The thing I love the most about staying here is how huge the rooms are. Apartment style accommodation, right on the water’s edge overlooking the marina. Affordable too.

If you’re a fan of the Art Deco period you’ll love this place. The exterior of the building remains basically unchanged since it was built in 1932. Everything is in Art Deco style, down to the genuine period pieces in the rooms. Prime location overlooking Marine Parade and within walking distance of pretty much everything.

This place has the coolest pool and the view from it is probably one of the best in New Zealand, especially at dusk. The view first thing in the morning having breakfast in the dining area is just as good.

Stayed here both times that I've attended Raggamuffin and loved it. Right next door to the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve so there's literally steaming geysers over the fence. Heated pool and spas and they even have an in-house Cultural Theatre where you can enjoy shows while you dine.

The leading international spa in the country and once voted top ten in the world. 26 hot mineral pools, spa therapies and incredible views of Lake Rotorua. This is the life.

If you're on a budget or just wanting an experience the more commercial resorts around the area can't offer. The private mud baths are popular but just some advice - take an old pair of togs because you'll never get rid of the sulphur smell, a small sacrifice for how rejuvenated you'll feel afterwards.

Good place to take the kids. Surrounding picnic grounds and BBQs make it the perfect spot if you're looking to make a day of it with the family.

New Zealand's original thermal mineral pools and the world's only hot Soda Spa pools. Located on the foothills of Mount Te Aroha and hidden amongst native bush. The hot Soda Water geyser here is pretty cool which you can catch every 40 minutes. At sunset this place is unbeatable.

I'd recommend booking an overnight package and enjoying a weekend of doing sweet nothing! Thermal hot pools, massages and food. Yes please.

For those wanting boutique, high end service but on a budget. Corporate, weddings or parties they can cater for up to 200.

Highly recommended for more intimate gatherings although they can cater for large events also. Amazing menus which can be tailored to suit your occasion. Even offer an in-house dining service for private dinners.

Recipients of 4 National Culinary titles and awarded ‘Most Outstanding Caterer’ at the Halamoana Awards for the past 5 years running, I think their accolades speak for themselves. Can cater for up to 500 guests and are known for their 10-course degustation dinner.

If you’re holding a big event you’d have to go with these guys with no limit on the number of guests they cater for. The fact that they are also a Butchery is an advantage as you can be guaranteed the finest cuts of homegrown beef and lamb.

You can't go wrong with good old fashioned roast meats, salads and breads. Would be perfect for end of year christmas functions and sports club prize givings.

Cliche I know, but everyone has to luge at least once in their life while visiting Rotorua. The corner directly after the ‘Big Dipper’ still haunts me after attempting to go round it far too fast and breaking my arm on an Intermediate school trip. Not the cheapest thing around to do if you’re taking the whole family so make sure you make a day of it.

Phoenix Carpark every Sunday. Whether you’re going to eat or to stock your pantry, you can’t beat a Farmers market if you’re looking for the freshest of the fresh when it comes to fruit and vegetables. A must for all health freaks.

Something for everyone here. Good spot for picnic or just a walk to enjoy the gardens themselves. Also home of Te Parapara - New Zealand’s first traditional Maori garden.

Take the whole family, hire one of their BBQ’s and while the kids go crazy on all the rides you can relax in the sun, or join them. Get there early if you want a good spot.

I'd recommend booking an overnight package and enjoying a weekend of doing sweet nothing! Thermal hot pools, massages and food. Yes please.

3.8km of steep hill and steps, but the view at the top is more than worth it. A work-out and a cool pic for your instagram lol.

Just over 4km. Enjoy views of the ocean, public gardens and local attractions. If you’re feeling up to it you can continue up bluff hill.

Running up and down sand dunes is fun but also one of the toughest forms of training. The resistance of the sand combined with the hill - killer! What better place to train than beautiful Papamoa beach.

Great for cycling. The entire trail is around 100km so unless you’re feeling invincible and have all day, there’s plenty of parking at various points so you can choose where you start and finish.

This drive takes remote to the extreme. Home to the Tuhoe people aka The Children Of The Mist who you’ll most likely come across at some stage, most of them on horseback. The journey through the Uruweras is long, narrow and windy with most of it gravel but the surroundings are amazing.

Probably my least favorite drives length-wise but the scenery and experience can’t be beaten. This area is full of Maori history, with so many small and traditional Maori settlements all along the coast.

Carves it’s way through remote high country where the only significant settlement is the town of Whangamomona which boasts a huge population of 40 people. Mount Taranaki on one side, Tongariro National Park on the other this drive is like taking a trip back in a time machine with constant reminders along the way of the early settlers.

2 and half hour drive which switches between beautiful beaches and forest the entire way. Super windy and narrow in some places but the scenery makes up for that. Most impressive at sunset.

You don’t have to be a surfer to enjoy this drive. Beach on the right and mountains views on the left but the highlight of this trip is the ancient public buildings you pass just after leaving Hawera.