Discover Rotorua's best places to eat, drink, shop, and more with our guide.
Bubbling mud pools, impressive forests, and a township deservedly proud of its Māori heritage makes Rotorua a hot spot (quite literally) for visitors passing through.
With a landscape like Rotorua's, it would be rude not to make the most of it, so those who visit are often found on the mountain bike trails, luge, gondola, or even white water rafting.
When it comes time to rest the body, it’s easy to agree that Rotorua really does come out on top thanks to the mind-boggling array of natural geothermal pools. Take a wander around the lake itself and see the magic that lies below the surface, then sink into one of the many local hot pools and feel any big city worries just slide away.
Tourism has always played a big part in Rotorua’s history. The city's famed pink and white terraces (considered one of the eight wonders of the world), impressed visitors back in the 19th century before they were destroyed by the Mount Tarawera eruption.
From Filled Cronuts to Fresh Fare, Here's Your Guide to Rotorua's Foodie Scene
Whether you’re short on time or you’re just eager to go straight to the best, keep scrolling to find out where to eat and what to order in Rotorua.
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View AllRotorua Night Market
Every Thursday from 4:30pm - 8:30pm enjoy shopping street side at an impressive range of boutique food, arts and produce stalls.
Yamato
Bowls of hot sticky rice, thick udon noodles and hot miso broth sound like your kind of thing? Then you best get yourself down to Yamoto.
Vetro Mediterranean Foods + Revolver Espresso
Anything from olives to oils to canned goods and specialty wines, Vetro is a grocer with a point of difference.
Atticus Finch
With a menu designed to share, it pays to come here with a kind-hearted group, who won’t mind you digging your fork into a dish on their side of the table.
ahu boutique
A clear Māori influence means the pieces at ahu boutique are stunningly unique.
McLeods Booksellers
An independent, family owned bookshop in the heart of Rotorua, celebrating over 75 years in the biz.
Brew
Loaded fries, pizzas, burgers, fish and chips and rump steak, the best advice we can give you is to come to Brew bar hungry.
The Living Room Collective
Leather, wood, wool and glass - the materials on display at The Living Room Collective are enough alone to get your DIY knees shaking.
Social Club
Social in name and character, this eatery is a bright and vibrant place to park up with a group of friends any time of the day.
New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute
The artistic heart of Rotorua.
Ciabatta Café and Bakery
Come early enough and you’ll be privy to the glorious sight of fresh pastries being wheeled out of the kitchen and into the display cabinet.
Stratosfare Restaurant
Get your hungry self to this brilliant eatery, leagues above when it comes to the Rotorua dining scene (both metaphorically and literally).
The Wall and Basement Cinema
The music is loud, the staff are laid-back, and once you’re done climbing you can sit back and enjoy an alternative ‘indie’ film in the comfy theatre.
Abracadabra
As the name suggests, this restaurant and café has somewhat of a magic touch to it.
Arts Village Café
Sharing a space with the Arts Village means even though this spot serves great coffee and food, it is also a show-off point for local artists whose pieces line the walls.
Okere Falls Store
Okere Falls Store team are big on walking the talk when it comes to giving our environment a helping hand.
Terrace Kitchen
Only open for private events, this place has food at the heart of its ethos, and thanks to the talents of some super-experienced chefs you can expect some exceptional...