Filed under: outdoor recreation, spa, top-feature
The Best of Rotorua
Have you ever wanted to roll downhill inside of a plastic ball and then spend the rest of your day in a hot water springs spa? Perhaps not, but that’s just an example of the diversity of activities you can choose from when you visit Rotorua (map), one of the most popular spots in New Zealand. I’m expecting it to be super busy in 2011 as it’s one of the 2011 Rugby World Cup host cities.
A couple of hours drive (or bus ride) from Auckland, people who visit New Zealand invariably end up here, because it’s the one place that nearly everybody you talk to will recommend. There’s just something special about it. Let’s explore the highlights – as the saying goes, there’s something for (almost) everybody.
In Hot Water
Don’t laugh, but Rotorua’s big attraction is hot water – and lots of it! From geysers spurting like a madman, to hot springs that are colors you just do not see every day. You have a few options of places to go:
- Waimangu: (map) This “volcanic valley” is enormous and is its own little eco-sphere, complete with bubbling pools, rain forests, mountains and river streams. Access to the valley starts around $35 and goes up to $200 for a half day guided tour or $300 for a full day guided tour. I recommend the guided tours if you have the budget – well worth it to get some detailed explanation to answer questions like “what is that this color,” or “how did that rock get like that, and even “how the heck did this get here?” Definitely a fun place.
- Te Puia: Similar to above, this attraction combines both hiking and outdoor sightseeing with an emphasis on history of the Maori, the local indigenous people. It is very similar to Whakarewarewa across the street. Since I have been to neither, afraid I cannot comment. However, if you are unfamiliar with Maori culture, I do suggest you choose one to visit – their sites have plenty of pictures, pricing and information, and of course Google can share with you plenty of reviews, good and bad.
- Wai-O-Tapu: Home to one of the most famous geysers of the region, as well as some beautiful hot pools.
Speaking of all this water, if you like kayaking and rafting, there are some serious adventures to be had in the area. That’s not my cup of tea, but just looking at pictures of places like Okere Falls or Tuteas Falls can definitely get the blood pumping. (Thankfully, if you just want to see the action without getting soaked, hiking trails go nearby all of these places.)
Other Outdoor Attractions
Once you’ve had your fill of the geyser scene, there are some other things you might want to check out.
There is the Skyline Luge (map), where you take the gondola up the mountain and zoom down on a little cart type contraption. It’s very similar to the one in Queenstown - and you can still come up to admire the view and take the Gondola back down.
And I’m sure you’ve been wondering about that big plastic ball thing right? That’s Zorbing – you can do it over at the Agrodome (map). Juxtaposed against their exhibitions on the ins and outs of becoming a sheep farmer, they also have a number of frightful adrenaline experiences, such as a free fall or other bungee-like apparatuses. Here’s a shot of the zorb, if you’re curious. Only in New Zealand….
Relax
So, if you’ve taken a spin in one of those plastic balls (pun intended), you might be in desperate need of some time to relax. No worries, Rotorua has you covered. The place to go is the Polynesian Spa (map) – it has won every type of award a spa can get, and then some. What’s really nice about this charmer is not just the fact that it is award winning, but that it understands lots of different types of visitors come to Rotorua. So, you can pick up a family package and spend time in spa areas suitable for kids splashing around. You can get get private pools for a bit of alone time with that someone special. Their website has a number of different packages to suit your style and budget.
Spa treatments are also award-winning and I would say reasonably priced – they aren’t cheap, but certainly good value especially if your home currency is favorable against the New Zealand dollar. And if you arrive and didn’t pack properly for the spa, no worries – the Polynesian allows you to rent everything, from towels to bathing suits (and not charge you outrageously for the privilege).
After a spa treatment and a glass of wine, you’ll be set for the evening. Rotorua doesn’t have much of a nightlife scene to speak of, though you might want to make sure and find yourself a reservation to enjoy a Hangi – this is the Maori traditional dinner, prepared by cooking the food in hot coals in the ground. It’s delicious, and you’ll need it after your busy days in Rotorua.
Photo credit: leosaumrejr, masterman
1 Comment