Day 4: Rotorua-Geothermal Gems & Maori Culture
(Day 4)
A trip in New Zealand’s North Island is incomplete without glancing its vibrant and unique geothermal regions. Well, Rotorua is bursting with geological assets.
Nature’s Own Colour Palette - Orakei Korako
Orakei Korako-Nature's Color Palette
If you are looking for something rare and striking, you should check out the one and only Orakei Korako. Incredible vibrant colour, gurgling mud pools, volcanic hot springs and very rare geothermal cave. All at one place in the same hidden valley of exceptional natural beauty. This is certainly the best kept secret amid all geothermal gems and locals will tell you that.
Orakei Korako is a small geothermal island located between Taupo and Rotorua, mins drive from Cambridge. The large geothermal field straddles the Waikato river at Lake Ohakuri, with a unique boat ride that takes you to the geothermal park.
Unlimited Natural Soda
It is open year around. Scenery in the valley represents thermal perfection which is alive with activity escaping the terraces and bubbling into the lake below. The tickets can be bought at a small cafe inclusive of the boat ride.
Opening hours: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Ticket Price: NZD 39, Duration: allow 1 ½ hours
A Pool of Champagne at Wai-O-Tapu
Devil's Bathtub
The most renowned geothermal wonders lie in Wai-O Tapu where you can see Lady knox geyser (show at 10:15 am) & Champagne pool, Devil’s bathtub and Mud pool.
Opening hours: 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, Ticket price: NZD 32, Duration: Allow 1-2 hrs
Steamy Kerosene Lake on the way is full little birds hovering over
The Kerosene Lake is also a local picnic spot with adjoining nature trails surrounding the lake.
The Glimpses of Maori Philosophy
Mitai Maori Village
The indigenous residents of New Zealand are known as Maori people. Their culture and values have been thriving for centuries now. Mitai Maori Village located near Lake Rotorua, is a place to get refreshing glimpses of Maori life and traditions through an evening tour.
The tour involves stories of Maori natives through performances, detour to their sacred springs in thorp wilderness, bush-walks later ends with a Hangi buffet.
Hangi slowly cooking in earthen oven! Can't wait ;p
Hangi is a traditional Maori meal made of slowly cooked meats and vegetables in an earthen oven. You can’t easily forget the taste of such outstanding supper. This was the best seafood chowder, roasted meats and sweet potatoes we ever had.
Time: 5:30-9:30pm
Price: NZD 117, visit their website for more info.
Nearby Attractions:
- Lake Taupo-Mine bay Maori Rock Carvings
- Te Puia Geyser
- Craters of the moon
- Huka Falls
- Alpaca Farm Tours
- Zealong Tea estate
Explore More
Day trip from Taipei: Yangmingshan and North Coast
Day trip from Taipei: Yangmingshan and North Coast https://planetunfold.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/IMG_5109-Yangmingshan-NP-thumb-1.jpg 369 246 Sheetal Khatri https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/da134dacdf22a62242e7d2ead20854fbe9e6c4a353734711d72cce8cd8d7b6f6?s=96&d=blank&r=gA day drive itinerary to explore some marvellous features of Yangmingshan National Park along with some iconic coastal landscapes in the northern tip of Taiwan.
read more
Gorgeous Day Drive Spots from Kaohsiung to Kenting
Gorgeous Day Drive Spots from Kaohsiung to Kenting https://planetunfold.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_5991-eluanbi-post-1.jpg 860 573 Sheetal Khatri https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/da134dacdf22a62242e7d2ead20854fbe9e6c4a353734711d72cce8cd8d7b6f6?s=96&d=blank&r=gA road trip self drive route exploring stunning locations in the southern slice of Taiwan along with gorgeous landscapes of Kenting National Park. Find out all about touring the south, where to stay, what to eat and top activities to indulge into.
read more
Mole Creek Caves, Fossil Bluff and The Nut
Mole Creek Caves, Fossil Bluff and The Nut https://planetunfold.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/IMG_0973-Post-1.jpg 860 573 Sheetal Khatri https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/da134dacdf22a62242e7d2ead20854fbe9e6c4a353734711d72cce8cd8d7b6f6?s=96&d=blank&r=gThe longer route comes with more diversity of places to see. Our self drive from Launceston to Stanley and then Queenstown features some unique spots of Western Tasmania.
read more
Taiwan Countryside and Quaint Surrounds of Sun Moon Lake
Taiwan Countryside and Quaint Surrounds of Sun Moon Lake https://planetunfold.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/IMG_5623-Formosan-Aboriginal-Village-thumb-1.jpg 369 246 Sheetal Khatri https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/da134dacdf22a62242e7d2ead20854fbe9e6c4a353734711d72cce8cd8d7b6f6?s=96&d=blank&r=gThings to do around Sun Moon Lake. The central mountain ranges of Nantou are home to stunning landscapes, sheltered with woodland and numerous walk trails, it has an aura of enchantment. You will love waking up to chirpy bird songs, elegant sunrises, foggy ambiances that create mood of fairylands.
read more
The Best of Taipei in One Day
The Best of Taipei in One Day https://planetunfold.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/IMG_4962-Taipei-101-Thumb-1.jpg 355 246 Sheetal Khatri https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/da134dacdf22a62242e7d2ead20854fbe9e6c4a353734711d72cce8cd8d7b6f6?s=96&d=blank&r=gTop things to do in Taipei if you have only one day or some layover time. Chasing the spirit of Taipei by taking long walks on its streets, tasting local delicacies and roving around its fabulous night markets. The modern metropolitan city has Japanese era lanes with nice fusion of artful skyline and Taipei 101 as its tiara.
read more
Day 4&5: Golden Bay & Abel Tasman Retreats
Day 4&5: Golden Bay & Abel Tasman Retreats https://planetunfold.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/IMG_4830-Wharariki-for-post-sk-1-1024x683.jpg 1024 683 Sheetal Khatri https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/da134dacdf22a62242e7d2ead20854fbe9e6c4a353734711d72cce8cd8d7b6f6?s=96&d=blank&r=gWonderful places to see in Golden Bay and Abel Tasman, a two day (self drive) plan to explore some amazing spots. Travel, guide, tips and unique things to do.
read more
NZ Trip Observations, Challenges and Travel Tips
NZ Trip Observations, Challenges and Travel Tips https://planetunfold.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6825-Crown-range-to-coronet-peak-1-1024x683.jpg 1024 683 Sheetal Khatri https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/da134dacdf22a62242e7d2ead20854fbe9e6c4a353734711d72cce8cd8d7b6f6?s=96&d=blank&r=gSome observations, challenges and travel advise for first timers road tripping in New Zealand, especially during low season. Everything to know before you go.
read more
Holiday in Langkawi, Malaysia
Holiday in Langkawi, Malaysia https://planetunfold.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/IMG_4001-Thumb-1.jpg 369 250 Sheetal Khatri https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/da134dacdf22a62242e7d2ead20854fbe9e6c4a353734711d72cce8cd8d7b6f6?s=96&d=blank&r=g
Cambodia
Cambodia https://planetunfold.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_3766-Thumb-1.jpg 369 246 Sheetal Khatri https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/da134dacdf22a62242e7d2ead20854fbe9e6c4a353734711d72cce8cd8d7b6f6?s=96&d=blank&r=gAll you need to know before planning your trip to Cambodia. Ultimate travel guide and itinerary for Cambodia, best temples to visit, and things to see beyond temples for a perfect trip.
read more
Leave a Reply