Jason L.'s
Best DOC Free Campsites, Rotorua
- 13This is a super-special campsite. The joy of DOC camp sites are their remoteness, and Te Rata Bay does not disappoint. Accessible only by boat or a hike along the Tarawera Trail, you’ll find 30 campsites and basic facilities. Make sure you book and you’ll have a prime spot for exploring the lake and also the hot spots in the bay fed by a hot stream.
- 24Lake OkarekaLake OkarekaThere is a is a well-equipped DOC campsite located off Millar Rd close to the Okareka township. But booking is suggested as it fills up fast as there are only 13 sites. The site is beautiful and Lake Okareka will not disapoint. Go kayaking or fishing, swimming at Boyes Beach or bush walking. Also the Blue and Green lakes are not far and are definitely worth a trip too.
- 31Rerewhakaaitu Ash Pit Road DOC campsiteRerewhakaaituA quaint, cute spot amongst leafy trees and green grass on the lakes edge. A great spot for watersports, bird-watching, swimming and fishing.
- 41Lake Tarawera Outlet DOC CampsiteLake TaraweraAnother DOC campsite on the shores of Lake Tarawera. This one is more picturesque than Te Rata Bay and gives a great perspective of the lake and the foreboding extinct volcano of Mt Tarawera. Great walking tracks all around. Access is from Kawerau and make sure you check the DOC website to see if you need a permit and to book.
Jason L.'s
Best Waterholes / Swiming Holes, Rotorua
- 13Hike or take a boat from Rotorua to this amazing spot on Lake Tarawera and swim in this unique hot bay all year round. The lake is fed by a small hot stream and you can find hot spots in the lake. Relax and enjoy the pristine surrounds while soaking in hot water at the lake edge. One of my favourite spots in Rotorua.
- 21Kaimai WaterholeLower KaimaiThis is a rather difficult spot to find, but those are always the best ones! Located close to the McLaren Falls in the Kaimai Ranges about 50mins from Rotorua, the mission is worth it. This is a well-hidden spot and the swimming is great, surrounded by natural bush and high rock cliffs.
- 34Kerosene CreekWaiotapuThis place is one of Rotorua’s best little hidden gems. It’s totally free, and yes it’s still hidden (down an extremely pot-holed gravel road), but unfortunately it’s no as secret as it used to be, but if you’re lucky you can score the hot swimming hole to yourself. This creek is thermally heated and the locals have been swimming in the pool below the waterfall for years.
- 42The Bridge (aka The Secret Spot)WaiotapuAnother hot pool in the Rotorua-Taupo area. Not as great as Kerosene Creek in my opinion, but still amazing little find. Definitely worth a visit.
- 53Waitangi Soda SpringsRotoehuThe biggest draw card of this swimming hole is it’s mineral waters and also it’s low-key, undeveloped charm. Owned by the local Maori it was once by invite only and had no changing facilities. Now it is run by the local tribe who charge a small fee for entry and have tidied the place up and put in some changing rooms. A great spot surrounded by lush farmland.
Jason L.'s
Best Waterfall Bush Walks, Rotorua
- 12Tarawera FallsTaraweraIn my opinion this is one of the most impressive waterfalls in New Zealand. You need to be prepared and get a permit to visit the site as access is via forestry roads. For more info check out the DOC website.
- 21Okere FallsOkere FallsOkere Falls is best-known for being an adventure sports spot where you can try your hand at white water rafting, kayaking or sledging; but it is also a great bush walk. The main walk is easy and follows the river taking in multiple small falls, finishing at the trout pools, a popular fishing spot. There are also a few other highlights in the area such as the old power station, Tutea’s Cave and Hinemoa’s Steps. Also, don’t forget to grab a coffee and treat at the famed Okere Falls Store and Cafe; one of my favourite Rotorua spots.
- 32The Whataroa Falls are a bit of a hike (2 hours return) along the Otanewainuku walking tracks, but are totally worth it. The walk itself is stunning taking in native bush, Mt Otanewainuku and of course the falls, and also the pool at the base of the falls is a popular swimming hole.
- 41Wairere Te Wairoa FallsLake TaraweraThis is a cute horsetail waterfall located within the grounds of the Buried Village. If you’re not familiar with the Buried Village it is well worth a visit, it is a reclaimed archaeological site of a Maori village buried in the Mt Tarawera eruption. Such a sacred, beautiful site.
- 51Kakahi FallsRotorua CentralThis is an amazing site that is sacred to the Maori and has been a special place local tribes. Now managed by the Hell’s Gate geothermal complex, you need to pay to enter Hell’s Gate, but if you haven’t been before the entire complex is breathtaking. Kakahi itself is rather unique, being the largest hot waterfall in the Southern Hemisphere.
Jason L.'s
Best Hot Pools, Rotorua
- 119Polynesian SpaRotorua CentralNo day out in Rotorua is complete with a dip in some hot springs… and Polynesian Spa is a must do. Relax in natural hot water spas forged into the shore overlooking the volcanic arm of Lake Rotorua. You may even want to shell out extra for a private spa, massage or mud treatment.
- 23Blue BathsRotorua CentralThe Blue Baths are a must while in Rotorua. I remember walking past as a kid and wondering what it was like inside the run-down, boarded-up building. Well, now, years later after a world-class restoration the art deco building and baths have been returned to their former glory. Also in the style of the 30s they offer not only a bathing experience but also cabaret, music and fine-dining.
- 34Kerosene CreekWaiotapuThis place is one of Rotorua’s best little hidden gems. It’s totally free, and yes it’s still hidden (down an extremely pot-holed gravel road), but unfortunately it’s no as secret as it used to be, but if you’re lucky you can score the hot swimming hole to yourself. This creek is thermally heated and the locals have been swimming in the pool below the waterfall for years.
- 41Waikite Valley Thermal PoolWaikiteSet in a beautiful valley these pools are well located between Rotorua and Taupo, clean and spacious. There is a large pool and lots of small spas for soaking. More family-friendly than say Polynesian Spa or the Blue Baths. A must do when in Rotorua.
- 51Manupirua Hot SpringsRotoitiThe joy of these hot pools is that they are only accessible by boat. Go on an adventure and discover this secluded location on the shores of Lake Rotoiti outside of Rotorua.
Jason L.'s
Christmas Lunch & Dinner, Rotorua
- 15Skyline SkyridesFairy SpringsMost people can’t fathom going out for Christmas lunch, for them it’s a family thing, but for many in Rotorua —a buzzing tourist city— many visitors want to go out and enjoy the festival day while away from their homes. So, it makes sense that Rotorua’s most popular tourist attraction is also the city’s most popular destination for Christmas Lunch. Skyline offer a HUGE Christ buffet lunch or dinner AND to make things even better the luges are running to keep the kids entertained. Get in quick, it fills up fast.
- 24Mokoia RestaurantHoldens BayMokoia also offer Christmas Lunch, and if the buffet at Skyline is not your thing, this is the more premium and refined option for the festive day. Checkout their Kiwi style Xmas lunch set menu, it is to die for!
- 33Lakeland Queen CruisesRotorua CentralLakeland Queen’s Christmas Lunch cruise books up super-fast! If you’ve missed out this year, well then make sure you book in advance next year! Lakeland Queen is the perfect option for Christmas day; cruise on this historical ship on Lake Rotorua while enjoying delicious food.
- 43Aorangi PeakWestern HeightsBy far the BEST Christmas Lunch in Rotorua, teamed with Rotorua’s best views. Right, I’m just going to let the food speak for itself… Crayfish and Bouquet salad topped with Caviar, Honey glazed Ham, Stuffed Turkey with Cranberry and Sage, Roasted Scotch Fillet with Truffe… need I say more? Well, yes… there is also a buffet option! Everyone loves a buffet, especially on Christmas Day, the one day it’s OK to eat ‘til you burst!
- 55Cobb & Co RotoruaRotorua CentralThe perfect family-friendly option for Christmas Lunch. They offer an affordable set menu specifically designed for Christmas. Everyone loves Cobb & Co!
Jason L.'s
Best Dairies & Convenience Stores, Rotorua
- 11Diane DairyRotorua CentralA great central dairy that opens from 6.30am to 9pm everyday. It’s always filled with tourists or local workers grabbing their daily needs. They have a great selection of lollies! and not just the regulars, you can find some interesting imports and some more gourmet locally made items. The owner Mr. Singh is also super friendly and has had Diane for over 10 years!
- 23The Library StoreRotorua CentralI’m putting this place on the Best Dairies list as an option that is a bit different. Located in the Rotorua Library building the aptly titled Library Store offers gourmet and locally-produced everyday items, deli products as well as light food and amazing espresso coffee. This is definitely a "hipster dairy" not your usual corner store!
- 31Cosmos SuperetteRotorua CentralSecretly, I like popping into Cosmos so I can practice the few Korean phrases I learnt while living in Seoul, but also they usually have whatever I need. The owner moved to Rotorua with his family over a decade ago. This place is located conveniently on the Fenton Street strip, and because of its location down from the information centre and multiple backpackers it is well-stocked with convenience items and have an international vibe.
- 41Sunset Pricecutter SuperetteRotorua CentralLook, I’ll be honest, I’ve only been in here once and it was to quickly grab some water. I do remember the owner was super-friendly, so that scored points… but why this place has made my Best Dairies list is because of the awesome tongue-in-cheek mural of Apu, the Indian convenience store owner from The Simpsons. I always start LOLing every time I drive past.
- 51Rotorua MartRotorua CentralAnother Korean-owned diary. I love this one because they have a lot of Korean food and snacks… they also have a huge selection of beer and wine, which is oh-so convenient!