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Home
Thermal Pools
Swimming Options
Soak Package
Private Hot Pools
Prices and Combos
Book Online
Campground
Accommodation Options
Prices and Combos
Campground Booking
Eco-Trail
Te Manaroa Spring Eco - Trail
Snack Café
Botanical Information
Microbiology and Geochemistry of Waikite Valley
Gift Vouchers
Area Info
Blog
Things to do
Health and Safety
Rules
Terms and Conditions
Sustainability
Environmental Performance Policy
Projects - Community
Waikite Valley Wetland Reserve
Conservation Credits
Native Planting
About
About Us
Image Gallery
Employment
Mineral Information
Contact Us
General Enquiry
Location
Book Now
A Family Weekend in Rotorua Itinerary
Friday
Once you arrive in Rotorua and check into your accommodation (check out our
blog on our favourite family friendly accommodation
options), it’ time to get out and explore!
Redwoods Treewalk
The
Redwoods Treewalk
has become an iconic must-do activity, and the Nightlights after dark are simply spectacular. Traverse among the treetops from platform to platform on a series of bridges suspended from the trees.
Saturday
Mountain Biking in the Redwoods
Whakarewarewa Forest, also known at the Redwoods, is a dream for mountain bikers, with trails for every experience and fitness level. The best place to start for a family friendly ride is Waipa Car Park. If you don’t have your own bikes, you can hire them here. There is a Kid’s Loop, which is a good starting point and from there you can branch off to other trails, they are all graded for difficulty and well sign posted with a number of map boards through the forest.
There’s also the new
Whakarewarewa Forest Loop
. This is a big one, the whole loop is 30km, but you can ride smaller sections of it.
Secret Spot
Secret Spot
is based at Waipa car park and is a lovely spot to grab a coffee (or a beer/wine) and some food to recharge after your ride.
Rainbow Mountain Crater Lake
While the walk to the summit of Rainbow Mountain might be a bit much to ask after a morning on bikes, the short walk to the crater lake lookout is definitely worth the stop off.
Waikite Valley Thermal Pools
Then, after all that exercise, you’ll have earnt a well deserved relax. Waikite Valley Thermal Pools is a great option for families, there are a variety of different bathing options including the family favourite Settlers Pool (there’s a loped shallow area for little ones too), and a number of passive bathing pools in tranquil natural surroundings overlooking the valley. Our water comes directly from a geothermal spring, Te Manaroa, and you can walk up to the spring, and watch the water cool as it flows over the cascades into the
pool complex
. Grab a big bowl of fries to share.
Check out the blog on family friendly places to eat.
https://www.hotpools.co.nz/x,967,5684,3016/where-to-eat-family-guide-to-rotorua.html
Sunday
Te Puia
Rotorua is known for geothermal activity and a deep history of Māori culture and Te Puia is a great way to see both in action. The best way to experience Te Puia is with one of their guides, and make sure you get the chance to see the Pōhutu Geyser in action.
They even have a kiwi enclosure where you can see New Zealand’s favourite feathered friends during the day.
https://www.tepuia.com/
Rotorua Lakefront Playground
The Rotorua Lakefront has undergone a huge redevelopment and there’s now a brand new boardwalk along the lakefront, and the most epic children’s playground. Future developments will include places to eat and drink.
https://www.rotoruanz.com/things-to-do/public-places-spaces/rotorua-lakefront
Lady Janes Ice Cream
No trip to Rotorua is complete without a visit to Lady Janes Ice Cream, just a quick stroll across the Village Green from the Lakefront Playground. They have all the flavours, sauces and toppings you can imagine, as well as waffles, and milkshakes.
https://www.rotoruanz.com/eat-drink/cafes/lady-janes-ice-cream-parlour
Monday
If you’re lucky enough to have a long weekend to spend here in Rotorua, there’s plenty of natural attractions to discover.
Lake Okareka
Lake Okareka is a little quieter than it’s neighbours Tikitapu (Blue Lake) and Lake Tarawera. Boyes beach has a sandy beach and the shallow water is a great spot for a beach day and swims with the kids, or bring the kayaks or stand up paddle boards and cruise around to discover caves and even glow worms. If you want to stretch your legs, the Lake Okareka Walkway is a flat, walk easy to navigate with a pushchair or for little legs. It’s 2.5km one way, with a few spots along the way to stop and take in the views or watch the bird life. Take your togs, there’s a secluded spot for a swim at the end of the trail.
https://www.rotoruanz.com/things-to-do/fishing/lake-okareka
Okere Falls
A 20 minute drive from Rotorua will take you to Okere Falls on the Kaituna River. There’s a beautiful short walk along the river, where you can watch rafters and kayakers take the plunge over the 7m Tutea Falls. Don’t miss the caves just down from the waterfall lookout, a neat little feature that the kids will love!
The Okere Falls Store is a unique spot for a coffee or some lunch before heading back into town. This eco-friendly café and general store has a large garden, and even composting toilets.
https://okerefallsstore.co.nz/
All 10 Best Rotorua Experiences for Gifting Under $100
BOOK NOW
BOOK NOW