2 minute read
Make the most of Rotorua
7 top activities in Rotorua
1. RELAX IN A NATURAL HOT POOL
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Centrally located Polynesian Spa is a world-leading spa with several indoor and outdoor pools. Dip your toes in Kuirau Park’s free thermal foot baths, or venture to Secret Spot; a haven of 12 private cedar tubs submerged in tranquil forest.
2. RIDE THE GONDOLA
Jump aboard the gondola and glide 900 metres up the hillside. Once you reach Skyline Rotorua, discover zip lines, a skyswing, luge, restaurants and more.
3. SEE HISTORY COME TO LIFE
The Pink and White Terraces were considered the Eighth Wonder of the World, but the 1886 eruption of Mt Tarawera obliterated them. Take a self-guided walk and download the Waimangu Volcanic Valley app to reveal how the terraces once looked. The eruption also destroyed the village of Te Wairoa. Visit the Buried Village to see parts that have been excavated, along with various recreated houses and relics that represent life as it once was.
4. BOAT TO MOKOIA ISLAND
Zip to this tear-shaped droplet in the middle of Lake Rotorua by water taxi and step ashore for a guided tour. As an uninhabited sanctuary, it’s teeming with wildlife.
Waikite hot pools, Rotorua © Destination Rotorua
5. WANDER GOVERNMENT GARDENS
Donated to The Crown in the 1800s by Māori, these gardens are minutes from Rotorua’s centre. Enjoy the flowerbeds, bowling green, croquet and playground.
6. MAKE TRACKS
The Rotorua Walkway is the city's ultimate trail. At 26km long, it explores wildlife, geothermal activity, history and culture, and can also be split into eight shorter sections. At the Rainbow Mountain Scenic Reserve, take the Crater Lake Walk for crater lake views and a steamy landscape. Both the Tarawera Falls Track and the Okere Falls Track lead to pretty waterfalls, and the 90-minute Blue Lake Track combines secluded beach with stunning views of the Blue and Green lakes.
7. GO MOUNTAIN BIKING
The gondola-assisted bike lift at Skyline Gravity Park Rotorua grants access to 13km of varied terrain, while Rainbow Mountain beckons more experienced riders and the tracks at Whakarewarewa Forest are raved about by all.
White-water rafting © Destination Rotorua
FAMILY FUN!
Visit Skyline Skyrides, one of Rotorua’s most popular attractions, to ride the luge, a Rotorua-designed three-wheeled cart. Catch the gondola to the top of Mt Ngongotaha to enjoy amazing panoramic views before zooming down the hill.
The variety of wildlife in the region is also sure to impress the kids. Witness a flight show at Wingspan National Bird of Prey Centre, New Zealand’s leading conservation centre for these majestic birds.
At Paradise Valley Springs, you can have an up close and personal encounter with some exquisite creatures, and check out Rainbow Springs Nature Park where you can combine learning with fun on the Big Splash.
Geothermal lake & geyser, Rotorua © Destination Rotorua
