Sometimes I haven’t heard the best reviews for this holiday destination but I absolutely loved visiting Rotorua for a weekend. Having been invited for work on a Friday, I decided to tag on a holiday. Flying solo and with no specific itinerary, I very much winged it but loved my short time visiting Rotorua! I soaked in hot pools, did some great little hikes, found some great cafes and stayed in the sweetest lil Air BnB.
Read on for more detail and my recommendations for visiting Rotorua for a weekend.
For more of my travel posts you can check out the following:
Travel Diary: Road Tripping in Northland
Staying in Hahei, The Coromandel
Where I stayed in Rotorua
There are tonnes of accommodation options in Rotorua so it was kind of hard to decide where to stay. With work, I stayed in the Quest Serviced Apartments, which was a nice, very generic hotel in the city. On my personal days, I stayed in an absolutely lovely Air BnB which was a little bit outside of Rotorua itself in a little town called Okere Falls. This experience confirmed my love for staying in lovely and unique AirBnB rather than generic hotels.
I chose the Okere Falls AirBnB as I wanted to be near nature and out of the hubbub of the city, and I was really stoked with my forethought! The AirBnB was in the basement of Valerie’s house and it was so cosy and had everything I wanted; a large comfy bed, a sofa and a TV for chilling out and watching movies and my own bathroom. As I was travelling alone I spent both evenings chilling here and it really was lovely. There isn’t a full kitchen but there were enough facilities for me to warm up some soup for my dinner one night which was all I needed. The design of the Air BnB was very warm and stylish. It is also within walking distance from Okere Falls Store which is the loveliest place to stop and have some breakfast or lunch. (see below).
Getting Around in Rotorua
I flew to Rotorua and rented a car at the airport to use while I was there. I’d say you definitely need a car when you are in Rotorua to whip around all the fun spots which are a little way out of the city.
7 Amazing Things to Do in Rotorua for a Weekend
Rotorua is all about the hot springs and thermal activity, so what better on a Friday night after work than to hit the spa. Polynesian Spa is the original thermal experience and sits right in the city centre by the lake. I opted for the Deluxe Pools experience and I couldn’t fault it. The pools overlook the lake and I was there as the sun was setting. Stunning! There were a few pools to choose from including a cold plunge pool. Don’t miss this one.
Now many would probably recommend booking in for a spa treatment at the Polynesian Spa, but I found that there were a lot of Thai Massage places in Rotorua, so I decided to have a Thai massage instead one as the price was much better. I did not regret this, I had an outstanding Thai massage at The Studio which was $75 for one hour rather than the $185 that it would have been at the spa. Now I’m sure both are worth doing, but I really enjoyed The Studio. I had a very relaxing authentic Thai massage and would highly recommend it.
Walk around the Blue Lake (Lake Tikitapu)
The Blue Lake (Lake Tikitapu) is a 10 min drive from Rotorua past the Redwood Forest. There is an hour-long walk around the lake that I would absolutely recommend when in Rotorua for a weekend. It’s pretty flat and a nice stroll but you get some stunning views across the water. the perfect way to get in some exercise and be in nature. I imagine the lake would be pretty lovely to swim in during the slightly warmer months too.
Okere Falls is a very popular white water rafting area 20 minutes north around the lake and there is a great short walk where you can view the amazing falls, and watch rafters go down them. This walk was quick and easy and you can follow with a coffee at the amazing Okere Falls store (see below).
I was given a ticket for this one by a friend, which I was very grateful for as I am not sure I would have gone otherwise. The Redwoods is basically a suspended walking tour of the redwood forest plantation just out of the city centre. I enjoyed my wander but I would say it is a perfect thing to do with kids as it is quite exciting and there are lots of learning prompts.
Being a massive Op Shopping fan I always grab a chance to check out new ones when I am in a new place so I spent my Saturday morning in Rotorua missioning around a few. There were some really great ones too – I can recommend the Hospice Shop, Salvation Army and the Savers. I managed to pick up a lot of great knitted jumpers this time.
I kept seeing this huge building on any travel guides about Rotorua but never really understood what it was until I visited this time. Realizing the opportunity to create a South Pacific spa attraction, in 1908 the New Zealand government opened the large and elaborate bathhouse, built in the Elizabethan Tudor style of architecture. The building is currently closed to the public but the lovely gardens make a really nice stroll.
I didn’t visit any thermal activity spots this time as last time I was in Rotorua I went to The Waimangu Volcanic Valley. I thought I’d pop it in this post too though as i would really recommend it to see all the steaming pools and geysers – you can read about this trip in my previous blog post: Travel Diary, Road Trip in Northland
Yum Food Recommendations in Rotorua:
I tried some really great cafes and restaurants while in Rotorua, and I know sometimes its so useful to have a recommendation instead of picking any old spot, so these following spots I would 100% recommend to you:
The Rotorua Night Market is only on Thursday nights so might not be on when you are there but if it is – you are in luck! The central streets sprawl with this wonderful market with so many great food options from all over the world. I had dumplings and a crepe for dessert. They also have live music and locals selling things like soaps and clothing. Well worth a wander.
Happens on the main Tutanekai Street in the centre of the city.
I heard about this Vietnamese spot from another friend so I went to try it out for dinner one night after the Polynesian Spa and my gosh the food was so delicious. I had the Pho and also some veggie spring rolls and it was really really good – maybe the best Pho I have had in New Zealand!
1205 Fenton Street
This organic and eco cafe was my absolute favourite place to sit and enjoy coffee and great food. I went both mornings while I was staying in the Okere Falls area and I loved the vibe, the coffee, the staff, the food – everything! The menu is epic and I managed to try their amazing smoothies, some beautiful mushrooms on toast and a macaroon too – all of which were amazing. I would go back to Okere Falls just for this place. A must-do if you are in Rotorua for a weekend!
757a State Highway 33 – Okere Falls
I went for brekkie at Capers Cafe one morning and found it to be a perfect bustling place for a morning coffee. The coffee was great and the eggs on toast also hit the spot. Their cake cabinet looked superb too. And they have a cute little general store selling condiments and things. Highly recommend.
Capers Cafe – 247 Broadway Ave
Another great coffee and brekkie stop is the Arts Village Cafe which is just next to Government Gardens. I loved sitting in the sunny window here reading my book and enjoying a leisurely time. They have an eco-friendly and locally sourced menu and a real family/community feel. This spot is also a gallery displaying local artists work which is nice to peruse while you have your coffee break.
Arts Village Cafe 1420 Hinemaru Cafe
I hope my recommendations are useful if you are heading to Rotorua for a weekend. If you don’t have much time then definitely head to the Polynesian Spa and to Okere Falls Cafe. Enjoy! Happy Holidays.
Thanks for reading and come back soon!!
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Peace
Josie x
