Having been at various states of lockdown in New Zealand for most of 2020, it’s great to finally be back to Level One with the freedom to get out and about, exploring the awesome destinations across the country.

Everyone knows that Rotorua is one of the best hotspots around so we decided to pick our favourite 5 things for you to do during your next post-lockdown getaway here!

Relax at Hells Gate – Thermal Hotpools

A holiday really isn’t a holiday without some good old fashioned R&R. There’s no better pampering to be found in Rotorua than at Hells Gate. They’ve just finished renovations and is looking modern and great. It’s a fantastic place to soak in the thermal landscapes and relax in to forget about everything in the outside world (even better given the times). Their geothermal pools are especially unique and special and are perfect for relieving those tired muscles as well as any lingering aches and pains. Bliss redefined.

Absolute great combo with the Kaituna rafting trip!!

Adventure and excitement with Kaituna Cascades

If it’s a wet and rainy day and your stuck for ideas and craving a bit of adventure and excitement – then you simply have to come join us at Kaituna Cascades for a rafting experience like no other. Our Grade 5 white water rafting adventure will take you on a 50 minute journey that includes 14 epic rapids and a drop down the highest rafted waterfall in the world – the 7m Tutea Falls. The river comes from the big lakes in Rotorua and is dam controlled, so the flow won’t change much even after some good rain…No previous experience is required as our fantastic and knowledgeable guides will show you the way so you can focus on having fun. We’re not only the #1 rafting company in Rotorua – we’re the #1 rafting company in New Zealand so get in touch with us today!

Explore the Redwoods of Whakarewarewa

Rotorua isn’t short of amazing natural attractions and another of our favourites are the mighty Redwoods of Whakarewarewa. It’s a 5,000-hectare forest with some great walking trails that you can take in at your leisure. They also have the amazing Redwoods Tree walk – an award-winning attraction made up of a series of 28 suspension bridges that’ll make you feel like a bird high up in the branches. If you go in the evening, you’ll be able to experience the magic of the nightlights that hang from high and illuminate the spaces around you beautifully.

See the extraordinary sights at Wai-O-Tapu

Rotorua’s geothermal attractions are some of the most spectacular of any to be seen in New Zealand and Wai-O-Tapu is an absolute wonderland filled with them. The Champagne Pool with its steaming waters and luminous shades of bronze and turquoise is incredible and is one of the most photographed spots in the country. The geysers and bubbling mud pools too are equally impressive. You won’t see sights like this anywhere else.

AND….. there are always free treats to be found

If you have a mountain bike – then there are hundreds of kilometers of world class trails just 5 minutes from downtown – ride or drive to the Whakarewarewa forest and enjoy… (if you don’t have a bike then Planet bike will have all you need)

Disc Golf ( Golf with special frisbees..)

One of the fastest growing sports in the world and free and fun for all to play. The 18 holed course is located a few minutes outside Rotorua city in the scion research forest and is a great way to kill a coupe hours. Search Rotorua disc gold and all will be easy to follow.

Hiring vehicles & Campers

As you can see, there are some awesome things to do in Rotorua to make your post-lockdown getaway a memorable one. Whether you’re driving from a nearby city or flying in and picking up a rental car in Auckland or hiring a car in Wellington, Rotorua is a fantastic destination to explore to get a little bit of everything.