Escape to Rotorua

Discover the geothermal, adventure, and cultural wonderland of Rotorua. As you explore, you may see steam rising from cracks in the road, bubbling and hissing water in pools along the lake’s edge, and the unmistakable smell of Sulfur. Rotorua is rich in Māori culture and history, with many Māori inhabitants recognising the great potential of the volcanic land. For an outdoor adventure, head to The Redwoods and experience the rainforest treetops from high up. There are a few accessible trails for disabled hikers and great biking trails as well. If you’re lucky, you might spot some of New Zealand’s native birds, such as the Pīwakawaka (Fantail) and the Tūī. Alternatively, enjoy the Lake Tikitapu Blue Lake Walk or explore Kuirau Park, where you’ll find bubbling mud pools and steaming lakes. Don’t miss the private thermal reserves such as Te Puia and Wai-O-Tapu, where you can walk among bubbling mud pools, spouting geysers, and Sulfur ponds. Just a few minutes from the town centre, the Agrodome and National Kiwi Hatchery offer an insight into nature. Rotorua’s rich Māori culture is a must-see. Spend an evening with Te Pā Tū, complete with a traditional-style dinner or stroll along the lake edge to reach one of the country’s oldest Māori villages at Ohinemutu. When hunger strikes, visit Eat Street in Rotorua CBD, a vibrant street lined with delicious eateries and restaurants to satisfy any craving. No visit to Rotorua would be complete without experiencing Rotorua’s original tourist attraction - a relaxing spa treatment. This town boasts an array of wellness experiences to unwind in. Whether you are seeking adventure, culture, or relaxation, Rotorua offers an unforgettable experience.

Embark on a unique 3 hour adventure into the Okohua Glowworm Cave, a hidden world of natural beauty and exhilarating fun. Discover thousands of glowworms, stunning limestone formations, and fresh underground springs as you float through the cave by tube. This is a small group tour, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience. Your adventure is catered to you, with thrilling rock jumps and swim-throughs or a more relaxed exploration of the main route. After emerging from the cave, unwind with hot showers and a cedar hot tub. It is important you read and understand the risks associated with this activity. For more information please see here.

New Zealand’s Most Awarded Cultural Attraction, presenting Te Pā Tū. Feast on song, drama, tradition, and divine seasonal kai (cuisine) within the forest Pā (village) blanketed by towering Tawa trees, blazing bonfires, and a forest-formed amphitheatre. Te Pā Tū shares Māori history, traditions, and cultural aspirations across 4-hours of celebration and feasting. These events change with each season of the Maramataka, the Māori lunar calendar.

Experience the unique landscape and history of Mt Tarawera in this exclusive adventure with Kaitiaki Adventures. Infamous for its eruption on June 10th, 1886, Mt Tarawera created the world’s youngest geothermal valley of Waimangu, at the same destroying the legendary Pink and White Terraces. This fully guided hiking experience encompasses the unique landscape and history of the area and requires a moderate level of fitness. Your journey begins with an off road 4x4 experience through native New Zealand bush, transporting you to the craters edge. With spectacular scenic vistas, 360 panoramic views and a run into the heart of the volcanic crater, this experience is guaranteed to make your trip to Rotorua memorable. It is important you read and understand the risks associated with this activity. For more information please see here

Enjoy five hours of luxury and wellness with this carefully thought-out therapeutic pilgrimage experience. Embark on a transformative journey of rejuvenation that draws on the Ngati Whakaue practices and culture, where ancestral traditions converge with this soothing therapeutic experience. Begin your experience with the Restorative Journey (Wai Whakaora) where you will you undertake the benefits of the natural environment awakening your senses through hot and cold experiences including the geothermal mud lounge, waterfall showers, geothermal pools, steam room and the Tongariro fire and ice caves. Enjoy a 60 minute long traditional Maori massage before enjoying a Manuka Nourishing Facial that revitalises the skin with its antibacterial and hydrating properties. You will conclude your experience with another bathe before luxuriating into your relaxation time complete with grazing platter and non alcoholic beverages.

This exclusive guided experience is a truly unique opportunity to learn about the world-renowned kiwi hatchery conservation program. You are invited to step ‘behind the glass’ for an immersive experience to join the hatchery team in a staff-only area to learn about the incubation and chick rearing techniques from global experts. Learn all about New Zealand’s intriguing national icon and the efforts of the kiwi husbandry team, see and discover what it takes to hatch and rare chicks, and if you’re lucky, see baby chicks in person! Afterwards, take more time to learn in the interactive kiwi burrow and see adult kiwi roam and forage in our purpose-built Nocturnal house.

Heading north you follow the Waikato River towards Auckland City. Auckland City is New Zealand’s largest, with a population of around 1.5 million people (about one third of the national population), spread over approximately 60 square kilometres. There is somewhere for every visitor to feel comfortable and right at home as each suburb has its own unique style and atmosphere, from the vibrant and trendy fashion and cuisine found on Ponsonby and Parnell Roads to the breathtaking native bush and beaches of the West Coast. One of the worlds great cities Auckland is full of life and opportunities to explore are endless.

Telling the story of gardens through themed collections, Hamilton Gardens explores different civilizations, and recreates historically important garden styles from all over the world. You will be guided on a journey of discovery along paths delivering mysterious surprises. From a peaceful Sung Dynasty Chinese Scholar’s garden to an Italian Renaissance garden, there are 21 themed garden areas with more being developed. Hamilton Gardens is not a botanical garden. Instead, it’s a unique and internationally recognised concept that has been compared to a museum. Each garden collection has historic integrity and provides a window into the story of civilizations, their arts, beliefs and life styles.

Indulge in a unique cruise on Lake Rotoiti aboard The Airstream Project, a bespoke, hand-built vessel that draws inspiration from classic trailers and vintage aircraft. This isn’t just a boat; it’s a floating work of art designed to connect you intimately with your surroundings. Glide effortlessly into hidden geothermal bays, wade into warm sand beaches, and peer into historic Māori caves carved into the cliffs. Enjoy complimentary morning tea as you take in a spectacular, unhurried journey through New Zealand’s natural beauty.