A visit to Rotorua uncovers its many attractions, from its outstanding natural beauty to its many culinary offerings.
Blessed with an abundance of natural resources and breath-taking lakeside views, we discover there’s more to Rotovegas than mud pools and luging.
The ‘Sulphur City’ began drawing international visitors in the latter half of the 19th century, with visitors keen to sneak a peek at the ‘eighth’ wonder of the world, the Pink and White Terraces, in all their marbled, pink and white glory. The Terraces may have disappeared, but now the township is lauded for both its plentiful natural attractions and general Kiwi-ness, and tourism continues to reign supreme.
There’s also a craft beer and culinary scene to rival the best of Wellington and expansive cultural offerings located in Te Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve. Consequently, Rotorua draws a diverse market now: the thrill-seekers, the geyser-goers, and young families seeking a crash course in New Zealand’s rich, indigenous past.
Admittedly this hub of adventure and activity hasn’t been on my radar since the mid 1990s and it’s easy to forget that it’s a mere two hours and 45 minutes out of Auckland.
You could also forget that there’s something in the air in Rotorua. Literally. But you can’t miss it when you get there – a distinct, sulphuric waft that abruptly calls your senses to attention, and provokes a resounding “pee-ew” from the car.
You soon adjust and the best thing to do on arrival in Rotorua is to embrace the sulphuric power and park up for the evening in one of the eight outdoor mineral spas at the popular Polynesian Spa.
ECO ATTRACTIONS
Those who visit to soak up the town’s natural beauty certainly won’t be disappointed. Located a mere 10 minutes out of town, you’ll find the The Redwoods – Whakarewarewa Forest, a large national park that’s home to majestic trees and a popular treewalk.
Our visit takes place shortly after 10am, with a handful of groups (friends, families and couples) eager to get started. Before you start the walk, which comprises of 23 suspension bridges hovering around 12 metres up, be sure to wander into the forest, find the centre and look up. If there’s anything that’ll make you feel small, it’s being surrounded by towering 116-year-old redwood trees.
At nearby brunch spot, Scope, for a post-walk feed, our waitress helps us choose from the line-up of brekkie classics and also suggests a return visit at night, to see the nightlights.
The nocturnal experience allows visitors
to explore the forest under the shroud of darkness, illuminated by 30 bespoke technicolour lanterns, designed by renowned furniture designer and sustainability champion David Trubridge.
Trubridge’s approach to sculpture is, quite simply, breathtaking and the redwoods, forest ferns and native punga bask in the glow of his shapely creations.
EATING OUT
The city’s culinary quarter is a 100-metre stretch of eateries that do their very best to cover all bases. There’s Thai food, Indian, a decent pub meal and a few pizza joints.
Casual restaurant Atticus Finch is the perfect spot to settle in with the wine list for lunch and newcomer Terrace Kitchen is also packing serious culinary clout. Its slick interior and hearty brunch offerings (including irresistible cocktails) will have you planning a return visit.
Terrace Kitchen, close to the wharf, is ideally situated for a post-brunch trip to the weekly farmers’ market. It takes place just across the road at Te Manawa every Sunday morning with everything from organic fruit and home-grown manuka honey to repurposed ceramics on offer.
MAKE TIME FOR A WINE
One of Roturua’s drawcards is the sky gondala, located about five minutes from the main drag. Here the luge, big ball rolling and the BMX track are conveniently clustered within a 500-metre radius of one another.
We go for a more chilled activity and head to the sky-high Volcanic Hills Winery. The winery boasts one of the best vantage points in town, with panoramic views to take in while our spirited host Johnny informs us about the subtle chardonnay, nuanced sauvignon blanc and crowd-pleasing pinot gris over a huge cheese board and charcuterie platter.
“Those who visit to soak up the town’s natural beauty certainly won’t be disappointed.”