Nicole’s guidebook
Sightseeing
This is a very scenic walk up to a lookout that takes in the surrounding views of lakes, farmland, thermal lakes and native bush. It’s challenging enough that you need to have a reasonable amount of fitness. Some people bike it and for that you would need to be quite fit unless you want to push your bike all the way up. Can be a bit slippery after rain so take care. The views are well worth the climb though. Take a snack to have up the top at one of the picnic tables.
13 personas locales recomiendan
Rainbow Mountain Scenic Reserve
This is a very scenic walk up to a lookout that takes in the surrounding views of lakes, farmland, thermal lakes and native bush. It’s challenging enough that you need to have a reasonable amount of fitness. Some people bike it and for that you would need to be quite fit unless you want to push your bike all the way up. Can be a bit slippery after rain so take care. The views are well worth the climb though. Take a snack to have up the top at one of the picnic tables.
This is a stunning walk both in the daytime and the night time. We suggest going just before dusk. You will get to see the area in the daylight and as you linger on the walk, the sun goes down and the lights come on amongst the trees. Plus you should have missed queuing up for ages to get in as the queues build up once it gets dark.
150 personas locales recomiendan
Redwoods Treewalk
Tarawera RoadThis is a stunning walk both in the daytime and the night time. We suggest going just before dusk. You will get to see the area in the daylight and as you linger on the walk, the sun goes down and the lights come on amongst the trees. Plus you should have missed queuing up for ages to get in as the queues build up once it gets dark.
This is easily our most frequented cafe. We visit sometimes after or during one of our many rides through the redwoods. Buy a drink or snacks at the cafe and you get free use of the shinny dips and they are amazing! You could always take your togs and pay for a hot tub too. Set amongst native bush it really is a beautiful setting for relaxation. The coffee is good too and the caramel slice is devine. Other great food/meal options onsite too. Situated at the main mtb hub.
40 personas locales recomiendan
Secret Spot Hot Tubs Rotorua
13/33 Waipa State Mill RdThis is easily our most frequented cafe. We visit sometimes after or during one of our many rides through the redwoods. Buy a drink or snacks at the cafe and you get free use of the shinny dips and they are amazing! You could always take your togs and pay for a hot tub too. Set amongst native bush it really is a beautiful setting for relaxation. The coffee is good too and the caramel slice is devine. Other great food/meal options onsite too. Situated at the main mtb hub.
Neighbourhoods
This is a friendly and quiet neighbourhood overlooking lake Rotorua. Our home is located on a cul-de-sac so there’s no through traffic. A lovely neighbourhood to walk around with green spaces to enjoy with the kids. Walk up the road and you have lovely views of the lake and surrounds. The local cafe Mistress of Cakes is worth a visit, and there are plenty of takeaway and eateries down at the Redwoods centre.
Lynmore
This is a friendly and quiet neighbourhood overlooking lake Rotorua. Our home is located on a cul-de-sac so there’s no through traffic. A lovely neighbourhood to walk around with green spaces to enjoy with the kids. Walk up the road and you have lovely views of the lake and surrounds. The local cafe Mistress of Cakes is worth a visit, and there are plenty of takeaway and eateries down at the Redwoods centre.
Food scene
This is one of our favourites places to go on Thursday nights. Everyone gets to choose what they want to eat, whether it’s sushi or Chinese, Thai or Mexican, healthy or treaty, there are many yummy options to choose from. I suggest going earlier so you can get a seat and the queues won’t be as long. Some favourites are the Empanadas truck (three cheese and banana/caramel ones are very yummy), dumplings and the sweet stalls selling doughnuts and cheesecakes are pretty hard to pass by.
35 personas locales recomiendan
Rotorua Night Market
1029 Village GreenThis is one of our favourites places to go on Thursday nights. Everyone gets to choose what they want to eat, whether it’s sushi or Chinese, Thai or Mexican, healthy or treaty, there are many yummy options to choose from. I suggest going earlier so you can get a seat and the queues won’t be as long. Some favourites are the Empanadas truck (three cheese and banana/caramel ones are very yummy), dumplings and the sweet stalls selling doughnuts and cheesecakes are pretty hard to pass by.
We love this cafe. It has a great selection of healthy and treat foods and drinks. The pizzas on Friday nights are very delicious! You can eat inside or outside with lots of seating options. Dog friendly outside too with water bowls for your best fur friend. I’d recommend the vegan chocolate and peanut slice.
Eastwood
We love this cafe. It has a great selection of healthy and treat foods and drinks. The pizzas on Friday nights are very delicious! You can eat inside or outside with lots of seating options. Dog friendly outside too with water bowls for your best fur friend. I’d recommend the vegan chocolate and peanut slice.
Sightseeing
This stunning Forest has something for everyone. Four minutes bike ride from the house and you are straight into the easy trails or more challenging trails, it’s up to you. You can enjoy the walks on offer here, or pay to go on the Treetop walk with its beautiful nighttime lighting displays amongst the trees. We recommend going just before dusk and seeing the forest as it goes from day to night. There are a couple of cafes nearby too to get your coffee fix including Eastwoods Cafe down the road. Well worth a visit!
117 personas locales recomiendan
Redwoods – Whakarewarewa Forest
This stunning Forest has something for everyone. Four minutes bike ride from the house and you are straight into the easy trails or more challenging trails, it’s up to you. You can enjoy the walks on offer here, or pay to go on the Treetop walk with its beautiful nighttime lighting displays amongst the trees. We recommend going just before dusk and seeing the forest as it goes from day to night. There are a couple of cafes nearby too to get your coffee fix including Eastwoods Cafe down the road. Well worth a visit!
Consejos para la ciudad
Qué empacar
Outdoor gear
There are so many outdoor activities in Rotorua you don’t want to miss out on. Whether it’s zip lining in Whakarewarewa forest or walking it’s many trails, to mountain biking (there are plenty of places to hires bikes if you didn’t bring your own) or enjoying the many thermal hot pools on offer (Waikite Valley Thermal Pools as an example) you will want to bring sturdy shoes and warm clothing for the winter months and your swim wear for the pools and our spa!