Rotorua / 9 photo spots
9 Instagram spots around Rotorua
Rotorua combines geothermal parks with lake shores and forest walks. Some of these photo stops are a short drive from the city.
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Photo spots on the map
0 of 9 photo ideas have sourced location coordinates. The initial view is for orientation. An area marker does not indicate an exact photo position.
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Map data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL.
Destination reference: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0). Spot coordinates: Wikidata, CC0. Selection, association and some calculations by You, Me, Away.
Kuirau Park
Steam rises from hot springs and mud pools along the paths of this free geothermal park. Photograph from the marked paths and stay behind barriers, as the geothermal ground can be unpredictable.
Search Google MapsGovernment Gardens rotunda
The band rotunda stands near Te Rūnanga Tea House in Government Gardens. Frame the pavilion from a garden path, using the surrounding greenery as a border. Follow any local construction barriers.
Search Google MapsRotorua Lakefront
The boardwalk follows the shore and reaches out over Lake Rotorua. Use its converging lines to lead the eye towards the water, leaving room for other path users.
Search Google MapsRedwoods Memorial Grove
At Tītokorangi, the Redwoods Memorial Grove has walking tracks among tall redwood trees. From the path, angle your camera upwards to include the trunks and canopy. Check trail closures before setting out. Organized photography requires a permit, including non-commercial shoots.
Search Google MapsBlue and Green Lakes lookout
The lookout between Tikitapu and Rotokākahi offers views of the two lakes. Photograph from the public lookout. Rotokākahi is sacred to Māori and privately owned by local iwi, so do not enter the lake or its private surroundings.
Search Google MapsLake Ōkāreka Walkway
The boardwalk from Acacia Road crosses wetlands beside Lake Ōkāreka and passes a bird hide. Frame the timber path among the reeds and give birds plenty of space. Dogs and bikes are not allowed on this walkway.
Search Google MapsWaimangu Inferno Crater
In Waimangu Volcanic Valley, steps lead to a view of Inferno Crater. Frame the crater lake from the visitor path and follow all geothermal safety signs. Entry is paid and the crater route is not wheelchair accessible.
Search Google MapsHamurana Springs
The self-guided walk at Hamurana Springs passes water and forest on a site significant to Ngāti Rangiwewehi. Photograph from the visitor path. Admission is charged, strong winds can close the reserve, and commercial photos need management approval.
Search Google MapsWaitōharuru / Tarawera Landing
At Waitōharuru, the public landing looks across Lake Tarawera towards the mountain. From the shore, place the lake in the foreground and leave the boat ramp clear.
Search Google MapsSources for these photo spots
- Rotorua Lakes Council, Kuirau Park
- Rotorua NZ, Government Gardens
- Rotorua Lakes Council, repairs to Prince’s Arches
- Rotorua NZ, Rotorua Lakefront
- Rotorua Lakes Council, The Redwoods
- Rotorua Trails Trust, current trail closures
- Rotorua Lakes Council, Lake Tikitapu and Lake Rotokākahi
- Department of Conservation, Blue Lake Track
- Rotorua NZ, Lake Ōkāreka Walkway
- Waimangu Volcanic Valley, guided tours
- Waimangu Volcanic Valley, visitor information and photos
- Tūhourangi Tribal Authority, Waimangu
- Hamurana Springs, self-guided walks
- Hamurana Springs, visitor and photography rules
- Hamurana Springs, prices and hours
- Rotorua NZ, Waitōharuru and Lake Tarawera
- The Redwoods, forest ownership and permits
- The Redwoods, organized filming and photography
- Eastern Fish and Game, Rotorua Lakes fisheries
- Rotorua NZ, Waimangu Volcanic Valley
- Rotorua NZ, Kuirau Park