Rotorua is famous for hot springs, mud pools, geysers and interesting Maori culture. As I am a budget traveler, I didn’t get to see a lot of what this geothermal city has to offer but I sure had a great time here. 

I first visited Redwoods where I spent at least couple of hours in the woods. You can easily take bus no. 3 in the corner of isite which cost NZD 2.60. 

This is where I get dropped off and the Redwoods isite is just kilometer away. 

Here are your choices. 

I was going to do the Tokorangi Pa Track but when I went up there, there was not one person and I didn’t feel safe doing the trail alone so I went back down and continued on to Quarry Track instead.

Beautiful giant redwoods welcome you ar the start point.

What do you expect in the woods? Of course, beautiful trees along the way! 

Here’s the view from Tokorangi Pa Track where you could see a little bit of the city.

On my way back…

After my nature adventure, I decided to soak myself at Polynesian Spa which was very close to my hostel. 

I paid NZD 45 for the Lake Spa. It includes the use of locker room, towels, shower with shampoo/body wash, conditioner, hair dryer. I rented their swimsuit for NZD 10 where you get NZD 5 refund when you return it. They have 5 pools with different temperatures from 36 to 42 degrees. It maybe a little expensive but I swear it was worth it. I spent at least 4 hours here. I left around 4PM when the crowd started to get crazy. 

On my last day in Rotorua, I just walked around. I went to Kuirau Park where you can see geothermals for free. 

I then went around the lake front where you can see lots of birds and swans. 

And if you walk your way to the Government Gardens, you will pass by the Sulfur Point Wildlife Sanctuary. 

The Rotorua Museum where you have to pay NZD 20 to enter so I didn’t get to go inside.

The Gardens…

Rachel’s Spring…

I didn’t get to spend much time and money in Rotorua. I sure have many reasons to come back here. Anyhow, I enjoyed my 3 days here and the little things I got to do. 🙂

Uncategorized geothermal city government gardens Kuirau park lake lakefront maori culture polynesian spa redwoods rotorua rotorua museum