Rotorua
Talk to a
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Local Bruce Thomasen Co-founder of Redwoods Treewalk
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My top five must-do’s for visitors would have to be… • Take a dip or two in one of the many hot pools here. • Redwoods Treewalk Day & Nightlights Combo - daytime for nature, night time for magic.
• Skyline Rotorua gondola and luge. This is an absolute icon, providing awesome views of the city. • Velocity Valley. Allow two hours here for your choice of up to five adventures. My favourite is the jet sprint boat. • Redwoods Altitude, a new Indiana Jones-style tree top adventure with floating spirals, jungle bridges, flying foxes and a big jump. If you’re looking for something low key, an absolute gem is the Lake Tarawera trail, a 15km one-
way walk which starts near the Buried Village and takes you to the lake’s hot water beach. Take your togs and book a water taxi back. I’m starting to feel hungry just thinking about the Thursday Night Food Market in Rotorua’s Central Business District. For a delightful day trip, head to Taupō for lunch and on the way pull into the amazing Waimangu Thermal Valley and do the cruise or kayak option. Living in Rotorua is awesome. I love the lakes, forests, hot pools, all the things to do and the hospitality that comes with living in one of New Zealand’s best tourism spots.
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TE PUIA Discover over 500 geothermal wonders, Māori culture and performances. Pohutu Geyser is the southern hemisphere’s largest, erupting up to 20 times per day, to heights of 30m.
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Polynesian Spa Sink into one of four hot spring bathing areas looking across serene lake views. You can seek solace here from Wednesday to Sunday between 9am and 10pm.
Volcanic Hills Winery Crafted at the base of Skyline Rotorua. Take the gondola to the top to taste it; sample all five Volcanic Hills wines over 45 minutes, or three wines if you’re in a rush.
Kuirau Park Free Foot Bath Spas Centrally located, a handful of walkways lead to the crater lake, gurgling mud pools and a free thermal foot bath. There are free barbecues and a weekly Saturday market between 7am and 1pm.
Eat Streat This collection of top-notch eateries is located in Tutanekai Street and is jampacked with diverse dining options, complete with underfloor heating and retractable roof for all-weather feasting.
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Secret Spot Hot Tubs Hidden in the Whakarewarewa Forest Park. Book a private wooden hot tub, order chilled drinks. There are also mini foot baths for ‘shinny dipping’ and an on-site café.
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GEYSER BY NIGHT AT TE PUIA Come dusk, Te Puia guides will sneak you into the geothermal valley through a secret passage. Your guided night trail concludes at the world-famous Pohutu Geyser, glowing under the night’s sky.
Secret Lake-side Glamping Te Rātā Bay boasts two of the country’s most secluded glamping spots. Kānuka and Te Rata Family Glamping are both overseen by Totally Tarawera, offering native bush glamping only accessible via the Tarawera Walking Trail or water taxi.
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