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Accessible either from Tarawera Rd (where there is a visitor centre) or from SH5 on the Taupo Highway. In around 1900, New Zealand began a program of planting imported trees to see which species grows best in NZ. A 6-hectare grove of majestic redwoods is surrounded by forest with other types of trees. Spectacular walks, mountain bike tracks (over 60 km/37 mi in total) and riding trails. Bikes can be hired from bike shops in the city, although Planet Bike also usually have a truck with hire gear at the main car park.
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.
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.
Self-descriptive, the village was swamped with ash by the nearby Mt. Tarawera in the massive 1886 eruption that killed 153 people.
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.
Born from the massive 1886 eruption of Mt Tarawera, this is the world’s newest geothermal eco-system, and an exciting and dramatic destination that the whole family can enjoy. Whatever your age or fitness level, you'll find something that suits you – self guided and guided easy walks, advanced hikes and boat cruise experiences, ranging in duration from 45 minutes to over 4 hours. If you want outdoor activity, peaceful New Zealand bush, unique ecology, rare botany and stunning geothermal features, then Waimangu is the 'must do' experience. It is easily accessible, just 20 minutes south of Rotorua, and 40 minutes north of Taupo.
A great park to see a variety of geothermal landscapes and active volcano activities, including the Lady Knox Geyser, which is a famous geyser that erupts daily to heights of 10 to 20 m (33-66 ft).