Things to do in Ohakuri
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Top 10 attractions in Ohakuri
Orakei Korako Geothermal Park & Cave
The Lonely Planet Guide describes Orakei Korako as one of New Zealand's remarkable thermal destinations. Come and explore a volcanic world of gushing geysers, hot springs, bubbling mud pools, alongside expansive, striking silica terraces found across the globe. Wander through the Hidden Valley and discover the thermal Ruatapu Cave, which stretches deep into volcanic tuff, leading down to the serene “Pool of Mirrors” hot pool below. Orakei Korako features highly active geyser systems among geothermal parks across New Zealand. Around 23 natural geysers erupt naturally throughout the landscape, forming an ever‑changing natural scene. Admire countless boiling hot springs and vivid natural hues all around, or stroll along native bush trails to experience this well‑preserved geothermal paradise.Ohakuri · 5.6km from downtown
Huka Falls
Huka Falls is situated on the upper reaches of the Waikato River where it flows out of Lake Taupo. The river, originally wide, is suddenly narrowed by a canyon here, causing the water to build up immense pressure and speed as it surges through the gorge and plunges over the cliff at the end. The rushing water displays a rare light sapphire blue color, contrasting sharply with the churning white foam. Its name means "foam" in Māori. Walking trails and viewing platforms are available on both banks, allowing you to admire this blue-and-white water curtain from different angles. The pedestrian bridge above the water faces the main current directly, making it an ideal spot for a panoramic view and photos. For a closer experience, you can also take a jet boat or sightseeing cruise to the edge of the pool and feel the power of the mist. You can easily access it from the center of Taupo, or walk along the riverbank trail to watch the Waikato River transform from calm to raging, offering visitors a visually striking natural experience.Taupo · 21.8km from Ohakuri
Redwoods – Whakarewarewa Forest
Redwoods – Whakarewarewa Forest is adjacent to the urban area of Rotorua and is one of the early forest areas in New Zealand for exotic tree species introduction trials. From the late 19th century to the early 20th century, over 170 tree species were experimentally planted here to determine which could adapt to New Zealand, particularly Rotorua's volcanic soil. Today, only a handful of these species remain, with the California coast redwoods planted in 1901 becoming the experiment's surprise success — they grow faster here than in their native California. Over a century later, they now tower skyward, forming a magnificent forest. The redwood memorial grove is the essence of the entire forest: the trail is covered with soft redwood bark chips, making each step springy; giant trees stand closely on both sides, their tops barely visible even when looking up. Among them, one particularly massive tree stands approx. 70 m tall with a trunk diameter exceeding 1.5 m, requiring several people to encircle it with outstretched arms. Native New Zealand ferns thrive beneath the trees, creating a striking scene where towering redwoods and sprawling fern fronds share the frame—a highly recognizable sight in Rotorua. The memorial grove loop takes less than 1 hr to complete, with boardwalks on some sections, making it suitable for all ages. Those with good stamina can extend their hike to the outer forest trails. This forest is also a popular destination for walking, running, and mountain cycling, with its crisscrossing trails clearly graded by difficulty. It holds considerable fame in the cycling community, attracting many who come specifically to ride the trails. Just a few minutes' drive from the city, the slanting morning or evening light filtering through the trees creates beautiful shadows and fern patterns, making these the most comfortable times for a stroll.Rotorua · 36.8km from Ohakuri
Polynesian Spa
Polynesian spa is located on the shores of lake Rotorua, offering a secluded paradise for relaxation. For generations, visitors from around the world have come to experience the natural geothermal hot springs. The thermal waters originate from two unique springs: the acidic priest spring and the alkaline mineral-rich rachel spring. The hot spring center features 28 mineral pools across four zones, each offering a unique experience. Guests can unwind at the deluxe lake spa, a tranquil oasis with captivating lake views ideal for adults and families. The historic adults-only pavilion pools provide serene soaking options at varying temperatures, while the family pools include a freshwater swimming area with water slides alongside two alkaline mineral hot spring pools for parents. Those seeking privacy can book a private lakeside pool overlooking Lake Rotorua or opt for the sky view private pool with its open-ceiling design, offering enhanced seclusion and peaceful ambiance. Beyond bathing, wellness experiences add endless joy to your journey. Retreat Day Spa offers therapeutic services like Aix spa treatments, geothermal mud wraps and revitalizing facials. Guests can also join yoga, meditation and sound healing sessions in the wellness room - a versatile space available for private bookings, group retreats and special events. After bathing, guests can enjoy fresh, healthy meals and delicious Italian gelato at 88Ra café. The Spa Essentials gift shop offers carefully curated premium spa products, high-quality swimwear, plush towels and wellness items, allowing guests to recreate the blissful experience at home. The Polynesian Spa is conveniently located in the heart of Rotorua with easy transportation access. It offers ample free parking, and the campervan parking area is just across the street. The Polynesian Spa boasts a rich geothermal heritage, diverse wellness services and breathtaking natural scenery, making it a global sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation. Learn more now and plan your itinerary.Rotorua · 38.2km from Ohakuri
Skyline Rotorua
Skyline Rotorua is a comprehensive mountaintop leisure park on the slopes of Mt Ngongotaha. Its eight-seater cable car cabins ascend slowly along a nearly 1 km-long cableway, transporting visitors to the mountainside at approximately 487 m above sea level. As the elevation increases, views of Rotorua city, the azure Lake Rotorua, and distant geothermal steam gradually unfold below. On clear days, the silhouettes of volcanoes across the lake are also visible. The signature attraction at the mountaintop is the luge: five uniquely styled tracks totaling over 7 km in length. The cart design blends elements of go-karts and sleds, relying solely on gravity for propulsion—pulling back the handle slows you down while releasing it speeds you up, putting you in full control of your pace. For a leisurely view, you can choose the scenic Tiki Tour route, which winds through redwood forests and features multiple viewing curves along the way, passing by a row of dinosaur sculptures near the finish line. If speed is your priority, challenge yourself with the Legend Track, Tornado Track, or Speed Track, featuring continuous spiral turns and illuminated tunnels. After reaching the base, take the chairlift back to the starting point for another round—young children can also ride along with adults in the same cart. If you're brave enough, add the skyswing to your itinerary: three people seated side by side are lifted approx. 50 m above the mountaintop by a crane arm, with the drop timing controlled by pulling a release lever. The swing reaches speeds nearing 150 km/h as you soar beyond the cliff edge, culminating in a final spin. The mountain also features a high-altitude zipline overlooking the lake, a mountain bike park, and nature trails, offering activities for all preferences. After having fun, you can enjoy a buffet at the Stratosfare restaurant on the mountaintop while admiring the lake and mountain views through the floor-to-ceiling windows. For a quick break, the Market Kitchen Café offers coffee and baked goods, and the Volcano Winery's tasting room is also worth a visit. It's windy at the summit, so remember to bring a jacket.Rotorua · 39.9km from Ohakuri
Agrodome
The Agrodome Farm in Rotorua, North Island, is New Zealand's largest, state-of-the-art tourist farm with an area of about 150 hectares. Here you can meet red deer, turkeys, ostriches, alpacas, cows, lambs and many other animals you have never seen before. The farm has performances such as shearing and milking every day, which are very exciting and fun. The iconic sheep shearing bronze statue and the ancient carriage frame are displayed at the entrance of the farm. The Agrodun Farm covers a large area. To visit the pastoral area, you need to take a sightseeing tractor and set off on the tractor. You will see groups of people along the way. Cows and sheep grazing leisurely by the roadside. The tractor will stop in an open meadow, and nearby sheep will come running to surround you. In the alpaca area, the tall alpaca has a very docile temperament, and you can interact and take photos with them. In addition to getting up close and personal with various animals, you can visit the farm orchard, see the kiwi fruit trees, and taste the unique taste of kiwi honey. After the farm tour, go to watch the farm show. There are demonstrations of sheep shearing, sheep auctions, shepherd dog performances, etc. The host will also invite tourists to come on stage to milk the cows and compete for feeding lambs and drinking goat milk, which is very interesting. Visitors to the farm show can also visit the animal pup nursery. Before leaving, check out the WoollenMill, ShearingShedMuseum and DogandWhistle souvenir shops.Rotorua · 41.9km from Ohakuri
Craters of the Moon
The Moon Crater is known for its unique volcanic landforms and geothermal phenomena. Its shape resembles the surface of the moon, so it is called the Moon Crater. The Moon Crater is an active volcanic crater, and the surface is covered with hot steam and mud pools, which is a spectacular sight. Visitors can hike along the trails of the Crater to enjoy the surrounding natural scenery and geological wonders. The trail is suitable for visitors of all fitness levels, and there are several viewpoints along the way, providing good photo opportunities. The formation of the Moon Crater is related to the activities of the nearby geothermal power station. In the 1950s, the land north of Lake Taupo suddenly heated up and steamed, forming many steaming mud pools and other geothermal features. This was caused by the nearby geothermal power station causing a drop in groundwater pressure, hot water gushing to the ground and gushing out from various outlets. There are rich flora and fauna resources near the Crater, and visitors may encounter birds and plants unique to New Zealand during their hike. In order to protect the natural environment, it is recommended that visitors follow the trail instructions and do not pick plants or disturb wildlife at will.Taupo · 21.3km from Ohakuri
Hobbiton™ Movie Set Tours
Join us and experience the real Middle-earth™ at the Hobbiton Movie Set, where, in the heart of the Waikato region, you can step into the lush pastures of the Shire™, as seen in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film trilogies.Fall in love with the Alexander family sheep farm, just as acclaimed director Sir Peter Jackson did, as you journey on a short bus ride through the unequivocal beauty of the land, with the mighty Kaimai Ranges towering in the distance. Your guide will escort you on a shared walking tour around the movie set, showcasing the intricate details, pointing out the most famous locations and explaining how movie magic was made here. △ Immerse yourself in the fairy tale town of The Hobbit △ Ejoy the fenced garden and the mirror lake △ Admire New Zealand's stunning sceneryMatamata · 73.5km from Ohakuri
Mitai Maori Village
MitaiMaoriVillage, a unique Aboriginal cultural experience combining traditional pit meals, cultural performances, battle canoes and a sacred spring pool. Spend an unforgettable evening at Mitai, experience the real Maori culture, and express your boundless emotion and respect. Through cultural performances, you can delve into Maori history, carving and tattooing, and be fascinated by the weapons used by Maori to fight scenes, and then soak in the beautiful dance of the Boi ball and the wonderful finale - it is very exciting Exciting haka battle dance. Plus, you can witness traditional pit delicacies being taken out of the ground. Admire the natural scenery of pristine bushland and watch Maori warriors paddling a waka - an ancient canoe in traditional clothing. Of course, visiting the glowworm caves in the Rotorua region is also not to be missed.Rotorua · 40.3km from Ohakuri
Hells Gate
There are a total of 22 hot spring attractions in the Hell Gate. Among them, the "Devil Hot Spring" is a 6-meter-deep geyser. The spring water with a temperature of up to 95 degrees is constantly gurgling, and the large hot spring waterfall in the southern hemisphere pours out mightily. , stunned! Hell's Gate, which means "my young daughter was taken away by water" in Maori, commemorates a young girl who drowned in a geothermal pool; its English name was taken by Bernard Shaw, who visited the site in 1934. This impressive geothermal resource reserve covers more than 400 acres, with 2.5 kilometers of walking trails leading to various attractions. The scene of geothermal steam eruption can be seen everywhere here, and the rock surface has also turned yellow due to the influence of sulfur, and it is desolate everywhere, like purgatory on earth. Don't throw rocks into mud or hot spring pools at will, to avoid all kinds of accidents. It is said that if you do bad things to the various natural landscapes of the gate of hell, you will be punished. The degree of punishment and the duration of the punishment vary depending on how bad you do things, so be sure to be in awe when you are inside the gate of hell. !Rotorua · 49.4km from Ohakuri
Experiences you can't miss in Ohakuri
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Featured Cultural experiences in Ohakuri
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Free things to do in Ohakuri
Orakei Korako Geothermal Park & Cave
Ohakuri · 5.6km from downtownHuka Falls
Taupo · 21.8km from OhakuriRedwoods – Whakarewarewa Forest
Rotorua · 36.8km from OhakuriPolynesian Spa
Rotorua · 38.2km from OhakuriBook now for tomorrowSkyline Rotorua
Rotorua · 39.9km from OhakuriBook now for tomorrowAgrodome
Rotorua · 41.9km from OhakuriBook now for tomorrowCraters of the Moon
Taupo · 21.3km from OhakuriHobbiton™ Movie Set Tours
Matamata · 73.5km from OhakuriBook now for tomorrowMitai Maori Village
Rotorua · 40.3km from OhakuriHells Gate
Rotorua · 49.4km from OhakuriImmediate access, Book now for today
What travellers say about Ohakuri
王海娃子13 October 2019
4.0
The geothermal parks are all similar, especially in the central part of New Zealand's North Island, where there are many geothermal parks in Rotorua and Taupo. The air is also filled with the smell of liuhuang.
Orakei Korako Geothermal Park & Cave
Bobo06924 December 2023
5.0
This is such a feast to eyes! This is an extremely beautiful waterfall. This stunning beautiful body of water is one of the loveliest spot Taupo has to offer.
Huka Falls
宋有熊19 June 2026
5.0
I highly recommend the nighttime treetop walkway in the Rotorua Redwood Forest! When traveling with seniors and children, safety and a great experience are paramount. The park's nighttime lighting and safety measures are exceptional; the suspension bridge has robust safety barriers on both sides, ensuring you won't slip. The combination of modern light art and the ancient redwood forest is simply stunning, both mysterious and dreamlike. My 5-year-old felt like he was on an adventure, and the seniors found the pace slow and comfortable, not tiring at all. It's not just a visual feast, but also a rare opportunity for family relaxation. If you're bringing elders and children to Rotorua, don't miss this nighttime activity—it's absolutely worth the price!
Redwoods – Whakarewarewa Forest
JamesCCW5 September 2026
4.0
There is an indoor private spa pool, indoor common spa pool and outdoor common spa pool. Ticket are only limited to your selection. you are not allow to explore all. My 45 minutes spa pool experience in mine own room... relax...
Polynesian Spa
雨下山倾24 August 2026
5.0
This place is so much fun! Buying three scooter tickets wasn't enough; there are five tracks in total, so definitely buy a five-trip ticket! There's also a mountain bike park. I didn't bring my bike with me to New Zealand this time, otherwise I would have loved to go for a spin.
Skyline Rotorua
jiaye_fan11 October 2026
5.0
It was so much fun! The animals were all so cute and so therapeutic ❤️🩹 The sheep were all so greedy, plump and chubby, arching their backsides and squeezing hard; their wool was quite stiff. The alpacas, on the other hand, were very calm and let me pet them and take pictures of them.
I love animals so much 😭
Agrodome
DannyE30 April 2023
5.0
$10NZ entry fee and it’s around 45 minutes to walk around the whole track.
Craters of the Moon
_FB***1715 October 2026
4.0
Hobbiton was an amazing experience with beautiful scenery, charming surroundings and incredible attention to detail. The entire place was well maintained, and walking through the village felt like stepping into a magical world. The lush green hills, iconic hobbit holes and picturesque landscapes made the visit truly memorable.What I appreciated most was how accommodating and considerate the staff were towards my friend with OKU (disability) needs. Their willingness to assist and ensure my friend could enjoy the experience made a real difference. It was wonderful to see a popular tourist attraction making an effort to be inclusive and welcoming to visitors with different needs.The surroundings were absolutely stunning, and there were plenty of opportunities to take beautiful photos and appreciate the unique atmosphere of the village. Every corner had something interesting to discover, and the scenery made the entire visit enjoyable .
Hobbiton™ Movie Set Tours
Anonymous user25 September 2026
4.0
Is wonderful to know more about Maori’s cultural, all staff are friendly and lovely greeting to us upon arrival until the end. There is one meal include, have a chance to enjoy maori’s cook chicken, lamp and potato. Food provide are a lot of choice, from chicken/lamp to seafood, I am enjoy so much with dessert they provide🤤🤤 especially hoki pockey ice cream, it was marvelous. Ticket include transportation from our hotel, return trip. Just a little disappointed that we unable to walk into Maori’s villages for deep visit due to sky was dark and not allowed flash using in village.
Mitai Maori Village
Don X2 October 2026
5.0
one of the most famous geothermal park and it is a nice walking tour
Hells Gate