48 Hours in Rotorua… and Why It’s Nowhere Near Long Enough

Day One

11:00am - Touchdown!!

We grabbed our rental car, threw our bags in the back, and headed straight to Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Park for a guided tour. It felt like the perfect way to jump straight into the heart of what makes Rotorua so special. Wai, meaning water and tapu, meaning sacred, this iwi-owned and operated experience is far more than colourful pools and steaming earth. Our guide shared stories of the area’s ancestral guardians, the significance of the geothermal landscapes, and the legends behind the formations we were standing beside. Learning about the deep-rooted Māori connection to this land made every bubbling pool and steaming crater feel even more alive.

1:30pm – Lunch + lakeside stroll

Feeling peckish, we grabbed a quick sushi lunch and took a wander along the Lake Rotorua waterfront. Floatplanes from Volcanic Air were taking off and landing like a giant dragonfly skimming the water, and swans were gliding along the surface as if they owned the place. It’s such an easy place to just wander, breathe, and soak in that “I’m on holiday” feeling.

3:00pm – Checking in at On the Point

Our home for this short (too short!) getaway was the luxurious On the Point. We stayed in a beautiful Lake View Cottage overlooking the water. Not only were the views spectacular, but the resident farm animals added this unexpected charm and warmth. There’s something very grounding about stepping outside your door and being greeted by a woolly sheep or a friendly donkey living their best luxury-lodge life. It felt like a place where time immediately slowed down.

4:30pm – Absolute bliss at Wai Ariki Spa

After a big, busy morning, it was time to slow down with the Restorative Journey at Wai Ariki Spa. This place is breathtaking. Before you even begin the experience, the architecture captures you - sweeping angles, elegant lines, and subtle references to Māori design everywhere you look.

The journey starts with Wairere Waterfall Showers, cascading water cleansing away the day and preparing your body for what’s ahead. Next, Tū Tukinga: Tongariro Fire & Ice Caves. Three saunas - Himalayan salt, traditional fire, and hay - each with its own purpose and benefits. Throw in a cold plunge, an ice facial, or a bucket shower that lands like a heart-starter, and you feel more alive than you have in months.

Then came Te Taiwhanga Matua, the lakeview hot pools. Floating in geothermal water while watching the lake shift colours in the late afternoon is truly something out of a dream. We planned our visit for a 4:30pm start during winter so we could soak through sunset, and honestly, it’s one of the best decisions we made.

After we felt like melted butter, we wandered into Te Pae Paru, the Mud Lounge, where we covered ourselves in silky, mineral-rich geothermal mud and relaxed on heated loungers. The last step was Kohu Wai Ariki, the steam room, where the mud gently melted away.

Every detail - from the patterns etched into the drains to the placement of light - has clearly been thought through with intention. It’s elegant, spiritual, grounding, and utterly restorative. I left wishing this was part of my weekly routine.

7:00pm – Dinner at the lodge

Knowing we’d be floating around in a post-spa haze, we opted to prebook dinner right onsite at On the Point. We were treated to a gourmet chicken and corn soup followed by perfectly cooked venison - hearty, flavourful, and exactly what we needed before collapsing into bed feeling like we had already had the perfect day in Rotorua.

Day Two

8:30am – Breakfast & sunrise

We woke to the sun slowly creeping over Lake Rotorua, painting the sky pink and gold. Breakfast was à la carte - and yes, we both got Eggs Benedict, because when in doubt, always choose the Benny. The kitchen at On the Point seems like it never disappoints.

We also had the pleasure of chatting with the lovely General Manager, Ann, whose local insights and warmth made us feel instantly more at home.

10:00am – My first-ever kiwi encounter

Now, I’m almost embarrassed to admit this… but before this trip, I had never actually seen a kiwi in real life (yes, shocking for a native New Zealander!) So, this was a big moment.

We arrived at the Agrodome and travelled through rolling farmland to reach the National Kiwi Hatchery. Our Behind-the-Scenes Private Tour was so much more than I expected. We learned about the incredible conservation work happening here - most of it privately funded - and how their efforts have saved thousands of kiwi from predators.

Inside the viewing room, we met three adult kiwi shuffling around in their nocturnal space, which was magical in itself. But the real treat came when we were taken behind the scenes to see where the kiwi eggs are incubated and hatched. Even though we were out of season, the insight was fascinating.

The finale? Entering the Kiwi Crèche, a predator-free area where young kiwi are raised until they’re strong and heavy enough to survive in the wild. A keeper gently introduced us to a “teenage” kiwi for a health check - a look-but-don’t-touch moment that felt incredibly intimate.

Meeting a kiwi for the first time… It’s a pinch-me moment I’ll never forget. And knowing that every cent of the experience goes back into conservation makes it even more meaningful to recommend to guests to New Zealand.

1:00pm – Bucket List Unlocked

Next was something I’ve wanted to do for a very long time: the Ultimate Canopy Tour. As a Product Manager, I love supporting experiences that genuinely give back - and these guys absolutely do. For over 10 years, they’ve been restoring the Ōkāreka Forest, removing pests, reintroducing native species, discovering new ones and creating a haven where wildlife is flourishing again.

The tour itself is unreal. You’re soaring above ancient forest on ziplines, crossing swing bridges, exploring hidden pathways, and at times completely forgetting you're high above the ground (until you remember, and your heart kicks in, but in the best way).

As someone who is generally allergic to heights, I surprised myself by having an absolute blast. And feeding a Toutouwai/North Island Robin straight from my hand? That was the cherry on top. There are only a handful of places in New Zealand where this is possible - and it only works because of the tireless conservation happening here.

By the time we finished, we were buzzing. But we had an incredibly special night ahead, so it was back to the cottage for a quick freshen up.

5:45pm – A night of culture, storytelling, and Matariki magic

After a lovely glass of bubbles with Ann, we were collected for our evening with Te Pā Tū. This was another experience on my Product Manager bucket list - and it absolutely delivered.

As we arrived, towering carved posts welcomed us into the pā (village), signalling that we were entering a place of deep cultural significance. Because we were visiting in winter, we were experiencing their Tū Te Ihi – Matariki (Māori New Year) celebration.

The evening began with Ahi Tuku – the Fire Ceremony, where guests stood around a glowing fire pit and we each shared the names of ancestors or loved ones no longer with us. It was emotional, raw, and deeply grounding.

From there, we moved into the Wānanga (place of learning) to try our hand at weaving, Māori weaponry drills, and traditional instruments - each activity taught with passion and humour of the most welcoming storytellers.

The kapa haka performance that followed was powerful, goosebump-inducing, and left everyone buzzing. Then came kai - a Matariki-inspired Māori fusion feast, complete with hāngī. What made it even more special was that each table had a storyteller who shared personal kōrero, answered questions, and gave deeper insight into the traditions we were experiencing.

The night ended with a Poroporoaki (farewell ceremony), sending us back out into the night with full bellies, full hearts, and a profound appreciation for this beautiful culture.

10:00pm – Spa under the stars

Back at our cottage, we ended the night with a soak in our private spa, gazing out at the stars shimmering over the lake. The perfect end to an incredible day of nature, culture, nurture, and adventure.

Day Three

9:00am – One last breakfast

We let ourselves sleep in just a little (rare for us!) before enjoying another delicious breakfast. When check-out time arrived, neither of us were ready. This place had truly started to feel like home.

10:00am – Pounamu at Mountain Jade

Before leaving town, we made one last stop at Mountain Jade. Pounamu (greenstone) is considered tapu and holds deep meaning in Māori culture, often gifted as taonga to loved ones. The studio tour was incredibly insightful — learning how pieces are chosen, shaped, carved, and blessed. We even had the chance to select our own piece to take home. A wonderful way to end the trip.

11:00am – Time to go… reluctantly

And just like that, our 48 hours were up. But here is the thing… we barely scratched the surface.

We still didn’t get the chance to:

• Cruise Lake Rotoiti on an Airstream
• Wander the Redwoods by Night
• Soak at Secret Spot
• See the Te Puia Geysers by Night
• Raft the Kaituna
• Climb or Fly up Mt Tarawera
• Luge, Zorb, or Mountain bike
• Explore Whirinaki Forest
• Bathe in the mud at Hell’s Gate
• Visit the Māori Arts & Crafts Institute
• And all the rest…..

Which is exactly why 48 hours in Rotorua is simply not enough. This place deserves days to truly explore, experience, and appreciate. If experiencing the heart of Aotearoa is on your bucket list, speak to one of our team and we’ll ensure you have enough time to explore and absorb one of the most diverse places in New Zealand.