The Ultimate New Zealand Travel Guide
Rotorua - The Winter Visit
This area of the North Island is without a doubt a very major place to visit. Give yourself at least two days in Rotorua. Be prepared before hand with as much information as you can gather. The internet has really allowed everyone to be able to find what they consider important for their visit and I hope I am able to help point you to the places I feel you would enjoy.
Our stop now is an interview with Graham Brownrigg, manager of the Rotorua Visitor Centre and I-Site. I had got in touch before I left home as I wanted Graham to provide a quality input. He is quite passionate about Rotorua and is sure there is no other place like it.
One thing I will point out is when you get here on your travels the best places to get real straight information are our I-Sites.
We came south on route 27 to Tirau where we turned onto route 5 through the large forested region. The roads are fairly straight and true here and easy driving. I am really enjoying how easy this maui 6 berth is to drive.
When you bring your camper van into the downtown area of Rotorua turn off route 5 onto Pukatua Street and continue to Hinamaru and take a left to just past Queen's Drive and there is a very large open car park you can easily park. From there you can go into town on Queen's Drive to Fenton and the I-Site.
I had a long conversation with Graham who introduces us to most of the sights and activities around the region. He made sure to tell me to be sure to send his personal invitation to all of you and plesse come enjoy Rotorua and the surrounding area.
After leaving the Rotorua I-Site we walked back to the camper van and drove up Queen's Drive to the most majestic building in the city, the museum, where in front there are several manicured lawn bowl areas. Now I will direct you to something the visitor is never told about or introduced to. If you go past the museum and onto the back area staying on Queen's Drive the road continues along the lake and dead ends in a large parking lot. We had to stop along the way to let a very haunty bunch of geese cross the road. They let us know we were not welcome in their world. It is a beautiful lake front area only the locals know about and enjoy. Now you can too when you come by.
When you return from there and keep driving on Queen's Drive toward the Millennium Hotel on the lake you will find the fabulous Polynesian Spa. I have been stopping by there since the first time I visited New Zealand and it just gets better and better or I enjoy it more maybe.
Here are some more places you might want to visit:
Redwood Forest – We didn't get to go there this time but recommend it especially for the walks and a great place to bike. I still have memoribilia from here of my first visit in 1989.
Canopy Tours - This is the only native forest zipline canopy tour in New Zealand. Really wanted to do this one but time and weather prevented it. Plan to be back this summer to get full coverage for you.
Pohutu Geyser - The most famous geyser, of the 65 geysers found in the Te Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley in Rotorua
Hells Gate – New Zealand's largest mud volcano is a must. Where else can you enjoy such a treat and get by with it? And better yet get one of their spa expereinces...............wow!!!
Tamiki Village – You want to learn about Maori culture? We were picked up at our holiday park and taken to the cultural show and what a show. They have created a real awe inspiring experience topped off with all the pit cooked food you can possible eat plus a real grand finale dessert (have you ever had a Pavlova?)..............this is a real must.............
We ended the day back at the Rotorua Thermal Park and after a most enjoyable soak in the thermal pools and relaxed.
So tomorrow we are off south about an hour to Taupo and we have a surprise for you to see when you get here. Do you enjoy eating shrimp? You will be in for a treat.
(to be continued)
check out more information
photos on Facebook
This area of the North Island is without a doubt a very major place to visit. Give yourself at least two days in Rotorua. Be prepared before hand with as much information as you can gather. The internet has really allowed everyone to be able to find what they consider important for their visit and I hope I am able to help point you to the places I feel you would enjoy.
Our stop now is an interview with Graham Brownrigg, manager of the Rotorua Visitor Centre and I-Site. I had got in touch before I left home as I wanted Graham to provide a quality input. He is quite passionate about Rotorua and is sure there is no other place like it.
One thing I will point out is when you get here on your travels the best places to get real straight information are our I-Sites.
We came south on route 27 to Tirau where we turned onto route 5 through the large forested region. The roads are fairly straight and true here and easy driving. I am really enjoying how easy this maui 6 berth is to drive.
When you bring your camper van into the downtown area of Rotorua turn off route 5 onto Pukatua Street and continue to Hinamaru and take a left to just past Queen's Drive and there is a very large open car park you can easily park. From there you can go into town on Queen's Drive to Fenton and the I-Site.
I had a long conversation with Graham who introduces us to most of the sights and activities around the region. He made sure to tell me to be sure to send his personal invitation to all of you and plesse come enjoy Rotorua and the surrounding area.
After leaving the Rotorua I-Site we walked back to the camper van and drove up Queen's Drive to the most majestic building in the city, the museum, where in front there are several manicured lawn bowl areas. Now I will direct you to something the visitor is never told about or introduced to. If you go past the museum and onto the back area staying on Queen's Drive the road continues along the lake and dead ends in a large parking lot. We had to stop along the way to let a very haunty bunch of geese cross the road. They let us know we were not welcome in their world. It is a beautiful lake front area only the locals know about and enjoy. Now you can too when you come by.
When you return from there and keep driving on Queen's Drive toward the Millennium Hotel on the lake you will find the fabulous Polynesian Spa. I have been stopping by there since the first time I visited New Zealand and it just gets better and better or I enjoy it more maybe.
Here are some more places you might want to visit:
Redwood Forest – We didn't get to go there this time but recommend it especially for the walks and a great place to bike. I still have memoribilia from here of my first visit in 1989.
Canopy Tours - This is the only native forest zipline canopy tour in New Zealand. Really wanted to do this one but time and weather prevented it. Plan to be back this summer to get full coverage for you.
Pohutu Geyser - The most famous geyser, of the 65 geysers found in the Te Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley in Rotorua
Hells Gate – New Zealand's largest mud volcano is a must. Where else can you enjoy such a treat and get by with it? And better yet get one of their spa expereinces...............wow!!!
Tamiki Village – You want to learn about Maori culture? We were picked up at our holiday park and taken to the cultural show and what a show. They have created a real awe inspiring experience topped off with all the pit cooked food you can possible eat plus a real grand finale dessert (have you ever had a Pavlova?)..............this is a real must.............
We ended the day back at the Rotorua Thermal Park and after a most enjoyable soak in the thermal pools and relaxed.
So tomorrow we are off south about an hour to Taupo and we have a surprise for you to see when you get here. Do you enjoy eating shrimp? You will be in for a treat.
(to be continued)
check out more information
photos on Facebook
