NEW ZEALAND ROAD TRIP GUIDE
Arriving in Rotorua, you are likely to be greeted by one of its most famous natural attractions – the smell of sulphur. Don’t let that deter you though, Rotorua is known for its geothermal activity, natural hot springs and geysers not to mention its lakes, forests, Māori culture and adrenaline-pumping experiences. With so much on offer, it’s easy to be overwhelmed. To help with your plans and ease the strain on your bank account, here are 5 free things to do in Rotorua.
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WHAKAREWAREWA FOREST (THE REDWOODS)
The Whakarewarewa Forest, also known as The Redwoods, is 55,000 ha of lush forest, towering California Redwoods and a maze of walking, mountain biking and horse-riding trails. From the Visitors Information Centre on Longmile Road, you can choose between 5 free walking tracks of varying lengths and difficulties. We completed the Quarry Lookout Track (the Green Track), which was mostly flat with a few stair sections on the detour to the lookout.
The Redwoods is only a 10-minute drive from town, a 20-minute bike ride or a 1-hour walk. You can also catch the Cityride bus from the centre of town.
LAKE TIKITAPU (BLUE LAKE)
Next to the Whakarewarewa Forest is Lake Tikitapu, also known as the Blue Lake. The lake has picnic and beach areas and is popular for swimming, water sports and fishing. There is also a 5.5 km (3.4 mi) walking track that circles the lake and takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete. Next to Lake Tikitapu is Lake Rotokakahi, also known as the Green Lake. This lake is sacred to the Māori and privately owned by the local tribe therefore, no public access is permitted. There is a lookout between the two lakes, where you can see their contrasting colours.
KUIRAU PARK
There are many geothermal pools and hot springs in Rotorua. A lot of these have an entry fee or operate as day spas. Kuirau Park is a free public park located in town, an easy walk from the city centre. Immersed in the famous sulphuric odour, you will stroll past hot springs and mud pools, check out the large Crater Lake and relax at the free thermal foot bath. The park also has playgrounds, picnic areas, BBQ facilities, public toilets and a farmer’s market every Saturday morning.
LAKE ROTORUA
Rotorua was named after the lake where the city is located – Te Rotorua nui ā Kahumatamomoe or Lake Rotorua. Lake Rotorua is the second-largest lake on the North Island. It was formed around 200,000 years ago due to a volcanic eruption that created the caldera, which has since filled with water. Nowadays, the lake is used as a trout fishery and recreation area. Head to the Rotorua Lakefront to enjoy the beautiful scenery, parklands and boardwalk or take a drive around the lake, stopping to enjoy the many vista points and lakeside reserves along the way.
GOVERNMENT GARDENS
Also on the lakefront, a short walk from the city centre, are the Government Gardens. In the late 1800s, the local Māori gifted 50 acres of land to the Crown for the benefit of the people of the world. This area, rich in geothermal activity, was quickly turned into a destination for therapeutic spas. In the early 1900s, the Tudor-style bath house was built, followed by the Mediterranean-style Blue Baths. Take a stroll through the gardens to admire these buildings, bubbling hot springs, Māori art, rose gardens and more.
PLANNING A TRIP TO NEW ZEALAND
Check out our 2-Week Road Trip Itinerary for more things to do on New Zealand’s North Island.
OUR GOOGLE MAPS
When planning our travel destinations, we pin our bucket list of sites to see and recommended places to eat and drink on Google Maps. We are then never lost for ideas when travelling, and can easily share these lists for our friends and family to use too.
Click here to see our Google Maps for 5 Free Things To Do in Rotorua.
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