Rotorua Cruises

Rotorua cruises run on two very different lakes. On Lake Rotorua, the Lakeland Queen paddle steamer leaves the lakefront for a cultural welcome and an hour on the water, and on Lake Rotomahana a boat finishes a walk through Waimangu Volcanic Valley. This page sorts out which sailing suits your day and links through to the wider things to do in Rotorua.

Paddle steamer cruises on Lake Rotorua

The Lakeland Queen is a purpose-built, New Zealand-made paddle steamer, first launched in 1987 and modelled on classic Mississippi river boats. It has cosy indoor spaces, open decks and a fully stocked bar. Every sailing leaves from 3 Lakefront Drive on the Rotorua Lakefront and opens with a 30-minute cultural welcome and storytelling before the 1-hour cruise.

The Lake Rotorua paddle steamer lunch cruise is the midday sailing. Guests arrive at 12.30pm for a 1pm departure, and a buffet-style meal is included while the boat passes Mokoia Island, Ohinemutu and Sulphur Point. The licensed bar costs extra.

The afternoon paddle steamer cruise on Lake Rotorua departs daily at 3.30pm, with boarding from 3pm. It includes entertaining commentary and complimentary tea and filter coffee, and food and drinks are available to buy on board.

Lake Rotomahana cruise and Waimangu Volcanic Valley

Waimangu Volcanic Valley sits at 587 Waimangu Road, Rotorua. Its hydrothermal system was created on 10 June 1886 by the eruption of Mount Tarawera, and the valley's crater walkways, hot springs and regenerating native bush make it a very different outing from a lake cruise in town.

The Waimangu Full Experience cruise with geothermal walk is the 3.5-hour option. A 4km self-guided walk passes Frying Pan Lake, Cathedral Rocks, Inferno Crater and the Warbrick Terraces, then ends at Lake Rotomahana, where you board the Ariki Moana for a 45-minute cruise with commentary on the lake's history and the Tarawera eruption. A shuttle takes you back to the visitor centre.

The Waimangu Volcanic Valley entry and walk covers the valley on foot, with the boat cruise as an optional extra. Walks come in several lengths, mostly downhill and flat along the crater walkways, and there is an optional uphill hike on the Mt Haszard Trail. An on-site shuttle bus, a guide sheet and map and the Waimangu app are included. The valley opens at 8.30am daily, with last entry at 3.30pm.

How to choose between Rotorua cruises

Pick the lunch sailing for a sit-down meal on the water, and the 3.30pm sailing for a shorter, lighter outing with tea, coffee and commentary. With the welcome included, the paddle steamer is a 90-minute outing, so it fits easily into a day in town.

Pick the Lake Rotomahana cruise if you want to see the valley first, because the walk ends at the boat. Visitors who prefer a gentle route can stick to the standard Waimangu walk, and the Mt Haszard Trail is the harder uphill option.

Cruising pairs well with other lake-based days. The Rotorua water sports page covers kayak tours on the lakes, and the Rotorua scenic flights take off from the waters of Lake Rotorua itself.

Frequently asked questions

How long is a Lake Rotorua paddle steamer cruise?

The Lakeland Queen cruise on Lake Rotorua is a 1-hour sailing, and with the 30-minute cultural welcome the whole outing is a 90-minute experience.

Is food included on the Lake Rotorua paddle steamer cruise?

The lunch sailing includes a buffet-style meal, and the licensed bar isn't included. The afternoon sailing includes complimentary tea and filter coffee, with food and drinks available to buy on board.

Where does the Lake Rotorua paddle steamer leave from?

The Lakeland Queen leaves from 3 Lakefront Drive on the Rotorua Lakefront. Lunch cruise guests arrive at 12.30pm for the 1pm departure, and afternoon guests board from 3pm for the 3.30pm departure.

Is the Lakeland Queen paddle steamer wheelchair accessible?

Wheelchair access is available on the lower main deck only, with an accessible toilet on board. The upper deck of the Lakeland Queen isn't wheelchair accessible.

Can I cruise on Lake Rotomahana at Waimangu?

Yes. The Waimangu Full Experience combines a 4km self-guided walk with a 45-minute cruise on Lake Rotomahana aboard the Ariki Moana, and a shuttle returns you to the visitor centre at Waimangu Volcanic Valley.

Is the Waimangu Volcanic Valley walk suitable for all ages?

The standard Waimangu walk is easy and mostly downhill, and is listed as suitable for all ages and fitness levels. The advanced hike on the Mt Haszard Trail is an uphill bush trail.

What should I bring to Waimangu Volcanic Valley?

Bring good walking shoes, water, sun and rain protection and a camera. Waimangu also recommends a warm jacket if you're taking the cruise on Lake Rotomahana.

Choose your sailing, check the departure time and head to the lakefront or the valley. More ideas for the rest of the trip are on our Rotorua region page.