School Holiday Family Activities

Spend a day exploring geothermal wonders

Wander through Waimangu Volcanic Valley at your own pace, then see even more from the water on Lake Rotomahana.

A visit to Waimangu Volcanic Valley is a great family activity in Rotorua, especially for kids who enjoy being outside and discovering something a little different. The Full Waimangu Experience combines the valley walk with the Lake Rotomahana Boat Cruise, so families can explore the geothermal landscape on foot and then see even more from the water.

The walk is self-guided, so you can move at your own pace, stop for photos, take breaks when needed and let the kids spot the numbered points of interest along the way. Pack or enjoy a picnic lunch as part of the day and make the most of the peaceful setting. It’s a lovely way to slow things down while still giving kids plenty to look at, ask about and explore. The boat cruise is also a great way for children to learn about the Mount Tarawera eruption, the Pink and White Terraces and the geothermal features that can only be seen from Lake Rotomahana. For families, it adds a nice change of pace after the walk.

Enjoy an evening of culture, kai and storytelling

Te Puia’s Mārama Light Trail makes for a fantastic family evening of culture, storytelling and kai.

For an evening activity, Te Puia Mārama + Dinner is a special way to experience Rotorua after dark. It gives families the chance to enjoy Te Puia in a different light, with geothermal landscapes, storytelling, culture and dinner included in the experience. This is a good option if you want to keep the day a little slower and save something memorable for the evening. After a day of walking and exploring, it can be nice to have an activity where everything is taken care of and the family can simply enjoy the atmosphere.

It’s also a great way for children to connect with Rotorua’s cultural stories in a setting that feels different from a daytime visit.

Burn off energy in the forest

Rotorua’s forest trails are a great way for kids to get active, try something new and enjoy the outdoors.

Rotorua is well known for mountain biking, and hiring bikes from Mountain Bike Rotorua is a fun way to get active during the school holidays. Whether your family is new to mountain biking or already confident on the trails, there are options to suit different ages and abilities. Bike hire is a great choice for families with kids who need to burn off some energy, and gives everyone a chance to enjoy Rotorua’s forest environment in a hands-on way. You can keep it short and simple, or make it a bigger part of the day depending on how adventurous everyone is feeling.

As with any outdoor activity, it’s worth checking which trails are best suited to your family before you head off, especially if you’re riding with younger children.

Add a little excitement with views and downhill fun

Take in the views from above Rotorua, then add a little downhill fun with a few luge rides.

For a classic Rotorua family activity, the Skyline Gondola and Luge is always a popular choice. The gondola ride gives you wide views over Rotorua, while the luge adds a bit of fun and friendly competition for the kids.

This is a good activity to slot into your itinerary when you want something easy to access and exciting without needing a full day. Families can choose how many luge rides they want to do, take breaks between runs and enjoy the views from the top.

It’s also a great option for mixed ages, as it offers a bit of adventure without being too full-on for the whole family.

Make time for a daytime cultural experience

A daytime cultural experience helps bring Rotorua’s stories, geothermal landscapes and traditions to life for the whole family.

A daytime visit to Te Puia Te Rā + Haka is another great way to add culture, geothermal activity and learning into your Rotorua school holiday plans. Families can experience the geothermal valley, see the famous Pohutu Geyser and enjoy a powerful haka performance as part of the visit.

For kids, this is the kind of activity that brings Rotorua’s stories to life. It’s visual, engaging and gives families a better understanding of the place they’re exploring. It also pairs well with other daytime activities, especially if you want to balance adventure with something cultural and educational.

Settle in with a relaxed two-night family base

A good school holiday trip always starts with a comfortable base. Ripple Rotorua is a handy option for families wanting somewhere relaxed to come back to between activities.

Plan a Rotorua school holiday escape

One of the best things about Rotorua is how easy it is to mix different types of activities into one trip. You can spend one day exploring Waimangu Volcanic Valley and cruising across Lake Rotomahana, then the next biking through the forest, riding the luge or experiencing Te Puia.

With a two-night stay, families have enough time to enjoy the highlights without rushing from one thing to the next. Leave a little space in the itinerary for slow mornings, picnic stops and downtime, and you’ll have a school holiday break that feels fun, manageable and memorable for everyone.