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1.4km hedge maze
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Endangered New Zealand falcon, plus harrier hawks and owls. Flight display runs for an hour.
Enjoy a true taste of New Zealand farm life. Enjoy the farm show, then jump onboard an all-weather, all-terrain tractor trailer for an interactive tour of the farm. Feed friendly sheep and alpacas, taste locally produced honey, and visit the farmyard nursery, dog trials, and the kid's playground. Meet Shaun the Sheep and Bitzer from Mossy Bottom Farm, then relax at the Woollen Mill Café and browse at the Dog and Whistle shop on your way out. The National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa is on the farm. The Hatchery is the national leader in kiwi husbandry, egg incubation systems, hatching techniques, and kiwi chick rearing and offer tours of the Hatchery to visitors with the chance to see kiwi chicks and eggs during hatching season (September - March). Visiting both Agrodome and National Kiwi Hatchery with the half day combo (adult $126) which saves 10% on ticket entry.
Located on the outskirts of town, this gondola ride up Mt. Ngongotaha offers a panoramic view of Rotorua and the surrounding mountains.
This city park in the heart of Rotorua is riddled with boiling-hot natural water and mud pools, all of them safely cordoned off with low fences for safe viewing (except for the large duck pond, which still bubbles a bit but isn't very inviting for swimmers in any case). Probably not as impressive as the two paid geothermal parks at the edge of town, but definitely worth a visit if you're not going to either of those. Near the center of the park are two "footbaths", where hot water from the natural thermal springs is channeled into knee-deep concrete basins with seating around the edges. Sticking your feet in is encouraged, and sitting down in the hot water is allowed, but keep your head above the surface to avoid potentially dangerous illnesses from the untreated water. The entire park including the footbaths is free and open 24 hours, but be aware that there are some reports of crime here after dark, and that the water supply to the footbaths switches from hot to cold water later in the evening, so the temperature might be disappointingly cool if you arrive later at night.
Provides a fusion of relaxing hot mineral spring bathing, spa therapies and picturesque lake views. Voted a World Top Ten Spa by Conde Nast Traveller magazine at the 2004-2007, and 2009 Annual Spa Awards. Relaxing hot mineral bathing is offered in 26 hot mineral spring pools in four areas – deluxe Lake Spa, adult pools & Priest Spa, private pools or Family Spa. The Lake Spa offers 4 alkaline mineral pools from 36-42°C (97-108°F). Well appointed changing facilities include towels, lockers, soap, shampoo and hairdryers, plus a lake view relaxation lounge with refreshments available. The adult pools & Priest Spa is a popular adult-only area with 4 alkaline mineral pools, plus 3 acidic mineral pools with waters from the Radium hot spring. Six of these seven pools have views over Lake Rotorua. Privacy is offered in one of 13 private pools, set at 39°C (102°F) and available for 30 minutes hire. The Family Spa offers a large geothermally-heated swimming pool (with a small hydro slide) plus two alkaline mineral pools. Set amid native flora, the exclusive Lake Spa Retreat is an inviting relaxation haven, providing an array of enticing massage, spa and hydro therapies. All spa therapies include Lake Spa bathing and start at $85 for a half hour (bookings are essential). Also includes a café that serves light cuisine, and a spa essentials store.
Home to the Whakarewarewa Valley of geothermal activity, including bubbling mud pools and geysers. There are guided tours through the park, including the geothermal areas, the marae, and the kiwi conservation centre. There are also Māori cultural experiences such as traditional dances and meals for an additional charge.