Rotorua is known for its geothermal activity (and associated sulphuric smell) as well as Maori culture. On the drive to our hotel, we stopped for the daytime Redwood Treewalk in the Whakarewarewa Forest. The treewalk is a 700-meters walkway made up of 28 suspension bridges between 27 majestic redwood trees. The bridges are generally 9 to 12 meters high with the a few platforms up to 20 meters above ground.
The treewalk was equally as impressive at night. There was a long line for the evening walk but it was definitely worth the wait.
We attended a haka and hangi at Tawaki Maori Village. We were picked up at our apartment on King Street and driven to the Village. We learned about Maori culture, watched a performance and ate. It was interesting but a little touristy.
The Polynesian Spa is famous for its mineral waters. The acidic water from the Priest Springs is said to restore tired muscles, aches and pains, while the alkaline waters of the Rachel Springs are good for the skin. It was quiet the day we visited. We heard the pools can be very busy when cruise ships are in town.
There is a cat cafe in town. Kaley and Ian enjoyed playing with more than twenty cats and kittens for a few hours. Sunshine sat outside and enjoyed a flat white and talked with a father (who is also allergic to cats).
Rotorua has a pedestrian “Eat Street” lined with restaurants. We got the last table at Atticus Finch one night. The menu was fun and the food good. Kaley got a chuckle because the restaurant next door was called Macs (Ms Mac was her high school English teacher and advisor).
We went on a short walk to Blue Lake. It is adjacent to Green Lake and the best way to see the contrast in colors is from the sky. (We did not take a helicopter ride.) It was super hot so we cut our hike short after a quick dip in the water.
The lodge owner recommended the canopy tour as a fun and different way to see native forest. We agree. We moved through a network of ziplines, suspension bridges and tree platforms while learning about the forest. This was the first time Ian zip lined and it had been years for Sunshine. The company also does conservation work to reduce pest and increase natural wildlife, plants and fauna.
