Astray Motel & backpackers is perfectly located within the CBD to base yourself and enjoy all the sights and attractions of Rotorua. Our helpful desk can organise day excursions, bookings for attractions and activities and organise transportation (no booking fee). To give you just a small taste of the vast array of things to do in Rotorua, here are a few of our favourites. For more information about Rotorua, visit Rotorua's Official Website, rotoruanz.com
Water
Swim, fish, water ski or walk around one of our 16 lakes.
The Redwoods
Walk or mountain bike through The Redwoods.
Geothermal Activity
Visit the geothermal activity around the city.
Skyline Skyrides
Take a scenic Gondola ride to enjoy the spectalcular views, luge, mountain bike park, restaurant, café and more!
Kaituna Cascades Raft & Kayaking
Whitewater river rafting in Rotorua is an experience you will never forget. The rapids are thrilling, and rafting down the world's largest rafted waterfall is truly unforgettable.
Paradise Valley Springs Wildlife Park
Paradise Valley Springs Wildlife Park is a hands-on, must-visit wildlife park offering visitors of all ages the opportunity to interact with a range of New Zealand animals including native birds, farm animals and trout, as well as view and get up close to a large pride of African lions.
Volcanic Air Safaris
Experience the thrill of the helicopter or the elegance of the floatplane, and view some of the most dramatic geothermal scenery and activity New Zealand has to offer. There is no better way than to view this magical region than from above.
Velocity Valley
Buckle up and head to Velocity Valley, home of speed and adrenaline. Here you'll find the world's only Shweeb Racer, a human-powered monorail racetrack; Rotorua Bungy, a New Zealand icon; Agrojet, New Zealand's fastest jet sprint experience; the 40-metre tall Swoop which swings you toward the earth at 130kmph; and the Southern Hemisphere's only wind tunnel, Freefall Xtreme.
Agrodome
Don't miss New Zealand's biggest and best Farm Show! Fun and interactive for everyone, learn all about New Zealand farming. Watch and participate in a wide range of activities including sheep-shearing, cow-milking, stock auction, baby animal feeding, dog demonstrations and so much more!
Polynesian Spa
Polynesian Spa is New Zealand's original and iconic geothermal bathing experience, with multiple opportunities to indulge in both acidic and alkaline natural mineral springs, and unique day spa therapies for the ultimate in rest and relaxation. Just a 5 minute walk from Astray Motel and Backpackers.
Te Pā Tū
Feast on song, drama, tradition, and divine seasonal kai (cuisine) within a forest Pā (village) – its towering Tawa trees, blazing bonfires, and forest-formed amphitheatre. Te Pā Tū offers 4-hour seasonal evening events aligned with the Māori lunar calendar. Traditional hāngi joins seasonal Māori delicacies prepared with fusion cooking techniques. A short 5 minute walk from Astray Motel and Backpackers.
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
Named as "One of the 20 Most Surreal Places in the World" thousands of years in the making, visitors can choose one or all of three walks which take between 45 and 90 minutes. Unique features include the world famous Champagne Pool, naturally coloured springs, bubbling mud, steaming ground, expansive vistas, huge volcanic craters and sinter terrace formations. The natural bush setting adds another dimension to the experience as does the Lady Knox Geyser which erupts daily.