Rotorua, New Zealand

Legend has it, this lake was once cooler. One day, a girl named Kuiarau was bathing and then a taniwha (dragon) dragged her below the lake. Angered, the gods boiled the lake so the taniwha would never return and to this day the lake and the steamy area around it is named after her. You won't miss...

If you're in Rotorua and taking a chill day, definitely check out Sulphur Point in the city centre! A quick and easy walk from the carpark, Sulphur Point is on the Southern end of Lake Rotorua and is a sulfurous area that lies on top of an active geothermal field. Find small mud pools and sulphur...

Geyers and hot springs and silica formations, oh my! Te Puia is the site where you can see these amazing wonders up close (but not too close!), while learning about the location history, Maori culture and scientific details.  Great experience for the adults and kids alike, and the nature walk...

Lake Tikitapu is the smallest of the mountain lakes in the Rotorua area. Take Tarawera Rd about 9 kilometers and you'll run right into it. There is a huge lawn to the right that you can park on if the lot at the shore is full.The beginning of the 5.5 kilometer trail starts on the right hand side ...

Yeah, you heard right. If you don't want to take on the world's largest commercial whitewater rafting waterfall, Tutea Falls (7m), then you can take a nice and easy walk instead! (More info on rafting at the end for the interested adrenaline junkies.) Okere Falls is 20km north of Rotorua, to the ...

If you are on a time crunch and can't do the whole Rainbow Mountain Summit Track, then take 30 minutes (including return) to check out these incredibly beautiful geothermal craters! The carpark will be located literally right off of State Highway 5. Look to the left if you're going south, look ri...

Heading to Taupo or Rotorua? Well be sure to make some time for this incredible tramp right off of SH 5 on your way there! Rainbow Mountain is a well maintained track over geothermal activities with amazing views. Give yourself 2.5 to 3 hours time and you'll be rewarded when you reach the summit....

Located amidst New Zealand's vibrant volcanic zone, this favourite local gem lies approximately 29.5km (25 minutes) South of Rotorua, only a short distance before the renowned Waiotapu Geothermal Wonderland. Driving South towards Lake Taupo Kerosene Creek is situated 2km down gravel forestry trac...

There are two different ends to begin the walk. The one I suggest starts at the Leslie Road Carpark, about 20 mins from Matatmata. Though the entire 5 km track is absolutely stunning, the most popular section, being the Blue Springs, is less than a ten min walk from the lot. The Blue Springs pool...

Wairere Falls is located just ten minutes from Matamata. If you're in the area for the Hobbiton tour definitely make sure to take some time to hike the falls as well. Parking is super easy at the base of the hike and there is a restroom if needed before starting the trek. Allow yourself at least ...

If you're exploring the little city of Mount Maunganui and got a little bit of time on your hand before climbing, well... Mount Maunganui, then take a quick peak to the top of Mount Drury Reserve! Historically, this reserve is famous for its early Maori burial caves. The climb will take an easy 5...

Mount Maunganui sits right on the water in the Bay of Plenty. Half the island rests on the open ocean, where the other half rises out of the bay. Driving in to the town, it's impossible not to see this massive piece of land jutting above the flat town and ocean around it.Once you have found parki...

Mount Maunganui keeps proving that it is an incredibly family-friendly destination with its extremely well maintained path up Mount Maunganui, a massive and easy to access beach with great waves for beginners, all the food you can crave, and a little escape island. Right off the main beach you'll...

The Hobbiton Movie Set is built into the hills of a private farm in Matamata, two hours south of Aukland. You can get your tickets online, in town, or right at the set. Peter Jackson and crew spent many months right here on the farm filming and building the immaculate set for the films.It truly i...

This hike begins in the Spa Thermal Park and there is one clear path to follow. After a couple minutes there is a bridge that crosses over a small section of the lake. This section of the lake is formed by several hot pools and is a great place to swim for a bit. From here the trail continues ...