Step up your family time with a visit to ZORB Rotorua

Calling all families! If you’re looking to add a dash of excitement to your family time, ZORB Rotorua is the perfect destination. Imagine sliding down a hill inside a giant inflatable ball – it’s like the most fun waterslide you’ll ever go on. This unique experience will create unforgettable memories for the whole family that will leave you laughing and giggling like a child. Check our tips on how to really step up your family time in Rotorua.

Road trip through the North Island – our top 5 pit stops

The diverse landscape of New Zealand’s North Island is home to an array of unique tourism activities. Roll downhill, while laughing uncontrollably in an inflatable ball at ZORB Rotorua. Just down the road is Rotorua Canopy Tours, where you can fly on a network of ziplines, swing bridges, and more! Across the lake, experience rafting in outstanding scenery at Rotorua Rafting. In the beautiful Taupō region is the thrilling AJ Hackett Bungy and New Zealand’s #1 rated skydive experience, Taupo Tandem Skydiving. Check out all our North Island pit stops right here.

Explore Rotorua

Us Kiwis are natural thrillseekers, just take a look at our range of world-famous tourism activities invented by adventurous New Zealanders. Downhill ball rolling was invented in New Zealand by the owners of ZORB Rotorua, the largest ball rolling site in the world. Another epic kiwi invention is the Skyline luge, where cart riders drive downhill with full control over their direction. Likewise, jetboating was invented in New Zealand and as was The Schweeb, a human powered monorail racetrack. No matter what kind of thrill you are after, kiwi invented activities are sure to add some excitement to your holiday. Check our list of the most epic Rotorua-based tourism activities.

Credit: Velocity Valley

How to have the most romantic getaway in Rotorua

Rotorua is the perfect destination for a romantic retreat. For a unique farm stay, check out Wildberry Cottage and enjoy outstanding views of rolling hills, an outdoor bathtub, and farm animals as neighbours. Looking for a fun activity? Rotorua offers an array of experiences. From helicopter tours with Volcanic Air, to downhill ball-rolling at ZORB, to nighttime tree walking at Redwoods, Rotorua has something exciting for all couples to try. Is food your love language? Rotorua is also home to an array of cuisines. Enjoy a comforting eggs benedict at Urban Bistro, a burger at Atticus Finch or an Italian dish at Leonardos. Rotorua’s romantic culinary options are exceptional. Start planning your romantic Rotorua getaway.

The most unique places to stay when visiting Rotorua.

Whether you are looking for romance, adventure, or family time, Rotorua is a great destination for all types of travellers. Hideaway in a tiny house experience at Okere Falls or get comfortable in the Cosy Cottage in central Rotorua! Watch the night sky from your own outdoor bathtub at The Cabin or star gaze from your Safari Tent in Ngongotaha Valley. If you’re after comfort and character, visit the Woolshed, which as the name suggests, use to be the property’s woolshed but has been converted in to a lovely two-bedroom cottage. With these incredible stays in Rotorua, you will never be disappointed! Click here to read the full blog about the most unique Rotorua accommodation options.

L&P or Lemon and Paeroa

L&P was invented in 1907 by a gentleman in Paeroa who wanted to spice up plain mineral water with a squeeze of lemon. The rest is history and L&P is now New Zealand’s most iconic fizzy drink that gives the big brands from overseas a run for their money. You can now find cans or bottles of this staple lemony fizzy drink at every supermarket or dairy. If you find yourself on a road trip around the North Island you can even take a selfie with the giant L&P bottle in Paeroa.

Marmite

Whilst Marmite may not have originated in New Zealand, it is worthy of a place on this list. With a slightly acquired taste, Marmite has become a true kiwi icon, solidifying it’s status as a staple hero of the New Zealand toast spread options and a standard item in every kiwi household. Add a decent layer of butter to your toast of choice and tread very lightly with Marmite, it has a very strong taste and a little goes a long way! If you’re feeling extra spicy add avocado to your toast – you’ll thank us later.

Pineapple Lumps

Made with a chewy centre of pineapple marshmallow and covered in dark chocolate, pineapple lumps are a cultural icon in New Zealand that have been enjoyed for generations. Grab a bag and enjoy straight from the packet or put in the freezer for a few hours for a completely different and delectable experience!

Whittakers Chocolate

Founded in 1896, Whittakers is still family-owned and operated and prides itself on using only the finest ingredients, including cocoa from Ghana and Madagascar. Whittakers chocolate is well known for it’s wide range of chocolate bars which come in a variety of flavours such as Creamy Milk, Berry and Biscuit, Dark Salted Caramel and many more. Whittakers chocolate is a must try on any trip to New Zealand!

Fish and chips

Fish and chips have long been a staple of a kiwi diet and is often the takeaway of choice for most New Zealand households on a Friday night. The most popular fish used is hoki, which is then covered in batter and deep fried. Along with delicious battered fish the next star of the show is hot chips. In New Zealand our hot chips are cut thick and cooked until crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Fish and chips is commonly served with an excessive amount of tomato sauce (Watties of course). Our top tip when ordering fish and chips is to also buy a loaf of white bread and butter and make yourself a chip sandwich or butty!

Bakery Pie

A trip to New Zealand isn’t complete without sampling at least a couple of bakery pies. A bakery pie is a staple Kiwi cuisine and can be found in almost every bakery, café and gas station in New Zealand with a huge range of flavours. Pies are so popular in New Zealand, we even have our own national pie awards! These savoury pies are typically filled with minced meat, gravy and other ingredients such as cheese, bacon, mushrooms and many more! A pie is the perfect choice for a road trip for a quick and satisfying meal option that can be easily enjoyed on the go!

Kiwi onion dip

Kiwi onion dip is a must have at any social gathering in New Zealand. So much so that you’ll even find the ingredients right next to each other on the shelves at the supermarket. Kiwi onion dip is made with a combination of reduced cream, a packet of onion soup mix and a splash of lemon juice or malt vinegar. Give everything a mix and then pop that bad boy in the fridge for a couple of hours to set. Once set, serve with chips of your choice and enjoy!

Lolly cake

Lolly cake is a classic kiwi treat that’s been enjoyed in New Zealand for generations. This no-bake dessert is made from a combination of crushed malt biscuits, sweetened condensed milk, and chopped up fruit marshmallow. The mixture is then rolled into a log and coated in desiccated coconut before being chilled in the fridge until firm. Lolly cake is a perfect sweet treat for any occasion and can be found at most bakeries or you can make your own with this recipe!

Here in the mighty North Island is we’re you’ll find some of the craziest, most heart racing activities you could even think of.

Get your inner adrenaline junkie rolling

Starting at  ZORB Rotorua, where you superman dive into a giant inflatable ball and roll down Mt Ngongotaha with ZORB, where the fun will have you laughing uncontrollably. Experience this uniquely, bizarre activity which is the only site available to do so in the whole of New Zealand. With FOUR different ball rolling tracks – the world’s longest zig-zag Sidewinder Track, the smooth ‘n’ fast double Straight Track, MEGA Track -the longest, fastest, and steepest track in all the land, and the newest track; Big Air, with sweeping corners and drops, you’ll definitely be leaving with your adrenaline meters reaching their very peaks.

Keep that adrenaline soaring as you soar through the forest canopy

Just a few hundred meters down the road is the incredible Rotorua Canopy Tours. Here you’ll be taken on a journey through prehistoric native forest. Explore the canopy as you fly on a network of ziplines, swing bridges, cliff-walks, tree top platforms and more. Guided by 2 knowledgeable and experienced kiwi guides. They will keep you safe, make you laugh and bring the forest to life as you become part of our forest restoration story.

Blood flowing yet ? Well why not flow down the Highest rafted waterfall in the world ?

Across the lake is where we have the best white-water rafting that there is to offer in New Zealand. At Rotorua Rafting, you’ll be able to raft down the world-famous Kaituna River. The Kaituna river has been ranked as the best white water rafting in the world due to the kind nature of the river mixed with hair-raising waterfalls and is home to highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world – 7m Tutea Falls.

If someone told you to jump off a cliff would you ? how about if you got pushed off ?

If you love that feeling of your tummy being left in the air and want to keep it going, then look no further then the amazing AJ Hackett Bungy were your toes hang over the edge, you’re about to leap from New Zealand’s only cliff-top Bungy. Located in the amazing Taupo, here you can also choose to be dunked or go dry, however you take the plunge, this is an Adrenaline fueled thrill you’ll never forget.

Fly like a bird or fall like a raindrop

Staying in Taupo, why not throw yourself out of a plane at either 9,000 ft, 12,000 ft, 15,000 ft or the new 18,500 ft skydive were you’ll be free falling for up to 75 seconds!!! Taupo Tandem Sky Diving are New Zealand’s #1 Rated Skydive. Skydiving in Taupo is truly an unforgettable experience where you’ll see volcanoes, coast-to-coast views of the North Island and the incredible shores of Lake Taupo.

Accommodation

Book yourself in at the Wildberry Cottage – a Scandinavian inspired, modern farm retreat with stunning views across the rolling hills, a little fire oven for cold winter nights and an outdoor bathtub for steamy moments between the two of you. Your only neighbours will be the friendly sheep who roam across the acres of farmland, and you can explore the area and meet some curious animals. This is the perfect base for two love birds, to either hunker down and enjoy the comfort and cosiness of the house or explore Rotorua and all it has to offer.

Activities

If you have come to Rotorua to experience something new, you are in luck! Rotorua is filled with kiwi ingenuity and can offer you once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Book yourself onto a scenic Helicopter tour with Volcanic Air and discover all the remote and romantic spots around Rotorua from above! These views will stay with you for a lifetime and can give you a new perspective on things. From crater lakes to waterfalls and geothermal activities, you will be able to see it all.
Once you have touched ground again, you can keep the adrenaline and excitement flowing by booking yourself into a ZORB! Experience the travelling waterslide with your partner and laugh until your belly hurts – this is like nothing you have experience before. Choose between the 4 different tracks and slide down the hill in a wet and wild ride. In between rides, sit back and relax in one of the hot tubs.
If you are looking for a night time activity, you should explore Redwoods Treewalk by night! Climb up into the heights of the ancient trees and discover an amazing light installation that makes the whole forest feel magical. Cross 28 swing bridges and pass by 24 different, amazing lanterns designed by world-renowned designer and sustainability champion David Trubridge. Romance will fill the air and make your shared experience feel almost unreal.

Food & Drinks

For many, food is also the language of love, so send your taste buds on their own romantic encounter of what Rotorua has to offer!
For a hearty, ‘start your day off right’ brunch, visit Urban Bistro for the classic eggs benni or a mouth watering good breakfast burrito. The ‘local gem’ offers a warm and specious atmosphere and is the perfect stop in for planning the day’s adventures.
For a quick bite in between or a lunch stop, Atticus Finch has a full menu of delicious options. Sandwiches, burgers, salads and meaty dishes, you will leave the cute restaurant full and fueled, ready for whatever else Rotorua has waiting for you.
Teleport yourself to Italy when enjoying Leonardo’s tasty, authentic Italian menu at night, paired with a great selection of beverages and the perfect dessert for a sweet top up.

So, no matter what type of couple you are, where your interests lay and if you have been to Rotorua before or not, this small city has a lot to offer and will make you feel right at home.

We know the cold can often be a massive barrier for people when deciding on activities to do here at ZORB Rotorua so we have numerous ways in which you can stay nice and toasty whilst having the time of your lives riding down the LONGEST and FASTEST downhill ball rolling rides in the entire world.

There are also heaters in all the changing rooms to keep you warm while you’re getting into your togs. Wrap up warm in a blanket while waiting for your ride to the top of the hill! At the top of the hill, we have a hot tub to soak in before embarking on your ZORB ride.

All H2OGO rides have roughly 20-30 litres of warm water so you are nice and warm throughout the duration of your ride, whilst most people once rolling tend to forget about the temperature of the water anyways.

In between rides, we have 2 brand new cedarwood hot tubs which have been made by the Owners of ZORB. Feel free to relax in the hot tubs whilst you comprehend what it is that you just experienced. The Hot Tubs are anywhere from 38-40 degrees, so you don’t have to worry about being cold while you’re wet

Over the past year we have created a new heated room for you all to enjoy as another option when the hot tubs are full or if you aren’t a fan of hot soaking which is again another ZORB made creation carefully constructed by the legend himself Dave Akers.

For spectators there is a pot belly fire on the deck and a couple of patio heaters to keep warm. We also have delicious barista coffee to top off the experience or even for spectators to enjoy whilst watching on.

To make a booking click here:

DARKEST NIGHT

Twinkling in the winter sky just before dawn, Matariki (the Pleiades) signals the Māori New Year. Matariki is noted as a time for celebration, joy and growth and is a special time for communities to come together and celebrate.

It is during this time that we also host the ever-popular DARKEST NIGHT event here at ZORB Rotorua. The only night of the year where we operate ZORB rides in the dark and will have the site lit just enough so you all can still vast in the beauty that is Matariki. So come and experience Matariki with us and see it from our perspective.

We paired up with our mates at The Kai Company which offered delicious food and our friends from Terrace Catering are brought their Mobile Bar which helped to create a really epic evening to celebrate Matariki. For those that couldn’t make the event, don’t worry stay tuned into our socials for more interesting events coming up in the future.

For more info and pricing click here:

The Cabin – Fantail Grove

Located below Sugar Maples, Ferns and Native Plants on a beautiful 2-acre piece of land in Hamurana, The Cabin is the perfect spot to relax and recharge. It was purpose built and architecturally designed in 2019 as a holiday retreat and is only a 15-minute drive away from Rotorua CBD. Watch the night sky from the private outdoor bathtub or see the wildlife from the bid deck or through the big windows, lean back and take a breather.

Tiny House Experience in Okere Falls

Live large in this newly designed and built tiny house! A perfect hideaway for couples or a great base for a friendship connection trip in Okere Falls. The tiny house is within walking distance to swimming in Lake Rotoiti, all year fly and spinner trout fishing, bush walks, white-water kayaking and rafting, hot pools, and a great cafe with beer garden just 5 minutes down the road! There is nothing you will miss when you are staying here.

Cosy Cottage

Get comfy in the cosy cottage, centrally located in Rotorua! Not only a great weekend trip, but also a time travel experience. The cottage is lovingly decorated and furnished with family treasures for an amazing old-school kiwi encounter. Feel secluded on the countryside but open your door and after a quick 15-minute walk you’ll reach Eat Street for amazing restaurant offers. Literally the best of both worlds!

The Woolshed

As the name suggest, this property used to be the farm’s woolshed but was lovingly and cleverly converted into a gorgeous two-bedroom cottage offering comfort and character. Watch sheep and deer graze on the surrounding paddocks when you relax on the large deck or take in the amazing views of the lake and volcano through the trees. The woodfired hot tub will also be extra inviting for the whole family after the wild ride experience at Zorb Rotorua!

Glamping

Staying on theme with hut tubs, the Safari Tent in Ngongotahā Valley offers an unforgettable holiday of luxury glamping. And amazing news for all dog and horse lovers, your 4-legged children are welcome to the property as long as they are farm socialised! Go on amazing bush walks or be in the heart of Rotorua after a quick drive, the glamping hub facilitates all wishes and needs.

Stay comfy and cosy all year around with these incredible stays in Rotorua and experience the tranquil landscapes, delicious foods and fun filled activities. You will never be disappointed from a trip to Rotorua.

Have you found yourself at some point doing any of the following: Rolling down hills in tyres on the farm, sliding on flax or cardboard boxes on grassy slopes or just been a lover of tumbling down a slope? Then why not come through and experience it from our perspective and roll down the longest, fastest downhill ball rolling tracks in the entire WORLD!!!!

Like many others, we’ve all wanted to walk on water but run into the unfortunate realism that we aren’t jesus so hence why owner/operators, Andrew Akers and David Akers created the double skinned spheres to give you and your family or friends the ability to do just that.

How many times throughout the course of your family trip have you heard “I’m bored”, “there’s nothing to do” or the always good “what is there to even do in the town?”. The answer to those questions lies right here (or rolls here) at ZORB Rotorua. We are a really cool babysitting service we’ve been told countless times before too.

Here at ZORB Rotorua you can race each other down the hill on the straight tracks with the loser doing chores or paying for dinner, the sidewinder track which will force bonds between you and your ball buddy as you zig-zag your way down the LONGEST downhill ball rolling ride in the world, Big-air which will leave your stomach in the air as you go down multiple drops including a 4-meter drop hidden in the track and the MEGA track which will get your heart racing as you zoom down the hill on the world’s FASTEST downhill ball rolling ride.

If you do find these kind of activities challenging by yourself then once again don’t worry as you can take a friend or family member inside of the ball with you (just not one of the crew members, Yes we do get asked if we can go in too) to share the amazing experience with.

Operating year round, ZORB Rotorua will keep you warm during those chilly winter days with multiple hot tubs scattered around the key points of the site and an all new sauna on site for you to sit and keep toasty in between rides along with warm water inside the balls and of course we can’t forget the delicious barista made coffee as well. However, during those toastier days, we can cool the water down to keep your ride cool as and have a massive viewing deck in which spectators can watch on as their people have the times of their lives rolling down the hill.

Just a stone throws away from the city centre, we at ZORB are ready to see you all and get you in to experience this crazy, quirky but unique attraction only available here in Rotorua, New Zealand.

For more info and pricing details click here:

But don’t just take our word for it, check out this list we’ve compiled below of epic adventure experiences that have been invented right here in New Zealand! Spoiler alert – most of these experiences were invented right here in Rotorua!  

ZORB Rotorua 

An obvious must do on your visit to New Zealand is ZORB Rotorua. Invented in 1994 by Andrew Akers and his friend Dwane van der Sluis, who originally wanted to walk on water and created inflatable shoes. After some testing and trialling they moved onto a single skin sphere to play in the waves but were worried they’d be floated off to Timbuktu! They moved onto rolling down hills and downhill ball rolling was invented. Fast forward 20 odd years and ZORB Rotorua is now the largest commercial ball rolling site in the world and still owned and operated by Andrew and his brother David, who runs the factory where all of our ZORB balls are lovingly manufactured.  

AJ Hackett Bungy 

Quintessentially Kiwi and an absolute must-do for any visitor to New Zealand is bungy jumping. AJ Hackett created bungy jumping after being inspired by a tradition in Vanuatu, where he watched people jumping from wooden towers with vines attached to their ankles. Hackett then created a system of plaited elastic bands, and this invention received worldwide attention when he jumped off the Eiffel tower in 1987. Hackett went on to create the world’s first commercial bungy site in Ohakune in 1988. Fast-forward 30 years, and New Zealand has now become the home of the bungy with various AJ Hackett bungy sites around the country including Taupo, Queenstown, and Auckland. You can also experience Rotorua bungy down the road with our friends at Velocity Valley.  

The Skyline Luge 

Another epic kiwi adventure that was invented here in New Zealand is the Skyline luge. The luge is a unique three wheeled gravity ride for all ages and abilities. The luge was invented in New Zealand in 1985 and has 6 locations across the world including Rotorua and Queenstown. Riders have full control over their speed and direction with a unique steering and braking system. All components of the luge are designed and manufactured in Rotorua and distributed around to the various locations around the world.  

Jet Boating 

Jet boating was invented by Bill Hamilton. Growing up he wanted to explore the shallow rivers surrounding his family farm. In 1954 he developed a new style of boating and the world’s first propeller less. From humble beginnings the jet boat has allowed access to rivers and waterways all over the world. There are a range of jet boat options in Rotorua, including Katoa Jet on Lake Rotorua and Velocity Valley offering the Agrojet on a custom designed course. 

Shweeb 

Another quirky kiwi invention by our mates at Velocity Valley is the Shweeb. Invented by cyclist Geoff Barnett, the Shweeb is the world’s first human powered monorail racetrack. The custom designed plastic Shweeb pods are suspended on metal rails along a dual 200m track allowing you to race friends and family! With seven gears and a whole lot of pedal power you can reach speeds of up to 45km/h! 

So, no matter what style of adventure your cup of tea is, you will be guaranteed to find the thrill you’re seeking right here in Rotorua. Making memories that will last a lifetime.  

There are so many different lake locations to choose from and we have decided to narrow down our favourite whānau friendly and easily accessible options. Round up the kids, pack up the car and head out to one of these locations for a fun filled day!

Lake Okareka – Boyes beach

Only a 15 minute drive from Rotorua is Lake Okareka. Load up with snacks and gear up for a fun filled day on the water. Take a left towards the small cliffs, taking in the incredible forest scenery and bird life on the way. Once you’ve paddled around the cliffs, you’ll find some secret hidden caves, some are even big enough for you to paddle through! You can also slip into the water and walk through if your SUP or kayak is too big. If you don’t feel like cave exploring on your own or would like to check them out at night you can check out our friends at Paddleboard Rotorua. Spoiler alert – you’ll even see glow worms!

Lake Tarawera

One of the largest lakes in New Zealand is Lake Tarawera. We’ve narrowed down two spots on Tarawera where you can start your adventures. The landing at Tarawera is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. Park up along the beach to explore the incredible scenery. If you head to the left, make sure you keep an eye out for boats and the water taxi. Keep close to the lake edge and you’ll be able to listen out for waterfalls hidden within the trees. Navigate your way through the tree branches and take a look for yourself. If you head to the right from the landing, you’ll be treated to views of luscious green bushland and birdlife surrounding the wetland area.

Another epic spot to get a breath-taking view of Mt Tarawera is from Stoney Point Reserve. If you’re an early riser paddle out in time for sunrise – you won’t regret it!

Lake Tikitapu/Blue Lake

Although this lake is small in comparison to others it has plenty of beachfront space, a grassy reserve, playground and parking! What’s not to like?! Lake Tikitapu is the perfect spot for a family beach day! On a still day you can easily navigate around the entire lake, just keep an eye out for boats and swimmers!

ZORB

Obviously ZORB rides are a fantastic option in winter, we are an all weather activity and have plenty of options to keep warm during and after your rides!

There are heaters in all of the changing rooms to keep you warm while you’re getting into your togs. Wrap up warm in a blanket while waiting for your ride to the top of the hill! At the top of the hill we have a hot tub to soak in before embarking on your ZORB ride. Or if you don’t want to relax in the hot tub you can hang out in our specially designed heated waiting room. We use toasty warm water in the ZORB balls – think of it like a rolling hot tub! There are two hot tubs to soak in between ZORB rides as well. For spectators there is a pot belly fire on the deck and a couple of patio heaters to keep warm. Finish your ZORB experience with a delicious barista coffee or hot chocolate!

SECRET SPOT

The appropriately named Secret Spot is definitely not a secret anymore! Popular with locals and visitors alike this place has also become a favourite place for the ZORB team to hang out!

Nestled within native forest in Waipa, Secret Spot consists of 12 beautifully crafted secluded cedar hot tubs. On arrival check in with the friendly team as they instruct you on what tub you’ll be soaking in, you can also grab yourself a cheeky beverage from their bar (there are plenty f non-alcoholic options as well). For those thirsty soakers you can press a button and one of their friendly team will bring you another drink – how’s that for service?!

If soaking in a tub isn’t your thing, you can grab yourself a coffee or drink and enjoy complimentary use of one of their ‘shinny dips’. The appropriately named shinny dip is exactly what you’d think it is, a mini tub just for your feet!

OFF ROAD NZ

Located a short 20-minute drive from Rotorua is Off Road NZ. These guys have plenty of adrenaline pumping 4wd activities perfect for a winter’s day. Step out of your comfort zone and embark on an adventure with their 4wd Bush Safari Experience. Worried about the rain? Don’t be, the rain just means MORE MUD!

Or leave the driving to the experts and take on their Monster 4×4 Thrill Ride! Suitable for groups of up to four people let the Off Road NZ team kit you out in the appropriate safety gear and enjoy the thrills as you embark on an epic 4wd winter adventure!