After days of breathtaking scenery on New Zealand’s North Island, we arrive at Rotorua. There are many reasons we stay for two nights. Here are eight of them:

1. Hobbiton Movie Set

While the Hobbiton Movie Set used for the filming of “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” trilogies is located on the way to Rotorua, it bears mentioning. After all, stepping into the magical world of Middle-earth is perfect preparation for what follows in Rotorua.

Photo Credit: The Road
2. Indigenous Māori history, culture, and cuisine

An introduction to Indigenous Māori history, culture, and cuisine, including their rich traditions, customs, and spiritual beliefs provides an understanding to their renown as world leaders in environmentalism. In 2017, New Zealand’s Whanganui River became the first river in the world to be recognised as a legal person, bringing closure to a court case that stretched over 160 years.

Photo Credit: Ruapehu
3. Whirinaki Forest

“Majestic, primeval, ancient.” These forests are known for their awe-inspiring ancient trees, most notably, the podocarps. You’ll also experience rich biodiversity and birdlife seen nowhere else.

Photo Credit: Neil Hutton on Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne Conservation Park
4. Lake Tarawera

In the mid 19 th century, cascading pools of hot, mineral-rich water flowing from the area’s Pink and white Terraces were a global magnet for those seeking geothermal healing. An 1886 volcano changed the natural terrain forever when it completely devastated this heartland of tourism, burying Māori villages, missionary settlements, and the Terraces under mud and ash. Some of the villages have been excavated and can be viewed on walking tours. Lake Tarawera still features natural geothermal springs and lakeside hot pools.

Photo Credit: Rotorua
5. Whakarewarewa

Explore an authentic living Māori village guided by direct descendants of Māori legacy guides. You’ll see how people live using natural geothermal resources to cook, bathe and heat their homes. Experience the natural wonders of the Geothermal Valley, with its world famous geyser, boiling mud-pools, steam vents and bubbling pools. Take in the historical landmarks and buildings, unique to Māori culture!

Photo Credit: Rotorua
6. Te Pā Tū

A visit to this cultural gem will place you at the heart of Māori culture. In a traditional ceremony, the mystical Ahi Taitai (fire ceremony) will precede your entry into the tawa forest canopy for seasonal food. Winter visitors are gifted with stories about Māori cosmology, ancient concepts linked to the Matariki cluster of stars. In summer, discover stories, rituals, and concepts representing warfare and peace.

Photo Credit: Rotorua
7. Luge Rotorua

If the convoluted, breathtaking scenic roads of the past days, haven’t demanded all of your adrenaline, restore the rush on the longest luge track in the world. You’ll want to purchase multiple tickets for trips down the 7.3 km track, packed with twist and turns.

Photo Credit: Skyline Rotura
8. Lake Rotorua Kayak Tour

A favourite with our riders. If you thought kayaking was peaceful and sedate, think again. The magical evening Kayak Tour will take you deep into small hidden caves, home to galaxies of glow worms. More other-worldly magic awaits outside the caves with evening stargazing.

Photo Credit: TAiAO Adventures

Want to find out more about how to join us on our NZ Mountain to Sea tour? Contact us to learn more.