With tulips and cherry blossoms in bloom and gorgeous wee lambs bouncing around in the paddocks, it’s clear that springtime is in full swing. Why not head to the North Island to celebrate the new season? While there is so much to do in centrally located Rotorua alone, if you want to explore other areas as well, here’s how to include Rotorua for a micro-adventure. What’s a micro-adventure, you ask? It’s a short two- or three-night getaway, perfect for a change of scenery and to shake off the winter blues by doing something new, romantic, exhilarating, pampering, or all of the above.

PEP IN YOUR STEP

Nothing says renew and invigorate like a bit of pampering. Polynesian Spa’s 28 lakeside hot pools and soothing treatments at Retreat Day Spa are just what the doctor ordered. The spa’s mineral waters are sourced from two natural hot springs: one provides slightly acidic water, perfect for relieving tired muscles, aches and pains, while the alkaline pools nourish your skin. Of course, you can take advantage of it all, plus take a dip into the cold plunge pool for a rejuvenating hot-cold therapy.

BUCKET-LIST ITEMS

The Ultimate Tour with Rotorua Canopy Tours is an absolute must-do. Voted TripAdvisor’s #11 experience on the planet, and this year named #1 Nature Activity in the world, this incredible 3.5-hour eco-adventure involves six ziplines, a 50-metre-high cliff walk, suspended swing bridges, an 18-metre-high controlled descent, and amazing guides who take you through a protected ancient forest. Besides having an incredible time in nature, you can feel great knowing that proceeds from your ticket go back into making this forest predator-free.

CONNECT WITH CULTURE

Te Puia is an amazing place, offering an authentic, highly personalised way to learn about our Māori culture and the geothermal landscape that has been drawing visitors since the 1800s. Most Kiwis know this is the home of the largest active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere, Pōhutu, but not everyone knows about the unique Geyser by Night tour which takes torch-wielding visitors through the reserve to learn about this incredible valley and the early Māori inhabitants who lived here prior to European settlement.

FUEL YOUR ADRENALINE

If adventure is your middle name, you can easily fill an entire weekend with non-stop, high-energy action in Rotorua, but one experience that’ll absolutely get the heart racing, and should be on every adrenaline junky’s bucket list, is white water rafting the world-famous Kaituna River. The big deal with this one is that after several rapids and two small-ish waterfalls, you and your fellow raft-mates, plus your professional guide, will tackle Tutea Falls, the world’s tallest commercially rafted waterfall at seven metres.

MEMORY-MAKING ACTIVITIES

Rotorua is a great place to spoil yourself with speciality and bespoke experiences by land, air, and water. If you’re keen to explore new frontiers in mountain biking, HeliBike Rotorua delivers you and your bike via helicopter to remote trails. Volcanic Air helicopter and floatplane tours range from flyovers to landings on the summit of Mount Tarawera. Relax on a private charter eco-sailing experience aboard Pure Cruise’s 53-foot luxury catamaran. Check out MDA Experiences for personalised and personable one-of-a-kind tours and excursions.

UP THE ROMANCE FACTOR

While Skyline Rotorua is famous for its luge rides, it’s also a great place to take your special someone. Making your way to the top of Mount Ngongotahā via the Skyline Gondola is great for setting the mood as Lake Rotorua, the city, and beyond come into view. At the top, head to Volcanic Hills Winery to enjoy a Rotorua-made wine before dining at Skyline’s Stratosfare Restaurant and Bar. Both winery and restaurant take advantage of the views, of course, creating a gorgeous setting to rekindle.

ROTORUA: PERFECT FOR A MICRO-ADVENTURE