A Collection of Sightseeing Ideas

WAI-O-TAPU

There is a huge selection of geothermal activity in our region, but none more beautiful and colourful as Wai-O-Tapu about 20 minutes South of Rotorua on SH5. Each morning at 10.15am, Summer or Winter, the Lady Knox Geyser erupts. Even if this eruption is somewhat contrived it is still a guaranteed view of Mother Nature and her power. The walk around the pools and bubbling mud is excellent and the Champagne Pool is magical.

RAINBOW SPRINGS

This natural wonderland is an ideal place to experience New Zealand flora and fauna. The trout are huge, the native birds playful, the Tuatara, a direct descendant of the Dinosaurs, old and a real live Kiwi can be viewed in its nocturnal habitat.
At The Springs you can visit The Kiwi Encounter where they are rearing baby Kiwi, nuturing them and releasing them into safe vermin free environments.There is also a visit to a natural habitat where the birds are only feet away.

THE AGRODOME

I cannot recall the number of times guests have visited New Zealand's premiere Sheep & Dog Show as a courtesy to me and then have truly enjoyed a memorable outing. This is not your usual farm show rather a collection of 19 rams strutting their stuff and performing along with working sheep dogs and various other animals. Who said sheep are dumb? Not to be missed even if you are visiting a farm somewhere on your holiday.

ROTORUA MUSEUM OF ART & HISTORY

Here you can discover the essence of the local people and our area. This magnificent Edwardian building was once the Bath House where people from around the world came to take the waters. There is a small exhibit of the former spa operation. The Te Arawa are the local Maori people and there is a wonderful exhibition and historical collection of the treasures of the people. In the theatre there is a dramatic film showing the devastation of the eruption of Mt Tarawera in 1886. This volcano wiped out the then 8th Wonder of the World, the Pink and White Terraces. The movie plays for 15 minutes every 20 minutes and a warning that there is some movement in the theatre during the screening. The Maori Battalion of WW2 was a fearsome fighting force who fought valiantly in North Africa and then onto Italy. There is a static display and a poignant movie about this proud battalion.
There is a cafe for lunch or just a reviving tea or coffee.

THE BURIED VILLAGE

Having seen the movie you can also visit the site, but Pompeii it isn't! The eruption of Mt Tarawera buried 3 villages. Te Wairoa is the only village to be partially excavated and you can see for yourself the history of this area. The walk to the waterfall is steepish, but beautiful.

POLYNESIAN SPA... better than a valium sandwich!

There are several facets to a visit to the Spa. You can simply enjoy a relaxing soak in the pools, private, public or the Luxury Lake Spa. Then there's the Aix Massage, a treat for the weary traveller. This method of having jets of hot water over the body while it is being massaged was pioneered in Aix les Bains in France.
I treated myself recently and the massage comes with a personal recommendation. An appointment is essential only for the massage. Pools close at 10.30pm. Massages finish at 8.00pm.

HANGI AND CONCERT

It was not so long ago the Maori culture was on the wain so it is with a renewed committed pride and passion the Maori people share with you the reawakening of their history, language and traditions. After the Powhiri or official welcome, tour a reconstructed village and view the way they lived, played and fought. The Concert Party will describe in song and dance the migration of their people from Hawaiiki to New Zealand around 1300 and some of their myths and folklore. Marvel at the stick games and the skill of the poi, a tiny ball on string. Then, be prepared as the warriors perform the Haka, a warlike dance or challenge. Then eat dinner prepared in the traditional method. It is covered on white hot stones and has a smoky flavour. Transport to and from The Springs is included.

FISHING

There are 16 lakes and numerous rivers and streams in our region. Somewhere there is a Rainbow or Brown trout with your name on it. Remember the only way you can eat trout in New Zealand is if you catch it. Retailing this fish is absolutely illegal. We can organise for a guide and equipment to cater to every need. Trolling, fly or deep sea. "Clearwater Pride" Fishing and / or Cruising Half Day or Full Day No fishing experience necessary There is also a comprehensive folder in your room about the services of local fishing guide John Hamill. John comes from a family of famous fisher-folk and knows all the nooks and crannies where the pesky little trout love to hide! No equipment is necessary however a little fly fishing knowledge does help.

MOUNT TARAWERA 4WD TOURS

By now you will recall Mt Tarawera and its devastation in 1886. Well now you can take a 4WD escorted tour to view the might of this eruption. You will require suitable walking shoes and clothing for the outdoors as there is an opportunity to run down into one of the many craters. Pick up and drop off at The Springs included.

GOLF

There are 5 excellent golf courses in close proximity to the Springs with 2 of them within walking distance. Clubs and cart hire are available. Keep an eye out for those interesting geothermal hazards!

TE PUIA

Visit the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute and see craftsmen hand on their skills to the carvers of tomorrow. As you tour through the thermal activity of the Whakarewarewa Valley, wonder at the power of nature as mud boils and geysers shoot boiling hot water skywards.

ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES OR WAYS TO DIE HAPPY!

There is a myriad of death defying activities for the young, the young at heart or the down right crazy of us!

WHITE WATER RAFTING

The world's highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world.

WHITE WATER SLEDGING

A crazy way to make your way down rapids. Hold on to the boogie board and scurf at speed.

LUGE

Down the hillside at the Gondolas and if the beginners is too tame try the advanced.

The ZORB

Free-fall in a huge clear plastic ball down the uneven hillside terrain.

BUNGY

Say no more. If you are attached to your retina then this may not be for you. This wonderfully crazy activity is a New Zealand invention. If your interests are not covered in the above list please just ask and we will be happy to help.