique adventure things to do in Rotorua. A drop, a swing from the height and you are sure to come out with an adrenaline rush never to forget. In the video, you can hear them screaming at the impact of the swoop. Oops!

Price: NZD 40
Number of jumpers at one time: 1, 2 or 3
Duration: 15-20 minutes

Skydive

Another crazy experience is awaiting you at Taupo not very far from Rotorua. Ready for the daredevil dive? Do contact Taupo Tandem Skydiving and they open the window to ultimate jump to freedom. From a height of 12,000ft, 15,000ft, or 18,5000, that's up to you to choose. With the aid of professionals, you can enjoy up to 75 seconds in free fall before the parachute dangles you. Besides the exhilarating experience, you can also enjoy incredible views of North Island from above.  

Price: NZD400-500 per person depending on height
Duration: 2 hours including training

Luge

A completely fun-packed ride that even kids and adults enjoy alike. A race track of a different nature and a ride completely nature-composed. Since you are riding with and against your own family members in the ride, it becomes all the more exciting. There are three tracks, easy, medium, and hard, so better to try all of them.

Price: NZD 50-65 depending on rides
Duration: 15 minutes each

Canopy Tree Tour

Another activity centered on Mount Ngongotaha is the Canopy Tree tour.  A unique experience of riding 400 meters through the lush greens of the Rotorua Forest. Certainly, exciting moments for the first-time riders. While more than a century-old forest forms the best of visuals, the ride provides an enigma of its own. Dangling down from the ziplines, riding at a fairly good speed, this is an eco-adventure ride of a different kind. The ride is enjoyed by both children and adults.

Suspended above twenty meters from the ground the ziplines come with all the safety measures. However, you certainly have to follow their safety instructions before embarking on the ride.

Price: NZD 200 per person
Duration: 5 hours including training

Enough of the land and air activities. With around 16 lakes, you have no dearth of water activities in Rotorua.

River Rafting

Let us get wet. An exhilarating adventure awaits you at the Kaituna River. Being one of the most sought-after spots by adventure lovers, the location is just perfect to fulfill your dream. You will love negotiating through the 7-meter high Tutea Falls and other twists and turns. With no prior experience, you can literally swirl and splash through one of the world-famous rafting channels here. Among the adventure things to do in Rotorua, rafting is one that you shouldn't miss.

You will be provided with all the safety gear and the best of guides as part of the package.

Price: NZD 87 per person
Duration: 2 hours including training

Jet Skiing

Jet skiing is popular centered on Lake Rotorua and Lake Taupo. Once you have got your balance and speed intact, you are just unstoppable here. Speed thrills indeed. And if the safety measures are followed speed is fun on these waters. After a quick instruction by the trainer and off you go. Swoosh!

Price: NZD 100 (any number of pax)
Duration: one hour

Jetboat Ride

The adrenaline-pumping jet boat ride is one of the best things to do in Rotorua. It is a combination of a fun-thrill-packed ride and sightseeing. With experienced drivers, you are going to fly over the waters at great speeds and even take 360° spins. People of different age groups and numbers throng to enjoy the ride. Katoa and parasailing activities are available too.

Price: NZD 45
Duration: 30 minutes

Food and Accommodation

Yes, it is going to cost you a fortune if you don't plan well and in advance. My brother recommends Crash Palace where he and his friends stayed. You have the option to cook. And the evenings are made pleasant with indoor games like Table Tennis and Snookers, and Spa pools.

Certainly, there are many other options too depending on the thickness of your wallet.

Quick bits to round off

• Plan a five day trip.
• Being Taupo volcanic geothermal area, lake waters are naturally hot.
• With all minerals in it, hot water pool bath is good for your body.
• Rotorua is also knows as Sulfur City due to hydrogen sulfide emission.
• Besides local food you can enjoy other flavors too like Asian, European or Latin American.
• Food like pizza available from NZD 5 onwards.
• You have good connectivity of roads and a domestic airport in Rotorua.
• Best time to visit is in summer i.e. December-February.