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 6: Explore Murchison, Punakaiki Coast & Hokitika
Day 6: Explore Murchison, Punakaiki Coast & Hokitika https://planetunfold.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/IMG_5431-Pancake-rocks-with-birds-1-1024x683.jpg 1024 683 Sheetal Khatri https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a8c4e10205dce919119e3338d8d5269d?s=96&d=blank&r=gAmazing places to see around Murchison, Buller Gorge, Punakaiki Coast and Hokitika. Full Day drive itinerary, ideas and tips.
read moreDay 3: Road-Tripping Marlborough Sounds-Havelock-Nelson
Day 3: Road-Tripping Marlborough Sounds-Havelock-Nelson https://planetunfold.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/IMG_4417-Queen-charolette-track-lookout-1-1024x683.jpg 1024 683 Sheetal Khatri https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a8c4e10205dce919119e3338d8d5269d?s=96&d=blank&r=gBeautiful places to visit in Marlborough Sounds, Queen Charlotte Drive and amazing spots between Havelock to Nelson.
read moreRustic Getaway to Pulau Ubin|Chek Jawa
Rustic Getaway to Pulau Ubin|Chek Jawa https://planetunfold.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/IMG_5861-Pulau-Ubin-Thumb-1.jpg 369 246 Sheetal Khatri https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a8c4e10205dce919119e3338d8d5269d?s=96&d=blank&r=gPulau Ubin is an ideal rustic getaway that is also the last ‘Kampong’ village of Singapore, just a short ride on a bumboat. Ideal for a day’s excursion to indulge into reminiscing rural days.
read moreShiding Thousand Island Lake, Taiwan
Shiding Thousand Island Lake, Taiwan https://planetunfold.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/IMG_7827-Thousand-island-lake-thumb-1.jpg 369 246 Sheetal Khatri https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a8c4e10205dce919119e3338d8d5269d?s=96&d=blank&r=gAmazing lookouts to catch glimpses of Shiding Thousand Island Lake. How to reach, specific places to see and other basic info. The most picturesque lake in the northern Taiwan. A hidden gem of Shiding district.
read moreNew Zealand: Full Travel Guide|Itinerary|Tips
New Zealand: Full Travel Guide|Itinerary|Tips https://planetunfold.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_8707-tasman-1-1024x683.jpg 1024 683 Sheetal Khatri https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a8c4e10205dce919119e3338d8d5269d?s=96&d=blank&r=gFull guide, basic information about New Zealand travel in low season. 17D planner for both islands. Unique things to see and do. Weather, Transport, Parking, Cost, food & Stay, Mindful Shopping.
read moreWestern Australia|Travel Guide, Tips, Useful Info & Itinerary
Western Australia|Travel Guide, Tips, Useful Info & Itinerary https://planetunfold.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_6430-Edit-Thumb-1.jpg 369 246 Sheetal Khatri https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a8c4e10205dce919119e3338d8d5269d?s=96&d=blank&r=gAn offbeat road trip ideas in Western Australia (11-15 day Itinerary) including its most iconic spots, hidden gems, and transitioning scenic vistas. Things to know before you go.
read moreThe Phenomenal Sojourn in Taitung
The Phenomenal Sojourn in Taitung https://planetunfold.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/IMG_6736-lanterns-thumb-1.jpg 369 246 Sheetal Khatri https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a8c4e10205dce919119e3338d8d5269d?s=96&d=blank&r=gHow to spend amazing time in Taitung, discover serene locations with outmoded vibes and habitations of preserved cultures and communities. It’s a far-far-away land from mundane thoughts and routine hum-drums and that is why we called it a phenomenal sojourn.
read moreDay 13: The Magical Land of Edoras
Day 13: The Magical Land of Edoras https://planetunfold.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/IMG_9076-Edoras-SKMK-1-1024x683.jpg 1024 683 Sheetal Khatri https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a8c4e10205dce919119e3338d8d5269d?s=96&d=blank&r=gThe Magical Land of Edoras is full of scenic surprises, self drive tips, useful info, things to see & do in Hakatere park. Mount Sunday & Potts River tracks.
read moreKenting To Taitung: Day Tripping on the Black Coast
Kenting To Taitung: Day Tripping on the Black Coast https://planetunfold.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_6116-Day-6-thumb-1.jpg 369 227 Sheetal Khatri https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a8c4e10205dce919119e3338d8d5269d?s=96&d=blank&r=gOur jaunt towards eastern coast of Taiwan featuring the veiled charms, Taitung, Hualien and Yilan for its countryside. The scenery along way changes dramatically compared to the west here and you will find tempted to stopover at many places in between just to admire mother nature.
read more

Leave a Reply