DESTINATION

With tulips and cherry blossoms in bloom and gorgeous wee lambs bouncing around in the paddocks, it’s clear that springtime is in full swing. Why not head to the North Island to celebrate the new season? While there is so much do to in centrally located Rotorua alone, if you want to explore other areas as well, here’s how to include Rotorua for a micro-adventure. What’s a micro-adventure, you ask? It’s a short two- or three-night getaway, perfect for a change of scenery and to shake off the winter blues by doing something new, romantic, exhilarating, pampering, or all of the above.

Nothing says renew and invigorate like a bit of pampering. Polynesian Spa’s 28 lakeside hot pools and soothing treatments at Retreat Day Spa are just what the doctor ordered. The spa’s mineral waters are sourced from two natural hot springs: one provides slightly acidic water, perfect for relieving tired muscles, aches and pains, while the alkaline pools nourish your skin. Of course, you can take advantage of it all, plus take a dip into the cold plunge pool for a rejuvenating hotcold therapy.

The Ultimate Tour with Rotorua Canopy Tours is an absolute must-do. Voted TripAdvisor’s #11 experience on the planet, and this year named #1 Nature Activity in the world, this incredible 3.5-hour eco-adventure involves six ziplines, a 50-metre-high cliff walk, suspended swing bridges, an 18-metre-high controlled descent, and amazing guides who take you through a protected ancient forest. Besides having an incredible time in nature, you can feel great knowing that proceeds from your ticket go back into making this forest predator-free.

Te Puia is an amazing place, offering an authentic, highly personalised way to learn about our Māori culture and the geothermal landscape that has been drawing visitors since the 1800s. Most Kiwis know this is the home of the largest active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere, Pōhutu, but not everyone knows about the unique Geyser by Night tour which takes torch-wielding visitors through the reserve to learn about this incredible valley and the early Māori inhabitants who lived here prior to European settlement.

Rotorua is a great place to spoil yourself with speciality and bespoke experiences by land, air, and water. If you’re keen to explore new frontiers in mountain biking, HeliBike Rotorua delivers you and your bike via helicopter to remote trails. Volcanic Air helicopter and floatplane tours range from flyovers to landings on the summit of Mount Tarawera. Relax on a private charter eco-sailing experience aboard Pure Cruise’s 53-foot luxury catamaran. Check out MDA Experiences for personalised and personable one-of-a-kind tours and excursions.

If adventure is your middle name, you can easily fill an entire weekend with non-stop, high-energy action in Rotorua, but one experience that’ll absolutely get the heart racing, and should be on every adrenaline junky’s bucket list, is white water rafting the world-famous Kaituna River. The big deal with this one is that after several rapids and two small-ish waterfalls, you and your fellow raft-mates, plus your professional guide, will tackle Tutea Falls, the world’s tallest commercially rafted waterfall at seven metres.

While Skyline Rotorua is famous for its luge rides, it’s also a great place to take your special someone. Making your way to the top of Mount Ngongotahā via the Skyline Gondola is great for setting the mood as Lake Rotorua, the city, and beyond come into view. At the top, head to Volcanic Hills Winery to enjoy a Rotorua-made wine before dining at Skyline’s Stratosfare Restaurant and Bar. Both winery and restaurant take advantage of the views, of course, creating a gorgeous setting to rekindle.

Nestled in the heart of the deep south, Te Anau is blessed with extra long days in the summer. In fact, on the longest day of the year, Te Anau has an extra hour of daylight, with the sun going down an hour later than it does in the north of New Zealand. That means you get more time to explore, discover, relax, and enjoy Te Anau and its surrounding areas. It’s about time for Te Anau Time.

Take a journey into the mysterious underground realm of the Te Anau Glowworm Caves, where you will find hidden networks of limestone passageways as you float in silence beneath the bright shimmer of glowworms. Discover why Fiordland is known for its unique wildlife with a visit to the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary Punanga Manu o Te Anau to see the rare and prehistoric-looking Takahē. Dive beneath the surface of Piopiotahi Milford Sound and be amazed by the hidden treasures lying underwater with Descend Dive.

Discover the tranquil waters of Lake Te Anau on the Faith, a historic motor-sailer, while sipping on champagne with canapes or have some fast-paced fun with Fiordland Jet as you fly down the Waiau River. If you would rather go ‘over’ water than on it, make sure you book a ride with Wings & Water Float Plane. Taking off from Lake Te Anau, you will see why Fiordland National Park is recognised as part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as its remarkable beauty is truly beyond belief.

Te Anau’s the perfect base camp for exploring the area this summer. Get out and explore some of the day hikes or hire an e-bike and head out along the Lake2Lake Cycle Trail that links Te Anau with Manapouri, and cruise along the banks of the scenic Waiau River. Why not jump in the car and explore Milford Road and all the hidden gems tucked in along the journey? Firm favourites are the Key Summit hike and the Lake Gun Nature Walk.

Are you looking for a bit of a vacation or just to go with the flow? Experience a chilled-out holiday in Te Anau where you can both reflect on your holiday experiences and take in the reflection from the crystal-clear waters of Fiordland. Paddleboard along the shore of Lake Te Anau, join Rosco’s for a Kayak Tour beside cliff faces in Piopiotahi Milford Sound or take the camera to Patea Doubtful Sound and get some water reflection photos.

Foodies rejoice as you sample your way through some of the world’s best fare. Fiordland offers a diverse range of dining experiences; whether it’s eating local delicacies like Fiordland venison and crayfish at Fiordland Lodge whilst taking in the picture-perfect lake views, enjoying the Redcliff Café’s live music with a glass of local Central Otago wine or making the most of three hour-long happy hours at The Fat Duck because that’s Te Anau Time!

Adventuring in Te Anau can be tiresome business, so make sure you fit some time in to recharge your batteries and relax. Unwind at Fiordland Cinema with a glass of wine and enjoy an evening screening of Ata Whenua, where you will be transported through Fiordland right from the comfort of your plush seat. Reset with a deep tissue massage or a soak in the hot tub before climbing into bed with views overlooking towering mountaintops and the calm waters of Lake Te Anau.

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