Summer holiday in Rotorua New Zealand
Here’s a detailed guide for your summer holiday in Rotorua, including accommodations, dining, and sample itineraries:
Accommodations
Luxury Options
- Solitaire Lodge
- Stunning lakeside retreat on Lake Tarawera. Ideal for privacy and indulgence.
- Offers gourmet dining and private hot tubs.
- Pullman Rotorua
- Modern 5-star hotel in the city center, perfect for exploring.
- Offers premium amenities and lake views.
Mid-Range Stays
- Novotel Rotorua Lakeside
- Located near Lake Rotorua, with geothermal mineral pools and excellent dining.
- Holiday Inn Rotorua
- Family-friendly, with a pool heated by geothermal energy. Close to Whakarewarewa Forest.
Budget-Friendly Choices
- YHA Rotorua Hostel
- Affordable, clean, and centrally located for backpackers and solo travelers.
- Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park
- Offers cabins, campsites, and access to natural hot pools.
Dining Recommendations
Maori Cuisine
- Te Puia Hangi Buffet: Enjoy a traditional Maori feast while watching cultural performances.
- Mitai Maori Village: Experience authentic hangi meals with an immersive cultural show.
Casual Eats
- Eat Streat
- A vibrant dining hub with options like Indian Star, BREW Craft Beer Pub, and Atticus Finch.
- Capers Epicurean
- Great for breakfast or lunch, with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Fine Dining
- The Landing Café (Lake Tarawera)
- Combines gourmet meals with breathtaking lake views.
- Aorangi Peak Restaurant
- Elevated dining with panoramic views of Rotorua.
Sample Itineraries
Day 1: Geothermal Wonders & Maori Culture
- Morning: Visit Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland to see the Champagne Pool and Lady Knox Geyser.
- Afternoon: Explore Te Puia and witness the Pohutu Geyser.
- Evening: Attend a Tamaki Maori Village dinner and cultural show.
Day 2: Adventure & Relaxation
- Morning: Go mountain biking or hiking in the Redwoods Forest.
- Afternoon: Take a gondola ride and luge at Skyline Rotorua, then relax at the Polynesian Spa.
- Evening: Dine at Eat Streat.
Day 3: Lakes & Water Adventures
- Morning: Kayak on Lake Tarawera, or take a boat cruise to Hot Water Beach.
- Afternoon: Swim or picnic at Blue Lake (Tikikapu).
- Evening: Enjoy a quiet dinner at The Landing Café.
Family or Group Activities
- Velocity Valley Adventure Park: Bungy jumping, jet boating, or the zorb.
- Paradise Valley Springs: Wildlife park with lions, trout, and native birds.
- Rotorua Canopy Tours: Ziplining through native forest.
