1. Spa Therapy Options Galore
The mineral-rich geothermal waters and mud throughout Rotorua are revered for their healing properties. There is an abundance of relaxing and rejuvenating spa options to choose from for your special mum. From a relaxing massage, Thai massage, to Maori traditional mirimiri and romiromi treatments. Polynesian Spa and QE Health and Wellness and Spa are geothermal health spas that incorporate volcanic mud and mineral water into their therapies. Go on, book mum a treatment!
2. Eateries Ready to Spoil
Rotorua has become a well-known foodie destination with a global smorgasbord of gastronomical delights. There’s a lot to choose from to ensure mum is truly spoiled. Breakfast with a lakeside view at Atlas Cafe and Restaurant at Novotel, book a Pataka Kai lunch buffet with a difference at Te Puia, afternoon high tea at Dukes Bar and Restaurant at Prince’s Gate, a meal with a bit of glam at The Regent Room at the Regent of Rotorua Boutique Hotel, or share some dishes at Poco Tapas and Wine.
3. Hot Pools
A great way to reconnect with mum and give her the relaxing treatment she deserves. Whichever direction you head in Rotorua, you won’t be far from a hot pool. So whatever adventure you and mum get up to, you know you’re just minutes away from a steaming geothermal soak to unwind and relax.
4. Connect with Culture
Give mum the gift of a cultural experience she’ll never forget. Rotorua is the birthplace of Maori tourism, so it’s the best place in NZ to experience the traditional customs, practices and beliefs of our indigenous Maori people. Awe inspiring and authentic, Maori cultural tours and performances provide a special view into the historic lifestyle, traditions, mythology, art, entertainment and more of Maori past and present.
5. Wine with a View
Take mum on a gondola ride up Mt Ngongotaha with Skyline Rotorua and head into Volcanic Hills Winery for an unforgettable wine tasting at Rotorua’s only winery, with one of the best views overlooking Rotorua. Let the experts help you and your mum discover favourite wine flavours, and if you’re peckish, order a platter of nibbles to accompany your tasting.
6. The Redwoods (aka Whakarewarewa Forest)
This 5,600 hectare forest is full of options for your mum. Hiking, biking or running, this is a place to soak in the forest air and marvel over the giant California redwood trees through a multitude of wide, user-friendly trails. Alternatively hire or bring the mountain bike and you and your mum can enjoy the trails of the largest mountain bike park in the Southern Hemisphere.
7. Plenty of Thrills (for Adventurous Mums)
The list is long when it comes to adventurous activities to do in Rotorua. Swing bridges and ziplines through ancient forest with Rotorua Canopy Tours, ZORB giant inflatable balls, self-drive 4WD bush safari at Off-Road NZ or shoot some claybirds at Adventure Playground. Raft the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall on the Kaituna River, or Fly across Lake Rotorua in a jet boat with Katoa. Your thrill seeker mum will have a fantastic time!
8. Steam
The geothermal areas in Rotorua get more steamy as the temperatures drop. So Rotorua in Autumn is even more special when exploring the geothermal hot spots such as Waimangu, Te Puia, or Hells Gate. Get out for an early morning walk around the waterfront and you and your mum might be lucky enough to see the morning rays of sunlight hitting that steam and making everything look like a scene from a magical movie.
9. Boutique Places to Stay
Rotorua has a fantastic selection of boutique accommodation, all ready to spoil your mum with treats galore. Regent of Rotorua is known as Rotorua’s most stylish accommodation with a touch of glamour. While the Prince’s Gate Boutique Hotel, built 125 years ago, offers sophistication that depicts a bygone era. There’s plenty more accommodation options, but those are a couple with something special for your special mum.
10. Lakes and Lakes and Rivers
With 18 lakes and 3 major rivers and a multitude of ways to enjoy them. Rotorua is a great place to bring mum for some fishing. lakeside picnicking, paddle boarding, lakeside hikes or even some sailing. You could spoil mum with a floatplane experience to view these beautiful lakes from above, an experience she’ll never forget!