One of the destinations we had already heard about before leaving France, at least for Bastien, because the city represents one of the biggest downhill mountain bike poles on the North Island. We reassure you Rotorua is not only known for its mountain bike trails, it’s also a health resort with multitudes of geothermal events and a city imprinted by Maori culture.

Government gardens

With the free camping parking right next door, that was natural to start our discovery of the places by a walk in the “government gardens“ park. We discovered there the first geothermal events in addition to the, very present, rotten egg odor. After a hundred meters, we face a huge building which imposes as much by its scale as by its atypical architecture, the Rotorua Museum.  Unfortunately, we will not have the chance to visit this one, because it’s closed until further notice in order to answer at anti-seismic new standards.

Maori Buildings

Along the shores of the lake, we headed to the Anglican church surrounded by Maoris buildings. Sacred area, between clouds of vapor, rising from the ground almost everywhere, we can observe the various red wood carvings adorning these constructions framework. Just beside, a bubbling water source gurgling on our passage releasing a humid heat almost pleasant by winter weather.

Kuirau park

Right next to the city center, fans of geothermal activities will have to visit. Kuirau Park is a beautifully landscaped area that provides free and safe access to the countless volcanic activities that run through it. Thus, it is possible to take paths and wood footbridges lined with informative panels on the different phenomena in front of us. Legend Maori around the smoking lake, sound of the bubbling mud bubbles, smelly vapors, there are also basins arranged to soak its feet in the naturally warm water. This gives a good idea of ​​the abundance of these acitivities in the region.

City center

The downtown is not remarkable, there are many shops, including jewelry shops specializing in the carve of jade stone for the making of the traditional Maori jewel the “Pounamu“. There is also a night market every Thursday night from 5 pm, but unfortunately we can not say more about this because of the rain which was there the day we wanted to go, and it was canceled.

Hamurana springs

To the Lake Rotorua north-east, you can take a small path full of charms, going along and crossing the river, where the water birds abound, to reach the deepest source of water on the northern island, Hamurana. The walk takes us along a small pond and then through the giant redwoods undergrowth before unveiling to us the clear water source and its blue bottoms. The spectacle is so peaceful and magnificent that it becomes magical. The colors, the reflections, the green algae wich dance in the current and the environment make it a place not to be missed, for the eyes pleasure .

Unfortunately, we just learned that this site is now charged 18 $* per person, which is very sad and highly excessive.

Okere falls

A small walk along the Kaituna River, renowned for its strong current, it is the delight of kayakers and rafting enthusiasts. The Okere waterfalls are nice to see, the power and color of the water make it a pleasant walk but not truly exceptional. It’s possible to swim there when you know the place well, but it’s strongly discouraged considering the power of the current and the frequent passage of kayaks and boats.

The blue & green lakes

In order to discover the environment around Rotorua, we headed for the blue lake. It gets its name from the sky reflections that sometimes run almost perfectly, but you should not expect blue water. A 2-hour loop walk on the outskirts leads to a lookout where it’s possible to observe the two lakes, blue and green, from the same point of view. It was a nice walk, quiet, easy and pleasant.

Redwoods forest & Te Puia geyser 

Impossible to leave Rotorua without taking one of the many walks of the “red wood” forest or giant sequoia trees. The ocher hue of these majestic trees becomes almost red when a sunlight ray pierces through the thickness of the branches that veil, sometimes entirely, the color of the sky. It’s absolutely gorgeous, and you can choose to take several perfectly marked trails.
We took the yellow path that leads on Te Puia geyser view, this one exploding once an hour so we waited there to witness the show for free with a beautiful view of the whole city in background.

For those wishing to see the geyser explode from its base, it will cost 66 $ * per person to attend the show.

On our return, before taking the road again, we decided to take the memorial trail which remains in the undergrowth of the redwoods forest. A magnificent walk where we feel very small and yet strong, such is the impression that these trees transmit when we stand by their side.

For those who want to push further, a course of 30mn in wood pontoons has been arranged to discover these giants from another point of view. Walking on it during the day, or at night with carved lantern and colorful spotlights starting at 25$ *.

We enjoyed the natural wonders of Rotorua without engaging in tourist and sporting activities. Even though the city itself seemed limited, the surroundings have a lot to offer for sports enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Here we go, at elephant steps !

(* 2017 rates)