Paradise Valley Springs Wildlife Park
467 Paradise Valley Road
Paradise Valley Springs is an immaculate wildlife sanctuary set amongst stunning native New Zealand bush. Wander along the accessible walkways at your own pace, feeding the wildlife as you go.
A first for Rotorua is our Rainforest Treetops Walk - a solid boardwalk up to 20 feet off the ground putting you right up amongst the native tree canopy to admire wild birds like Tui, Bellbirds, Fantails and Pigeons.
Flowing through Paradise Valley Springs is the Ngongotaha Stream. This is the major trout spawning stream for Lake Rotorua and Lake Rotoiti and approximately 20,000 trout spawn in this crystal clear stream annually. Trout food is available to feed them.
Our specially designed Lion enclosure allows you to get very close to these formidable wild animals in complete safety. Every day at 2.30pm our Lions are fed. This is a great time to get up close to our Lions and learn a bit more about them. When we have Lion Cubs born at the park, they are available for visitors to pat - a fantastic experience.
Paradise Valley Springs is an immaculate wildlife sanctuary set amongst stunning native New Zealand bush. Wander along the accessible walkways at your own pace, feeding the wildlife as you go.
A first for Rotorua is our Rainforest Treetops Walk - a solid boardwalk up to 20 feet off the ground putting you right up amongst the native tree canopy to admire wild birds like Tui, Bellbirds, Fantails and Pigeons.
Flowing through Paradise Valley Springs is the Ngongotaha Stream. This is the major trout spawning stream for Lake Rotorua and Lake Rotoiti and approximately 20,000 trout spawn in this crystal clear stream annually. Trout food is available to feed them.
Our specially designed Lion enclosure allows you to get very close to these formidable wild animals in complete safety. Every day at 2.30pm our Lions are fed. This is a great time to get up close to our Lions and learn a bit more about them. When we have Lion Cubs born at the park, they are available for visitors to pat - a fantastic experience.
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Lake Tarawera Water Taxi
93 Spencer Road, Lake Tarawera. Freephone 07 362 8080
Take a water taxi ride with Lake Tarawera Water Taxi to New Zealand's best Hot Water beach at Lake Tarawera, near Rotorua.
You will not only see the unusual geothermal activity, but feel it. Dig your hands into the water at the lake's edge and feel the warmth through the sand or immerse yourself in the warm water. Your trip highlight… sitting in a natural geothermal hot pool nearby, surrounded by native New Zealand forest… with fern fronds silhouetted overhead. Just you and nature!
We also provide trips to the Tarawera Falls Walk, regarded as one of the best short walks in New Zealand.
Lake Tarawera, just 20 minutes south of Rotorua city, is unspoilt and breathtaking. It's dominated by majestic Mount Tarawera, surrounded by native forests and imbued with Māori history. We share with visitors the cultural and volcanic history of Tarawera, continuing a legacy that the Tuhourangi ancestors started several hundred years ago.
Take a water taxi ride with Lake Tarawera Water Taxi to New Zealand's best Hot Water beach at Lake Tarawera, near Rotorua.
You will not only see the unusual geothermal activity, but feel it. Dig your hands into the water at the lake's edge and feel the warmth through the sand or immerse yourself in the warm water. Your trip highlight… sitting in a natural geothermal hot pool nearby, surrounded by native New Zealand forest… with fern fronds silhouetted overhead. Just you and nature!
We also provide trips to the Tarawera Falls Walk, regarded as one of the best short walks in New Zealand.
Lake Tarawera, just 20 minutes south of Rotorua city, is unspoilt and breathtaking. It's dominated by majestic Mount Tarawera, surrounded by native forests and imbued with Māori history. We share with visitors the cultural and volcanic history of Tarawera, continuing a legacy that the Tuhourangi ancestors started several hundred years ago.
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Wingspan National Bird of Prey Centre
1334 Paradise Valley Road, Ngongotaha, Rotorua
Featuring threatened New Zealand falcons, hawks and owls, Wingspan provides a rare opportunity to see these magnificent birds up close and personal. Visitors to the Wingspan Centre are able to view a museum area and sneak previews into the incubation and service areas before entering the main aviary - a landscaped, all-weather walkway themed with native plants.
At 11.30am each day begins the spectacular flying display where several birds are released for their daily exercise and feeding where visitors can admire their fast flight, steep climbs and swoops. Visitors are able to hold the birds and feed them wearing a special leather glove.
Wingspan is not only a rehabilitation centre for injured birds but is also a breeding centre aimed at increasing the population numbers of these endangered birds. Donations to Wingspan are welcome.
Featuring threatened New Zealand falcons, hawks and owls, Wingspan provides a rare opportunity to see these magnificent birds up close and personal. Visitors to the Wingspan Centre are able to view a museum area and sneak previews into the incubation and service areas before entering the main aviary - a landscaped, all-weather walkway themed with native plants.
At 11.30am each day begins the spectacular flying display where several birds are released for their daily exercise and feeding where visitors can admire their fast flight, steep climbs and swoops. Visitors are able to hold the birds and feed them wearing a special leather glove.
Wingspan is not only a rehabilitation centre for injured birds but is also a breeding centre aimed at increasing the population numbers of these endangered birds. Donations to Wingspan are welcome.
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Skyline Rotorua - Gondola, Luge, Restaurant and more!
Fairy Springs Road, Rotorua
The Skyline Rotorua complex is situated just minutes from central Rotorua, high up Mt Ngongotaha.
To begin your Skyline Rotorua adventure, take a leisurely 900m uphill Gondola ride and enjoy the extensive 180 degree views of Rotorua, the surrounding lakes and geothermal areas.
Once you reach the Skyline Rotorua complex, select from one of the three exciting Luge trails. Take off downhill on your luge through twists and turns to a backdrop of dramatic scenery and down through our Redwood forest. Once at the bottom, ride the scenic chairlift back to the top of the track.
Enjoy the best of New Zealand and International cuisine for lunch or dinner at the Skyline Rotorua buffet and grill restaurant. Based at the top of the Gondola, the restaurant offers the best views of Lake Rotorua, Mount Tarawera, and the city below.
For a casual dining experience visit our Food Market Kitchen, a marketplace style cafe that has something for everyone - from great coffee to real fruit ice cream.
Everyone will enjoy the fun Jelly Belly (Jelly Bean) gallery and store or just for the adults is the new Volcanic Hills winery and tasting room (see separate listing below).
The Skyline Rotorua complex is situated just minutes from central Rotorua, high up Mt Ngongotaha.
To begin your Skyline Rotorua adventure, take a leisurely 900m uphill Gondola ride and enjoy the extensive 180 degree views of Rotorua, the surrounding lakes and geothermal areas.
Once you reach the Skyline Rotorua complex, select from one of the three exciting Luge trails. Take off downhill on your luge through twists and turns to a backdrop of dramatic scenery and down through our Redwood forest. Once at the bottom, ride the scenic chairlift back to the top of the track.
Enjoy the best of New Zealand and International cuisine for lunch or dinner at the Skyline Rotorua buffet and grill restaurant. Based at the top of the Gondola, the restaurant offers the best views of Lake Rotorua, Mount Tarawera, and the city below.
For a casual dining experience visit our Food Market Kitchen, a marketplace style cafe that has something for everyone - from great coffee to real fruit ice cream.
Everyone will enjoy the fun Jelly Belly (Jelly Bean) gallery and store or just for the adults is the new Volcanic Hills winery and tasting room (see separate listing below).
more..
Volcanic Hills Wine Company
Fairy Springs Road at Skyline, Rotorua
Volcanic Hills wines are a result of a tectonic collision between winemakers Brent Park and Sean Beer. Between them they have 20 years of experience with top wineries. Now they are making their own - Volcanic Hills Wines.
The winery is established at the base of the Skyline Rotorua site where visitors are able to see how the wine is made before taking a gondola ride up to Volcanic Hills HQ to our tasting and wine sales room.
Grapes for Volcanic Hills Wines are sourced from New Zealand's favourite regions Marlborough, Central Otago and Hawke's Bay.
Volcanic Hills aims to stand out like the legendary peaks Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Rangitoto - distinctive, majestic and renowned for producing something quite spectacular!
Volcanic Hills invite you to sample our handcrafted wines from New Zealand's most recognised and respected wine regions.
Volcanic Hills wines are a result of a tectonic collision between winemakers Brent Park and Sean Beer. Between them they have 20 years of experience with top wineries. Now they are making their own - Volcanic Hills Wines.
The winery is established at the base of the Skyline Rotorua site where visitors are able to see how the wine is made before taking a gondola ride up to Volcanic Hills HQ to our tasting and wine sales room.
Grapes for Volcanic Hills Wines are sourced from New Zealand's favourite regions Marlborough, Central Otago and Hawke's Bay.
Volcanic Hills aims to stand out like the legendary peaks Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Rangitoto - distinctive, majestic and renowned for producing something quite spectacular!
Volcanic Hills invite you to sample our handcrafted wines from New Zealand's most recognised and respected wine regions.
more..
The Redwoods TreeWalk
Longmile Road, Rotorua
Redwoods TreeWalk is Rotorua's newest Eco-Tourism attraction. Using ecologically friendly engineering, the TreeWalk is suspended from 100 year old majestic Redwoods. Featuring a series of suspension bridges and living decks, elevated from 6 metres to 12-metres at its' highest point. Designed for use without harnesses or protective gear, it is suitable for all ages.
Visitors can walk at their own pace and take time to enjoy the unique views from the living decks. Allow up to 30 minutes to complete the walk. The only pre-requisite is that all users must be able to walk the entire 553 metres.
You can buy tickets from the Redwoods I-Site and Visitor Centre.
Redwoods TreeWalk is Rotorua's newest Eco-Tourism attraction. Using ecologically friendly engineering, the TreeWalk is suspended from 100 year old majestic Redwoods. Featuring a series of suspension bridges and living decks, elevated from 6 metres to 12-metres at its' highest point. Designed for use without harnesses or protective gear, it is suitable for all ages.
Visitors can walk at their own pace and take time to enjoy the unique views from the living decks. Allow up to 30 minutes to complete the walk. The only pre-requisite is that all users must be able to walk the entire 553 metres.
You can buy tickets from the Redwoods I-Site and Visitor Centre.
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Real Rotorua Tours
Pick-up from our door
Real Rotorua offers 3 exciting and unique tours.
The Lakes Morning Tour is a tour of our favorite lakes, natural springs and best view points. Enjoy breath taking scenery, take photos at your own leisure and learn more about Rotorua's colourful history (8:30am - 12:30pm).
The Thermal Path Tour visits some of Rotorua's "off the beaten track" mud pools and best examples of thermal areas. Dip your toes or fully immerse yourself in our favorite hot springs (1:15pm - 5:00pm).
Rotorua's Nocturnal Adventure is an amazing night-time experience. Glow worms are the highlight of any night-time stroll in New Zealand, and when found in abundance they can be as breathtaking as our clearest night sky. Join our experienced guides on a trip into the native bush at dusk to witness this phenomenon for yourself (Duration 2-3 hours). For more info on departure times and current prices please visit the website.
Real Rotorua offers 3 exciting and unique tours.
The Lakes Morning Tour is a tour of our favorite lakes, natural springs and best view points. Enjoy breath taking scenery, take photos at your own leisure and learn more about Rotorua's colourful history (8:30am - 12:30pm).
The Thermal Path Tour visits some of Rotorua's "off the beaten track" mud pools and best examples of thermal areas. Dip your toes or fully immerse yourself in our favorite hot springs (1:15pm - 5:00pm).
Rotorua's Nocturnal Adventure is an amazing night-time experience. Glow worms are the highlight of any night-time stroll in New Zealand, and when found in abundance they can be as breathtaking as our clearest night sky. Join our experienced guides on a trip into the native bush at dusk to witness this phenomenon for yourself (Duration 2-3 hours). For more info on departure times and current prices please visit the website.
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The Buried Village
1180 Tarawera Road, RD 5, Rotorua
The Buried Village with its award-winning museum, recreated pioneer cottage, Māori whare and excavated sites is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Rotorua.
The excavated village offers a first-hand insight into the chaos and mayhem that transpired on the night Mount Tarawera erupted. It is an authentic appreciation of the people of Te Wairoa, both Māori and European, on how they lived… and died.
Established by the Christian missionary in 1848 as a model village, Te Wairoa survived for fewer than 40 years before it, and the nearby Pink and White Terraces were obliterated by the eruption of Mt Tarawera.
On June 10 1886, spewing rock, ash and mud killed more than 150 people, engulfed several settlements and destroyed the marble-like terraces at Lake Rotomahana, which were internationally regarded as "the eighth wonder of the world".
The Buried Village with its award-winning museum, recreated pioneer cottage, Māori whare and excavated sites is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Rotorua.
The excavated village offers a first-hand insight into the chaos and mayhem that transpired on the night Mount Tarawera erupted. It is an authentic appreciation of the people of Te Wairoa, both Māori and European, on how they lived… and died.
Established by the Christian missionary in 1848 as a model village, Te Wairoa survived for fewer than 40 years before it, and the nearby Pink and White Terraces were obliterated by the eruption of Mt Tarawera.
On June 10 1886, spewing rock, ash and mud killed more than 150 people, engulfed several settlements and destroyed the marble-like terraces at Lake Rotomahana, which were internationally regarded as "the eighth wonder of the world".
more..
The Basement Cinema
1140 Hinemoa Street, Rotorua
The Basement Cinema is Rotorua's answer to an alternative cinema. In the opinion of many, "Indie" movies are not given the respect they deserve with cinema goers being over exposed to blockbusters by the Hollywood machine. The result is that the Basement Cinema presents a more varied programme than most of the cinemas in the region. It boasts a wider range of material from the world of cinema taking in films from as far as Europe and Africa to the more close-at-hand Samoa.
More recently the cinema has taken on a new look by extending the bar to take in an extensive range of New Zealand wines and craft beers. Relax with a wine or tuck into some wedges before the show.
The two screens offer an escape from the colossal corporate cineplex with its two snug screens giving the feeling that you're watching a private screening with the film's producers. The comfy lounging seats mean no jostling for arm-room and seating only 13 and 23 seats means no panic to find good seats as they all have a perfect point of view.
The Basement Cinema is Rotorua's answer to an alternative cinema. In the opinion of many, "Indie" movies are not given the respect they deserve with cinema goers being over exposed to blockbusters by the Hollywood machine. The result is that the Basement Cinema presents a more varied programme than most of the cinemas in the region. It boasts a wider range of material from the world of cinema taking in films from as far as Europe and Africa to the more close-at-hand Samoa.
More recently the cinema has taken on a new look by extending the bar to take in an extensive range of New Zealand wines and craft beers. Relax with a wine or tuck into some wedges before the show.
The two screens offer an escape from the colossal corporate cineplex with its two snug screens giving the feeling that you're watching a private screening with the film's producers. The comfy lounging seats mean no jostling for arm-room and seating only 13 and 23 seats means no panic to find good seats as they all have a perfect point of view.
more..
Agrodome
Western Road, Ngongotaha, Rotorua
Located just 10 kms north of the Rotorua CBD, the Agrodome is home to the multi award winning Sheep Show. This famous Rotorua attraction features live sheep shearing, 19 breeds of champion rams, cow milking, lamb feeding, dog demonstrations as well as a full New Zealand dog trial. There are three exciting shows a day at 9.30am, 11.00am and 2.30pm. Each Sheep Show is an hour duration.
Also join the Organic Farm Tour for a hands-on experience with a variety of farm animals including Cattle, Deer, Alpaca, Bison, Ostrich, Sheep and much more. You will also visit the Organic Orchard for honey and kiwifruit juice tasting. The Farm Tours depart daily at 10.40am, 12.10pm, 1.30pm and 3.40pm.
Complete your Agrodome experience with a visit to the Woollen Mill and Shearing Shed to see the full process of wool from the Sheep's back to yours.
Located just 10 kms north of the Rotorua CBD, the Agrodome is home to the multi award winning Sheep Show. This famous Rotorua attraction features live sheep shearing, 19 breeds of champion rams, cow milking, lamb feeding, dog demonstrations as well as a full New Zealand dog trial. There are three exciting shows a day at 9.30am, 11.00am and 2.30pm. Each Sheep Show is an hour duration.
Also join the Organic Farm Tour for a hands-on experience with a variety of farm animals including Cattle, Deer, Alpaca, Bison, Ostrich, Sheep and much more. You will also visit the Organic Orchard for honey and kiwifruit juice tasting. The Farm Tours depart daily at 10.40am, 12.10pm, 1.30pm and 3.40pm.
Complete your Agrodome experience with a visit to the Woollen Mill and Shearing Shed to see the full process of wool from the Sheep's back to yours.
more..
Rail Cruising
Mamaku Railway Station, Rotorua
Never before have everyday people been able to travel independently by rail, but now you can! With RailCruisers you can experience remote and breathtaking scenery that you just can't see anywhere else.
You don't have to load into a large train carriage with everyone else, you can experience the railway independently and in complete comfort and safety in your own 4-seater, self-drive RailCruiser.
Groups of RailCruisers are spaced 150m apart and travel together in one direction at a leisurely 20kph providing a safe, self-drive experience.
Onboard commentary enriches the experience that can be done in all weather due to clear drop-down sides and onboard heating.
Trips range from 2 hours (19kms) to full day excursions (86kms).
Never before have everyday people been able to travel independently by rail, but now you can! With RailCruisers you can experience remote and breathtaking scenery that you just can't see anywhere else.
You don't have to load into a large train carriage with everyone else, you can experience the railway independently and in complete comfort and safety in your own 4-seater, self-drive RailCruiser.
Groups of RailCruisers are spaced 150m apart and travel together in one direction at a leisurely 20kph providing a safe, self-drive experience.
Onboard commentary enriches the experience that can be done in all weather due to clear drop-down sides and onboard heating.
Trips range from 2 hours (19kms) to full day excursions (86kms).
more..
Duck Tours
1167 Fenton Street, Rotorua
Rotorua Duck Tours has been providing amphibious sightseeing and history tours of Rotorua since 2003. With 16 magnificent lakes in the Rotorua region, there is no shortage of places to visit. On a guided tour you will experience the thrill of riding in an authentic WWII amphibious craft, effectionately known as 'duck', view spectacular scenery and 'splashdown' into pristine lakes.
The experienced Conducktor will bring Rotorua alive by retelling the most famous stories and ledgends of the past, as well as providing information about local flora and fauna and many natural and cultural landmarks.
Rotorua Duck Tours has two tours available, the very popular Rotorua City Lakes Tour (90 min) and the new Tarawera and Lakes Tour (120 min).
Rotorua Duck Tours has been providing amphibious sightseeing and history tours of Rotorua since 2003. With 16 magnificent lakes in the Rotorua region, there is no shortage of places to visit. On a guided tour you will experience the thrill of riding in an authentic WWII amphibious craft, effectionately known as 'duck', view spectacular scenery and 'splashdown' into pristine lakes.
The experienced Conducktor will bring Rotorua alive by retelling the most famous stories and ledgends of the past, as well as providing information about local flora and fauna and many natural and cultural landmarks.
Rotorua Duck Tours has two tours available, the very popular Rotorua City Lakes Tour (90 min) and the new Tarawera and Lakes Tour (120 min).
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Mamaku Blue Blueberry Experience
311 Maraeroa Road, Mamaku, Rotorua
Discover the wonderful world of blueberries, the only Blueberry Experience and Winery of its type in New Zealand. Sample the many products made from these little globes of health; the unique taste of blueberry wine, blueberry jams and chutney's or enjoy a real fruit icecream. There is a cafe to indulge in healthy home-made blueberry lunches, teas and refreshments. Guided tours by appointment (includes refreshments and product tastings).
Free entry.
Discover the wonderful world of blueberries, the only Blueberry Experience and Winery of its type in New Zealand. Sample the many products made from these little globes of health; the unique taste of blueberry wine, blueberry jams and chutney's or enjoy a real fruit icecream. There is a cafe to indulge in healthy home-made blueberry lunches, teas and refreshments. Guided tours by appointment (includes refreshments and product tastings).
Free entry.