SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
Heading to Rotorua for next week’s school holidays? Sarah Downs has 10 fun family-friendly activities — and five just for the grown-ups — worth a look while you’re there.
1 Geothermal wonders
Think of Rotorua and it’s hard not to picture the geothermal wonders — and the smell of sulphur. Spouting geysers, bubbling mud and volcanic crater lakes, the place is cooking. Explore the hot stuff by checking out the Pohutu geyser, the largest active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere. Pohutu, which translates as "constant splashing", erupts once or twice every hour, meaning it’s a guaranteed show for the kids. tepuia.com/rotorua-geothermal
2 aMAZEme
Rotorua is home to some wacky attractions but this outdoor maze makes a good time of old-fashioned fun — lose yourself (or the kids) in the 1.4km trail of winding pruned hedges. The maze takes about 20 minutes and is challenging without being impossible. There’s also a monarch butterfly house an aviary, animal petting and giant board games including Connect 4 and Snakes and Ladders to make the fun last even longer. amazeme.co.nz
3 Zipline Canopy
For an express trip through Rotorua’s forests, zip your way through its treetop canopies. This three-hour wilderness adventure travels along a 1.2km network of ziplines up to 22m high. Along the way there are swing bridges, walking trails and treetop platforms for a quick pit stop to learn the history of the forest. If your troops are after a bit of outdoor adrenaline, the sky is the place to be. (The minimum age is 6.) canopytours.co.nz
4 Gondola and Luge
For views of Rotorua, take the eight seat gondola up 900m to see the best outlook of the lake, city and steaming geothermal vista. When there’s up, there’s always down and the best return route is riding the luge track. Zip off with the family in the gravity-fuelled carts that have full rider control over speed and direction. There are three track options and it’s good for any age. skyline.co.nz
5 Hot Springs
Rotorua is home to a number of free natural hot springs perfect for bathing in its healing waters. Kerosene Creek is a local favourite with its 2m waterfall, or Hot Water Beach on Lake Tarawera is also a great place to rest weary muscles after a long day of family-focused activities. nzhotpools.co.nz
6 Paradise Valley Wildlife Park
For some holiday stories to share back at school, head to Paradise Valley and let the kids help feed roaring lions. The wildlife