North Island, NZ: Rotorua

Rotorua was a nice change-up from Auckland. Relaxing, quiet, and peaceful with only a few things planned here and there. The countryside between Auckland and Rotorua is beautiful with rolling hills and cattle everywhere.

Rotorua is known for its geothermal and hot springs. However, like most things in New Zealand, everything had a steep admission charge to visit. Since we've been to Yellowstone, we decided not to pay for most of these attractions, and instead found a few free ones. We did a short little hike to a beautiful pool below. Afterward, we visited a near by hot springs in a river. Corabelle wasn't a fan, but Emmeline and everyone else enjoyed the warm relaxing waters. A fun way to experience the geothermal area that most tourists don't do! 

 

In Rotorua itself, the city park offers free up-close and personal look at some geothermal wonders. Bubbling mud pits and steamy ponds were highlights. Of course, some souvenir shopping and park playing was also in order while in town.

 

 

The Rotoura night market is held every Thursday night, and it was amazing. SO. many food trucks of every kind of cuisine you can imagine-dumplings, paella, burgers, tacos, sandwiches, thai, etc etc. It was a tough decision, especially on the desert front. I bought extra desert for the next day because I couldn't decide! Emmeline approved of all the food choices too, yum!

 

 

There is also a Redwoods forest in Rotorua, so we took a little hike through there one afternoon. Just like the California Redwood forest, very impressive! Emmeline wasn't super impressed, and we couldn't quite convince her to take a picture hugging a tree. Oh well!

 

 

 

 


Otherwise our time in Rotoura was spent relaxing at our house, playing on the playground, and playing with Grandma and Grandpa and Uncle Ben. A fun end to North Island. Next up, beautiful South Island!