Free Things to Do With Kids in Rotorua

You don't have to pay for a geothermal park to see Rotorua's famous steam and mud. Kuirau Park, right in the middle of town, is completely free and has bubbling mud pools, steaming lakes and even free foot pools where the kids can soak their feet in warm geothermal water. It's genuinely one of the best free family attractions in New Zealand.

Wander the Government Gardens and the lakefront and you'll see (and smell!) the geothermal activity everywhere for nothing.

The Redwoods forest is free to walk and one of our favourite spots anywhere. The towering Californian redwoods are magical, and the ground-level walking tracks are free, well-marked and pram-friendly (the elevated Treewalk has a fee, but the forest floor walks are free). The kids love the giant trees, the mountain bikers whizzing past, and spotting fantails.

These redwoods were planted over a century ago and now soar more than 70 metres high — standing beneath them, with the light filtering through, feels genuinely cathedral-like. There are several free loop options ranging from a gentle 30-minute stroll to longer trails, so you can match the walk to your kids' energy levels. We always finish at the visitor centre, where the staff are great at pointing you to whichever track suits your crew that day.

Rotorua's lakes are a free family paradise. The Blue Lake (Tikitapu) has a sandy swimming beach and an easy walking track around it. Lake Rotorua's lakefront has a free playground, and Hamurana Springs has a short free-ish walk to crystal-clear cold springs (small entry for non-residents, but lovely). On a warm day, the warm geothermal-fed shallows make swimming a treat. The Blue Lake is our top pick for families — it's sheltered, the beach shelves gently for little ones, and the loop track around it is an easy 45-minute walk if you want to stretch the legs afterwards.

The Rainbow Mountain (Maungakākaramea) walk near Rotorua is free and rewards you with colourful crater lakes. Closer to town, the free Sulphur Flats and Ngongotahā stream walks are easy and scenic. If you want a cheap treat, the Polynesian Spa has a family pool area, and the night market on Thursdays (Rotorua Night Market) is free to browse with great-value food.

Rotorua proves you don't need to pay big money to experience its geothermal magic. Here's how a free family day adds up. With Kuirau Park, the Redwoods and the lakes all free, you can have a full, unforgettable day for the price of a picnic.