Swim in the famous Blue Baths. and other Rotorua, New Zealand Things to Do Tips

In it's hey day this complex was very popular. Back in 1999, after being closed for some years, the Blue Baths were renovated and modernised and reopened to the public. Art Deco / Spanish Mission architecture it is a very attractive building none the less.
Intended for recreational rather than medicinal bathing the whole experience here is very enjoyable.
I really enjoyed listening to the old 30's style music they played and could try to imagine what it was like back then.

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Phone: 07 - 350 2119
Address: Government Gardens, Rotorua.
Directions: The Baths complex is within the Government Gardens and next to the Museum of Art and History.
Other Contact: www.bluebaths.co.nz

There is so much to see here. Primarily a thermal park, you can of course see
geysers and boiling mud pools
along with
sulphur terraces.
As well as that there is a
Maori Village, a carving school, and a Kiwi bird house.

Seeing the Kiwi is a very special experience, and not freely available around the country so I recommend you take the time to walk thru while here. It is no extra cost. You need to stay inside the dark house for few minutes to allow your eyes to adjust and letting you view the kiwis. Being nocturnal birds, even most New Zealand people never see one in the wild, in their lifetime.

There is a Maori Concert every day at 12.15pm - 1.00pm.
Remember this place is open 365 days a year! Hours: Summer : 8:00am - 6:00pm
Winter : 8:15am - 5:15pm

The guided walk around the park takes around 1 1/4 hrs, and the last leaves at 5pm in the summer. You can walk unguided and just see some of the park if you are short on time.
If you have a mobility problem, there is an electric "train" to ride in, ask when you buy your ticket.

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Phone: 07 - 348 9047
Address: Hemo Road, Rotorua.
Directions: Fenton St follows on into Hemo Rd. Look for the entrance, well sign posted.
Website: http://www.nzmaori.co.nz
Other Contact: freephone: 0800 494252

Wow! 35 hot mineral pools to chose from, ranging from family bathing to adults only etc.
Something for everyone here, and a really nice café and souvenir shop in the foyer.

Treat yourself to this and spoil your weary traveller bones and muscles. You won't regret it!

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Phone: 07 - 348 1328
Address: Hinemoa Street, Rotorua.
Directions: Right in the centre of town.
Website: http://www.polynesianspa.co.nz

First impressions of zorbing look rather tame. However actually doing it is quite worthwhile, and not a slow and short as it looks. You can do a dry or wet zorb. The dry one has you strapped starlike inside the zorb and you roll down the hill. They say you don't get sick as it is quite slow motion. The wet version has some water in the bottom of the inner zorb (Zorb is an inner and outer sphere) causing you to slide around as you roll down the hill. You more or less stay at the bottom, you are not strapped in for this version of the ride. Lots of screams and yells of delight and happy people. Highly recommended!

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Phone: + 64 7 357 5100
Address: Western Rd, Ngongotaha.
Directions: On the main road to Auckland (Hwy No.5), just north of Rotorua. Across the road on Western Rd, from the Agrodome. Signposted on the highway.
Website: http://www.zorb.com

One of the oldest and established, authentic Maori villages is open to the public with no entry fee.
This is Te Papaiouru Marae, and it is located in the centre of town at Ohinemutu, not far from the Hospital.
Pre-European times saw Ohinemutu as a strategic and important centre of Maori life, situated on the shores of the lake. As the European influence showed, with the addition of the church and religion, both cultures integrated here and we see an ongoing successful merger. Visitors can walk around the village, taking care to respect sensitive areas. Be sure to leave your car in the allocated carpark, and do not attempt to drive within the village. That area is restricted to residents and members of the cultural families.
Ornate carvings and painted structures stand proudly around the Marae. As well here you can see the steam rising from the underground geothermal activity which the Maori used to enhance their lifestyle. The heat was used for bathing and cooking from the early days.
Be sure to respect culture and sensitive areas when walking around Ohinemutu.


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The historic marae at Ohinemutu also provides an opportunity to visit the Maori War Memorial on the lake's edge. This is an interesting and sacred site, remembering the many Maori servicemen who served in our military forces. The site alone, on the edge of the lake and with the arches and setout, makes this place very spiritual and moving.
You can visit this memorial in conjunction with seeing the Maori Village. This is one more chance to visit some culture and history at no cost.

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