Cheap and free things to do in Rotorua

Cheap and free things to do in Rotorua

As New Zealand isn't especially a cheap country, it might be a good idea to find the best ways to do fun activities for free, or for a cheap price - and there is actually a few of them!

Join the free walking historical tour

Rotorua hosts a totally free walking historical tour! Right in front of the museum, actually closed for renovations due to an earthquake, it is hold by employees of the government, which will take you around the city gardens and explain you a bit about the city history.

An amazing way to spend a nice afternoon with a great weather and learn.

Walking along the lakeside walkway

Featured as one of the 202 great walks to do, the lakeside walkway in Rotorua along the lake and surrounded by wildlife is amazing.

If you have never seen a black swan before, and especially not a wild one, then no question asked, it is definitely a must do while in the area.

See the Christmas night lights

Christmas in New Zealand has a little different meaning than in Northern hemisphere... it surely doesn't mean that it is over after the calendar year is finished!

In Rotorua, the night lights are left on some of the houses, and kept on at least during the early evening. Use the opportunity to take beautiful photos while having a walk around!

Watch Lady Knox geyser eruption

Lady Knox geyser eruption, even though it isn't entirely a natural phenomenon, is free to attend, and is an exceptional spectacle that cannot be forgotten.

Only lasting for a few minutes, it is however a very impressive thing to see. Everyday at 10.15am!

See mud pool bubbling

There are lot of mud pools around Rotorua, due to the volcanic activity, but only near Wai-O-Tapu the mud pools are bubbling like they alive and kicking.

Plus, the smell itself is a thing to experience once...

Eat cheap fish and chips

Self named the best fish and chips in New Zealand... so far it seems like nobody that tried these NZ$7.5 ever disagreed with that statement!

Amazingly tasty, cheap, and fulfilling, it nearly is a perfect meal.

Eat at the night market

When in town on a Thursday evening, the main attraction is the night market, both for cheap food and for great souvenirs. But mostly for the food!

With a large selection of competing Asian and more occidental food stalls, the prices are generally acceptable, with the possibility to get a meal for around NZ$10.

Have beers during happy hour time

Half price on the beers? Hard to say no. That's what happens at Pig and Whistle between 2.30pm and 6pm, the dedicated happy hour time.

On top of that, the beers are actually very good... so, no reason not to have one!

Book activities with a discount

Oceania in general, and New Zealand in particular, are having a website called bookme.co.nz that offers discounts on many activities on certain dates.

If you can find the good offers when you are able to join activities, you might save a lot of money, and find lot of cheap things to do around!

Frequently Asked Questions

What budget-friendly activities can visitors enjoy in Rotorua, and how do these experiences highlight the city’s unique features?

Budget-friendly activities in Rotorua include exploring geothermal parks, visiting Maori cultural sites, and hiking in scenic reserves. These experiences highlight the city’s unique geothermal and cultural heritage without significant expense.