First: if you like spa and wellness, great! You’re in the right spot, Rotorua is known as a spa town. And of course, it is THE place to be for geothermal activity and geysers.

You would like to see a geyser erupt? Check!
You’d like to see hot steam escaping out of gardens and cracks in the road? Check!
You love the penetrating smell of sulphur in your nostrils? Check!

These are all awesome (and smelly) things to experience, but there is so much more around!

When you visit Rotorua, try to look further than the typical Rotorua to do-list and check these other awesome options out:

1. Okere Falls

The Okere Falls Scenic Reserve is a little drive from Rotorua (21 km). Through some easy walks you discover the Kaituna river with several impressive waterfalls, embedded in a rich green forest.

I’m always impressed by the power of waterfalls and with these ones the same story. The sound, the movement, the waves, it always makes my heart pump a bit faster, although I’m standing safe and sound on the side.

And it’s not only beauty here, this place also has a rich Maori history. Many wars were fought here and there are caves where women and children were hidden from invading tribes. You can still see some of the caves. It was by the way already a ‘popular spot’ in the 1900s. A photographer was present every day to take pictures of the ladies in their nice dresses and the gents in their suits in front of the waterfalls.

Afterwards I discovered that you can also raft here! The waterfalls are so loud, super strong and look dangerous. I would love to raft there, but it would definitely be with a TINY heart… We’ll see what the future brings.

2. The Redwood Forest

I didn’t expect a lot of ‘yet another forest’, but this is actually a really cool one! The trees are huge and there are plenty! I felt so small walking around there. And always having been the tallest in primary and high school, that’s a great feeling for a change (I especially remember a school dance at age 13 where I was a head taller than all the boys… still processing that trauma)

Anyways. The Redwood Forest! It is right at the edge of Rotorua, super accessible. Over 5600 hectares of forest gives you an awesome place to walk and play around, mountain bike or go for a run. Walking there with a fresh nose made me feel alive and healthy. It’s a great spot and just makes you feel good. Go!

3. Tarawera Lake

What I love about Rotorua is the amount of lakes. Lakes have something calming over them, and they are big over here! There are 16 lakes in Rotorua, we visited 3 of them. You have the obvious one, Lake Rotorua, which is huge (79,8km²) and at the border of the city. But as you can imagine, we like to discover the hidden, less obvious gems! And Lake Tarawera was definitely one of those.

I have to admit, it is still a big lake (41km²) and there is civilisation around, but it is so photogenic and with the sunset we had, it becomes an incredible beautiful place.

4. Canyon in Whirinaki Forest

With a 1,5h drive, this canyon is a bit further away from Rotorua, but if you like rainforests and a scenic canyon, it’s very worth the while!

Be careful though, if you leave Rotorua without having breakfast, like we did, you’re in trouble! There are no cafés around. None! We were lucky to bump into a little shop in some kind of shed. Bananas and a yoghurt it is!

The canyon is located in the Whirinaki Rainforest. There are small walks, big hiking routes and huts to spend the night. When Nico and I drove down there it had been raining the night before, so everything was fresh and super green! I felt in a fairylike environment, with the reflections of the sun trying to breach through the layers of trees and leafs.

We only stayed a couple of hours, but being there made me want to do one of the longer walks and stay overnight. I think I got excited because two ladies were leaving on a 2 day hike!

5. Lake Okataina

This lake is more hidden and cuter with its 10,8km². You follow a little windy road – Lake Okataina Road – until you reach the lake. And then there is almost nothing around, only the calmness of the lake! Hills are surrounding the lake, making it well protected and covered. Interesting spot to take some photos! And no tourists!

I hope these 5 options make you want to discover Rotorua a bit more! And if not, I hope you enjoy the Spas! ‘Cause I have to admit, that’s awesome too…

[Pics by my partner in crime Nico Babot]