Holiday Destinations

holidaydestinations

Kia Ora. WELCOME TO ROTORUA NEW ZEALAND

A couple of weeks ago I decided that we needed a weekend away, so we headed off for Rotorua, my birth place, but a place full of natural wonders and excitement, along with awesome food.

We arrived late Friday night and I booked us in at the Holiday Inn, which overlooked the back of Whakarewarewa. It was great to wake up with all the steam and bubbles.

The next day we were up and had the most amazing breakfast at Capers of Rotorua. If you are after a hearty healthy breakfast, this is the place to eat and their healthy slices are so good!!

First stop of the day was Orakei Korako “The Hidden Valley” which is about 45 minutes out of Rotorua. Orakei Korako boasts the most active geysers of any geothermal park in New Zealand. Up to 23 active natural geysers play freely through the area, which is constantly changing. Marvel at the number of boiling hot springs and the vibrant colours all around you, or take a native bushwalk through this untouched geothermal paradise.

Then we headed to Taupo for a quick drive and a look around Huka Falls and the lake before heading back to Rotorua just in time for the attraction I had been waiting to see. We arrived just on 5.00pm as the sun was setting and the beautiful lights were coming on.

We were at the Redwoods Treewalk and it is the most amazing walk through these massive trees I have ever done. It is all done by swing bridge from tree to tree with big platforms. Everything was made and designed in Germany by a local resident in Rotorua who wanted to share his love of these amazing trees. At night time, the forest comes alive with 30 lanterns and feature lights – it is so cool!

The next morning, we once again had a yummy breakfast at Capers and then headed for the Redwoods to do the Treewalk in the daylight – and it gives you again a different perspective on being amongst these trees, which are over 116 years old, and the amazing forest floor below.

So, if you are after a great weekend away with awesome fun things to see and do, Rotorua is it!

Helen Baxter • Air New Zealand Travel Broker 021 684 770 • Hibiscus Coast