Unique Places in Rotorua

Rotorua is at the heart of forestry country. Vast swathes of the Bay of Plenty region are planted in exotic pine plantations for industrial forestry. On highway 30, heading east out of town, you can visit an area that was experimentally planted in Redwoods several decades ago. This was intriguing for me because in July I had seen some mighty Redwoods in California. These NZ ones weren't so big. It was interesting to see them growing next to some of our own natives, like the Rimu in the picture here.
There are several easy trails to wander along here as well as a shop and big car park.

I think that Lake Okataina is one of New Zealands little known gems. Tucked away at the end of a long and winding single track road, the lake is surrounded by dense native bush and little else. The waters are incredibly clear, I was amazed at how deep you could still see to the bottom.

There is a lodge near the edge of the lake, offering accommodation (quite expensive I thought, rooms were approaching $200 per night) but that, apart from a small picnic site and a boat ramp, is all.

We spent a quiet evening here just enjoying the peace of the surroundings and the birdsong.

You would need your own transport to get here...from Rotorua take State Highway 30 to Lake Rotoiti. Lake Okataina is down a right hand turn before you reach Gisborne Point. Do go if you get the chance, I'm sure yu won't be disappointed.

In the 1800's the most exciting place to go on your visit to Rotorua would be Lake Tarawera, which was the gateway to the Pink and White Terraces. Today however with the eruption of the volcano that covered the terraces, Lake Tarawera has slipped into a quiet little lake area.

There are several little coves and bays for you to enjoy a picnic or view Mount Tarawera from, however there are not many activities to do here.

Does the moon actually looks like this?? Be an astronaut & check it out. As far as I know, it's free!!

It's about 30 minutes walk discovering the bubbling craters, mud pools and steam vents, also some interesting plants in the hot & steamy condition.

It's a few kilometres north of Taupo at the junction of SH 1 & 5. Can't find it, get direction from Taupo Visitor Infomation Centre.

For those not so keen on climbing, or ran out of time to do the volcanic tour (or for whatever reason it may be) ... drive down Tarawera Road (off SH5 - Te Ngae Rd) to this scenic lookout for a great view.

Mt Tarawera errupted in 1886.

While I was in Rotorua I had the pleasure of experiencing a wonderful Aix Massage at the QE Health Centre in Rotorua.

QE Health is a world class centre for the treatment of rheumatism and arthritis. In addition to these specialised services they also offer spa treatments. I had a half hour "aix massage" which is a massage using oils and warm mineral water jets across your body. It cost $40 for 1/2 hour.

The massages are very popular so I recommend calling ahead and booking. They are open Mon - Fri 8am-10pm and Sat - Sun 2pm - 10pm.

Address: Cnr Whakaue St & Fenton St

The Blue and Green Lakes are just a few minutes drive east of Rotorua city centre. To get there, take the airport road (SH30) and turn off at Tarawera Road. Look for the brown tourist information signs just before the junction. Tarawera Road takes you to the shore of the Blue Lake (Lake Tikitapu) and from there you can drive to a lookout on a saddle between the two lakes and see the contrast in colour. Don't leave your visit too late in the day though, as the failing sunlight will make the colour contrast difficult to see!

The Blue Baths are recently restored thermal pools. They were built in the 1930's in the Spanish architectural style but fell into disrepair and was closed until it was restored. The building is now protected by the New Zealand Historic Places trust. There are tearooms inside that are also a sight to behold.