Queenstown vs. Rotorua: New Zealand's Adventure Showdown

If you’re after adrenaline-pumping activities for the whole family, then look no further than Queenstown. It’s the self-confessed ‘Adventure Capital of the World’ and most people who visit don’t leave without throwing themselves head-first into something epic like heli-skiing, zip-lining or skydiving. It is the birthplace of the bungy jump, after all.

On the other hand, Rotorua is the place for outdoor purists, a geothermal wonderland of geysers, hot springs and bubbling mud pools, as well as alpine lakes, emerald-coated peaks and pristine bushland that are all a hiker’s dream.

Undoubtedly the adventure capital of the country, Queenstown serves a world-class wedge of activities that are at your fingertips from the moment you step off the plane at Queenstown Airport. Whether you fancy fun thrills on land, water or in the air, we can guarantee you'll find it here.

The bungy jump was born here and Queenstown still claims the highest bungy jump in the southern hemisphere, the Nevis Bungy Jump at 134m. The original and world's first bungy still operates off Kawarau Bridge and remains one of the most iconic.

Queenstown is also the birthplace of jet boating and there aren't many more exhilarating ways to soak up (often literally) the wild landscapes of New Zealand than whizzing through it at high speed along waterways like the Shotover River, through the Middle Earth filming locations of Mount Aspiring National Park (perfect for Lord of the Rings fans) or through the dramatic gorges of the Kawarau River.

But in truth, the only limit for thrill seekers in Queenstown is, well, their own limits. Queenstown boasts everything from skydiving to paragliding and white-water rafting. But for a natural high, soar above Queenstown on the Skyline Gondola for a bird's eye view of Coronet Peak and The Remarkables mountain range. From there, you can take the Luge along 800m of twists and turns or hurtle down some of the best mountain biking tracks in the South Island. The most difficult thing about having an adventure in Queenstown is choosing which one to do.

Like Queenstown, Rotorua on New Zealand's North Island offers a diverse mix of activities for adventure seekers that seamlessly blend adrenaline-pumping activities with the great outdoors.

While Queenstown is often top of the billing when it comes to extreme activities, Rotorua boasts plenty of its own. Roll down Mount Ngongotahā in a giant inflatable ball known as a ZORB, propel yourself along the Kaituna River with a sledge (the equivalent of a luge on water) or whizz through Rotorua's idyllic native forests on a zip-line.

Where Rotorua really shines, though, is when it brings you closer to nature's might than you ever imagined. A case in point is a white-water adventure over Okere Falls or Tutea Falls, the latter being the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world, where you'll tip over a seven-metre drop – the equivalent of a two-storey building. Or, head on a crater walk through the volcanic vistas of Mount Tarawera where you can explore an otherworldly landscape laced with Māori culture. You can get all-encompassing stunning views from the cable cars of Skyline Rotorua too.

For something a little more gentle, stand-up paddleboard tours have you gliding along Lake Rotorua or through glowworm caves, you can go kayaking past the steaming cliffs of Lake Rotomahama or pedal the mountain bike trails of Whakarewarewa Forest. If you're still stuck on whether to pick Queenstown or Rotorua for your slice of New Zealand adventure, we can help nudge you in the right direction: if you're looking to push your extreme thrills to the limit, we'd recommend Queenstown. If you're after a deeper immersion in nature while still channelling your adrenaline, go for Rotorua.

Besides hair-raising adventure, there's plenty of other attractions in both Queenstown and Rotorua. In Queenstown, why not lace up and stroll the trail network that webs Queenstown Gardens, or hike the Queenstown Hill Walking Track or Ben Lomond Walkway if you fancy a more challenging walk. In Queenstown itself, the city offers a lively atmosphere and no matter what time of year you visit you're bound to time your trip with one of its events.

You're never far away from a cultural experience in Queenstown either, whether it's digging into the past of nearby gold-mining villages, relaxing in one of the natural hot springs or wandering the artsy culture in neighbouring towns like Arrowtown. You're also only an unforgettable day trip away from a cruise to explore the glacial beauty of Milford Sound.

On the other hand, Rotorua sits slap bang in the heart of a rich geothermal park. There are plenty of different ways to enjoy it as well, with Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland a must-see attraction with its steaming ground, bubbling mud pools and vividly coloured natural springs. The highlight of this geothermal area is witnessing the daily eruption of Lady Knox Geyser, whose spurts are known to go 20 metres high.

Māori culture also abounds in Rotorua in just as many ways, whether it's witnessing skilled traditional artists at work at the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, being pampered at the Polynesian Spa, treading in their footsteps in the Waitomo Caves or fuelling up for the next adventure with a hāngī – a traditional Māori feast – in a Maori village.

Like its activities, Queenstown's culinary scene is incredibly diverse. The city has over 150 restaurants, cafés and bars – all of which provide the perfect fuel for your next adventure – where you can enjoy a delicious BBQ dinner at somewhere like Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dining, sample its craft beer scene or learn about Queenstown's abundant fresh produce on a farm tour. Queenstown also sits slap bang in the middle of the Central Otago wine region, so a tipple is never far away.

In Rotorua, the four distinct seasons it experiences feeds into its world-class gastronomy, from artisanal cafés to hearty pub grub and farmers' markets. At the heart of it all, Eat Streat is a covered smorgasbord of restaurants and bars that combine to give a vibrant dining atmosphere.

Both Queenstown and Rotorua are easy to navigate by public transport. Queenstown Airport is reached by flights from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, as well as Australia. The city itself is easy to explore by bus, with plenty of routes and a NZ$2 cap for every journey (a Bee Card must be purchased first). Alternatively, booking a rental car is simple and offers the ultimate in flexibility.

Rotorua's central location means it's easily accessible from almost anywhere on New Zealand's North Island, with domestic flights from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Getting around Rotorua is easy too, with its compact nature making it simple to get around on foot or by bicycle, while a comprehensive bus network and rental cars are another great options.

Queenstown's rich range of activities means it definitely deserves a few days on a single trip. We'd recommend spending at least three days, to get a feel for the city and tick off some of the adventurous experiences you've got your eye on. But to really make the most of what the city has to offer and make time for fun day trips to places like Milford Sound, then four or five days is much better, even up to one week.

There's so much to do in Rotorua that it really deserves at least three days of your time. But like Queenstown, if you're looking to soak up all of Rotorua's Māori culture, adventures and geothermal activity then you could easily dedicate one week here.

As you can see, picking between Queenstown or Rotorua is a close-run thing. They offer plenty of adventure, culture and fine food, but they both have their nuances that will help you decide which one is really for you.

For the pure adrenaline-pumping activities, then Queenstown should be your choice. But if you want a wider mix of fun adventure, traditional culture and natural splendour, then Rotorua is hard to beat. But if you were to really ask for our opinion, then why not combine them both one one trip to New Zealand so you get the best of both worlds...

Adventure is out there - and your centre for travel knows exactly where!