A few nights away in Rotorua was all my husband and I were after to recharge our batteries and enjoy some time experiencing something different.
Images DEE COLLINS, ALEX SPODYNEIKO + SUPPLIED
Whether you want to experience Māori culture, geothermal earth forces, spa rejuvenation, thrills and adventure,
or the region’s natural assets, such as 18 lakes, some of the world’s best biking trails, fantastic trout fishing and walking tracks, Rotorua delivers it in spades.
We eased ever so gently into the weekend with some much-needed pampering at the Polynesian Spa, ramped things up experiencing a new kayaking adventure with Paddle Board Rotorua, soaked in hot tubs in the middle of a forest, got tipsy at the Volcanic Hills Winery wine-tasting and relished the views while riding the whisper-quiet Skyline Gondola. An e-bike experience through the Whakarewarewa Forest, lunch at Okere Falls Store and a leisurely walk on the Okere Falls track rounded off our awesome weekend.
POLYNESIAN SPA
Condé Nast Traveller magazine has awarded the iconic Polynesian Spa among the world’s top 10 thermal, medical and natural spas six times in the past decade – so you know you’re in for a treat.
There are two types of mineral waters, each with their own therapeutic properties, which feed into 28 hot pools throughout the property.
Our Deluxe Romantic Package gives us access to the more exclusive Pavilion Pools area, which have differing temperatures and offer peaceful views over Lake Rotorua. There’s a choice of three acidic and five alkaline pools – the slightly acidic Priest Spring waters relieve tired muscles, aches and pains, whilst the alkaline waters of the Rachel Spring nourish the skin. Of course, as we don’t visit often, we are like kids, hopping in and out of all eight until settling into our favourites – 39°for me and 41°C for my husband.
Relaxed, we head inside for a tranquil couple’s massage and slip even further into bliss under the experienced hands of our therapists. The hour is over far too quickly but the Polynesian Spa has a few more treats in store for us. Rehydrating with a few cups of herbal tea we then spend half an hour in our own private mineral pool before showering and rounding off the whole experience with smoothies and a delicious lunch at the Spa’s café.
SKYLINE ROTORUA & VOLCANIC HILLS WINERY
A gentle gondola ride up Mt Ngongotaha gives us the opportunity to admire the views over Lake Rotorua and, once there, it’s time to relax and enjoy the panoramic vista from the Volcanic Hills Winery whilst sipping on a selection of wines served to us by the very knowledgeable Larissa Park.
There aren’t actually any wine grapes grown in Rotorua, but wine lovers Brent and Larissa Park knew there was an untapped market of eager wine tasters and set about bringing wine to the region. Passionate about their wines, it’s their mission to inspire the world to drink better wine.
The wines aren’t available at supermarkets – just selected outlets, restaurants and hotels and, of course, from their online store – so we decide on our favourites and leave with a selection of wines to savour at home.
Photo by Katie Hoy 
PADDLE BOARD ROTORUA
The Steaming Cliffs Kayak Tour is exclusive to Paddle Board Rotorua and was only introduced to the market after lockdown but it’s already one of their top-selling tours and is truly spectacular.
A bus takes us down the steep sides of the world’s youngest geothermal system – Waimungu Valley – and Jess, our guide for the next few hours, leads a group of us in twin-seated kayaks along the inspiring steaming cliffs, fumaroles and geysers of Lake Rotomahana. This is the area where the Pink and White Terraces are buried and the colourful cliffs and landscape show how magnificent these must have been. Mount Tarawera watches over from nearby and as we paddle along we enjoy watching the graceful swans in solitude.
SECRET SPOT HOT TUBS
Experiencing a secluded long soak in a cedar hot tub of fresh forest spring water in the middle of the Whakarewarewa Forest, craft beverage to hand, is sublime and, in the evening with lanterns set amongst the trees, magical. Another must-do-again experience.
MOUNTAIN BIKE ROTORUA
Located in the Whakarewarewa Forest, Mountain Bike Rotorua has everything you need to get out and ride. The 5,600 hectares of forest offers all levels of mountain biking experience but we choose the easy option and enjoy our first e-bike experience through the network of towering trees. Although the few hours that we spend in the forest aren’t strenuous we’re already looking forward to a mid-day meal.
OKERE FALLS STORE
Lunch on the edge of Lake Rotoiti at an eco-friendly café that offers delicious food with an emphasis on organic is a great way to spend a few hours. The owner, Sarah, is serious about healthy and tasty food and the menu offers a selection of interesting and unique food. You’ll find it hard to leave without purchasing a few artisan foods and condiments to take home – think sauces, sausages, organic wines, German beer and delectable desserts.
OKERE FALLS TRACK
After eating a very pleasant and filling lunch it took a bit of effort to take those first few strides onto the Okere Falls Track. If you haven’t done this track, I highly recommend it. It’s a short walk but beautiful. The viewing platforms along the route gave us great views of the waterfalls – if you’re lucky, you’ll spot white-water rafters and kayakers making their way down the Kaituna River.
