I arrived in Rotorua in the middle of the night. I had been warned. I swear I had. But the smell really hit me as soon as I stepped off the bus. The sulfur that surrounds the city gives off a unique smell, some people would compare it to rotten eggs. As will I, but you get used to it within a day. But the first wiff of air truly hits you with a surprise.
Tip of the day: If you are wearing any silver, put them in a plastic bag and seal it before you arrive in Rotorua. I was adviced by my spa visit not to wear silver after entering the mud spa for not to damage the jewelry. I also learned that the air might cause some damage, so I sealed all of my rings, piercings and necklaces away. Though I kept a few studs in my ears, but made sure to not get any mud near them. It was not damaged, but I figured that it is better to be safe than sorry.
Hotel trouble
I had carefully booked a hotel with 24/7 reception for the first night before I would change hotel the next day. After 15 minutes of walking from the bus stop and getting used to the smell I arrived at the hotel. The entrance was closed and when people did not arrive after I pushed the doorbell, I began to feel an unease. It took them around 2 to 3 minutes to arrive, they explained they did not expect any people to arrive at that time. However, I had clearly stated I will arrive between 1AM and 2AM. But I figured this person had just overlooked it. He had not. He had deleted my reservation because I was not there by 10PM! What in the world. This is a first. Why would he delete it?
While he stressed about restoring it, I went to the bathroom. He was still not done when I returned and used about ten minutes to restore it while all I wanted to do was sleep.
Finally got my key and was shown to my room. But I do feel they should have given me a free breakfast or something for the rough start.
Hell´s Gate
If you are looking for a more laid-back and relaxing experience while in New Zealand, I highly recommend Rotorua for their abundance of different spas. I chose the geothermal spa, Hell´s Gate!
Why? Well it was said to have healing power and then I simply loved the name.
You can choose to only the mud spa or also walk around the reserve. My suggestion is to do both to get even more out of the experience.
There is also an option to try carving which is an important art form in the Maori culture. Even if you have never carved before, the instructor will show you and help you.
It is about 15-20 minutes drive from Rotorua, but they also offers shuttle service if you came there by bus.
Have a look at their website.
Redwoods Treewalk
In a suspended canopy walk you can explore and enjoy some peaceful time in Rotorua. You can choose between two routes to walk, one which takes you even higher up.
There is also an option to go here at night when the forest is light up.
Rotorua Gondola
Take the gondola to enjoy an amazing view of Rotorua, when at the top there is also an luge track you can enjoy.
Maori Cultural Performance
Join Mitai Maori for a cultural experience and buffet. It is possible to join them either for dinner or lunch.
Velocity Valley
If you are looking for a thrill, this is the place, with activites such as Vertigo, Swoop and Shweeb Racer.
The National Kiwi Hatchery
Possible to get a behind the scene experince when it comes to hatching a kiwi bird and the conservation program.
Hobbiton
Not far from Rotorua lays Hobbiton, the actual movie set which you can tour. If you are traveling between Auckland and Rotorua, then this is a perfect stop between the two. It is for all ages, even if you are not a big Lord of the Rings fan the experience will be well worth your time.
You have to go with a tour and it lasts about one hour. Some of the tour companies even offers a buffet at the end, which tasted amazingly and you should definitly taste it.
You learn about how this location was chosen, see the different houses that displays the different characters living there.
They added a new part of the tour in 2022 where you could enter a hobbit´s house, with their permission of course. It has such amazing details that I could not help but be in awe.
If you have seen my other posts from New Zealand I have done a lot of Lord of the Rings related tours, but I am not the biggest fan of the movies. I do like them, but I can probably not tell you more than general insight of the movies.
However all of the tours have been amazing, especially Hobbiton. The set had to be rebuilt for the Hobbiton movies and is now permanently staying. It really feels like being transported into the world of Lord of the Rings.
Rover Saga 