Rotorua Self Drive Holiday

Rotorua Museum

Start your day with a visit to the Bath House building, housing the Rotorua Museum and situated in the stately Government Gardens. Learn about the history of the region - including the 1886 Mt Tarewera eruption and aftermath. One result was that surrounding land values dropped to such an extent that the Government had to develop tracts of the province. This gives Rotorua a different character to any other place in New Zealand, and is the reason for the formal planning and lovely gardens that house the Museum.

Rotorua Museum Website

Whakarewarewa - The Thermal Village

Few places in the world allow you to see the past as it really was, but this living Thermal Village strives to show visitors an authentic view of how Maori lived for hundreds of years, co-existing with a capricious geothermal landscape. The cultural insights are shared by descendents of people who lived this way in recent history - a direct line to another way of life. Geysers, pools, thermal walks and real cultural expressions make this an unmissable experience in Rotorua.

Whakarewarewa Website

Skyline Luge, Skyrides and Skyswing

The best view of Rotorua - and the best chance to kick back and make like a kid again - is to be had 487m up Mt Ngongotaha. Take the gondola for a view over Lake Rotorua and then enjoy the 'luge' down - a special three-wheel cart that you can guide around one of three tracks and live out a racecar dream. Be sure to start on the beginners track, as though this may look like child's play, it is deceptively fast.

Skyline Skyrides Website

The Polynesian Spa

Voted a 'top-ten' day spa in the world by Condé Nast Traveller magazine; this spa complex offers the best end to a busy day in Rotorua. Their pools are open until 11 each night, and they offer a range of private, luxurious baths, therapies and treatments all day long. Relax in the mineral waters, with both alkaline and acidic waters available and all with natural heat.

Polynesian Spa Website

Hell's Gate Spa

Travel five minutes east past Rotorua Airport, swing a right and you are a couple of minutes from a 50-acre Geothermal park with spas, geysers and the largest hot-thermal waterfall in the hemisphere. This mixture of the hair-raising and luxurious has made Hell's Gate a must-visit destination. Sites here are of special importance to local Maori for their healing and restorative waters and muds so don't fear - Hell's Gate can be heavenly too.

Hell's Gate Website

Agrodome

New Zealand is one of the world's leading farming nations - and the Agrodome is an attraction that celebrates and helps to show, in a hands-on way, what the country's backbone is made of. Famous for the Sheep Show, you will see live shearing, livestock and lively exhibits telling the story of agriculture today. Just ten minutes north of the CBD this is an all weather must-do.

Agrodome Website

Lakeland Queen Steamboat

Lake Rotorua is the largest of the 16 lakes in the Rotorua region and the Lakeland Queen Steamboat is a fitting vessel for this queenly lake. She was purpose-built locally and recently underwent a full renovation and extension. You can cruise and eat - the Lakeland Queen cruises for breakfast, lunch and dinner - so no matter when you find yourself in Rotorua there is a sailing soon for you.

Lakeland Queen Website

Waimangu Volcanic Valley

20 minutes to the south of Rotorua you will find the site of the submerged Pink and White Terraces. The Waimangu Volcanic Valley is the world's youngest geothermal system. Taking in Lake Rotomahana and set in native bush, this park offers either self-guided eco- walks or a range of tours depending on your time and budget. If you can spare a half-day the tours are recommended. There is even a boat ride that gets you right onto the lake - above perhaps where the terraces sit today, submerged under the ash from Mt Tawarewa's eruption.

Waimangu Website

Trout Fishing on Fifteen Fishable Lakes

Lake Rotorua is just one of 16 lakes in the region, and 15 are fishable. There are rainbow and brown trout to be had, by every method bar TNT! All lakes are accessible by car and most have ample wading or lakeside fishing options. However - to get the best access you may wish to engage one of the many excellent charter services.

Rotorua NZ Website

Walk Mt Tarawera

There are a number of walks maintained by the Department of Conservation around Mt Tarawera, suitable for a mixture of competencies. It is advised to get a guide to take you to the summit. From the 1111m top of this new volcano you will be able to go down the scree-fall to the crater and, from the top, see the peaks of White Island and the Tongariro National Park. Be advised that there may be charges involved to tackle the summit. Visit the Rotorua i-site to get the best advice on the right walks for you.

Rotorua Tourism Website

Mountain Bike Whakarewarewa Forest

Rotorua is home to some of the best MTB action in New Zealand. The Whakarewarewa forest is just minutes from the city and free to access. For those that are not experienced in navigating forest tracks we advise that you book one of the many excellent tours and guides available. The national championships are regularly held here, and with the Canadian Redwoods and lake and mountain views it is a breathtaking adventure mecca.

The Redwoods Website

Ride the Zorb

One of the many unique attractions to come out of New Zealand is the Zorb and you can visit and experience it at its home base. Instead of throwing people off bridges attached to rubber bands we have moved on to rolling them down hills in inflatable see-through balls. The Zorb has to be seen - and tried - to be believed.

The Zorb Website