A Winter Getaway To Rotorua | New Zealand

Ahhh, Rotorua, a thermal wonderland full of glorious lakes. You truly are a sight for sore eyes! We spent a long weekend at the north end of Lake Rotorua, nestled amongst the rolling hills of Hamurana. Here are a few must do’s in the area if you are planning a visit 🙂

Redwoods, Whakarewarewa Forest

Home to many native plant species and the majestic Californian Redwoods, Rotorua’s Whakarewarewa Forest boasts 5600ha of trails for casual walkers, hikers, mountain bikers and horse riding. If heights are your thing, there is even an elevated ‘tree walk’ made up of 20 metre high suspension bridges. So whether you have the whole afternoon to walk off lunch, or time for just a quick morning stroll, definitely pop in, you won’t regret it 🙂

Polynesian Spa

Needing no introduction, the Polynesian Spa is a cult favourite amongst locals and tourists alike. Fancy a soak in some geothermal bathing pools? Look no further! A perfect winter (and year round) activity, pick between the family, pavilion (adult only) and private pools, or step it up a notch with spa retreat options. There is nothing quite like simmering in hot pools on a cold, rainy day. Absolute bliss!

Hamurana

We stayed on a beautiful property set amongst a stream and native bush, with Lake Rotorua to the south, looking out to Mokoia Island. A few hundred metres away is Hamurana Springs, a beautiful nature reserve with crystal clear, turquoise water. Unfortunately it is no longer free to enter, unlike the good ol’ days where we’d fill up a bottle of fresh spring water to go!

Okere Falls

Just a 10 minute drive east from Hamurana is Okere Falls Scenic Reserve, home to a well formed bush walk overlooking Okere River and its mini waterfalls. We were lucky to encounter a white water rafting group at the lookout points, and unintentionally followed their photographer along the track for the best shots 😀

The sign posted track is 1.2km (30 minutes) one way, with the option to return via the ridge track

Skyline Gondola & Stratosfare Restaurant

It doesn’t need to be said, but the luge at Skyline Rotorua is of course a must do! As the weather didn’t pan out the few days we were there, we decided to test out the buffet restaurant instead, which has both a family friendly and sophisticated vibe. The restaurant has a great selection of New Zealand roast meats, and the favourite for me, a killer butter chicken curry mmm! Taking a later sitting, we enjoyed the view of shimmering night lights as the restaurant quieted down for our last night in Rotovegas.

In my opinion, the Skyline Rotorua luge is better than Queenstown as the track is longer with more exciting bumps and turns 🙂

For the next wee while, this blog will focus on New Zealand destinations for obvious reasons. We honestly feel so lucky to be able to get out in our own backyard safely and cannot wait for the weather to warm for some springtime adventures!