Travel ideas, inspiration and advice from our team.

New Zealand’s Most Unique Boat Trips: From Lakes to Fiords to the Sea

08/06/2026

New Zealand’s dramatic coastlines, volcanic lakes and majestic fiords set the stage for some of the most unforgettable day cruises on Earth. From rare wildlife to raw, cinematic landscapes – here are five boat trips that deserve a place on your bucket list.

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Heard some Hot Takes and Steamy Gossip? Here’s the Truth about Waimangu in Rotorua

09/03/2026

Planning a visit to Waimangu and not sure what to expect? Time to clear the air! Here we’ll answer some of the most common questions and debunk a few myths about exploring our geothermal valley, so you know exactly what you can look forward to during your day of discovery.

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Rotorua’s All-Weather Outdoor Activities

16/02/2026

Whether you’re visiting Rotorua for a short break or a week-long holiday, don’t let a wet weather forecast change your plans. We’ve rounded up the best rainy-day outdoor activities where you can pop on a jacket, bring an umbrella, and still soak up the scenery no matter what the weather is doing.

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Geysers, Crater Lakes and Hot Springs: Your Waimangu Discovery Guide

17/01/2026

Walking through Waimangu Volcanic Valley feels like stepping onto another planet. Born from the 1886 eruption of Mount Tarawera, this is a vibrant, constantly-evolving landscape where steam rises, silica flows, geysers play, and mud pools bubble away. A self-guided walk and narrated lake cruise gives you the ultimate Rotorua geothermal experience, while reminding you of nature’s power and beauty.

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Rotorua’s Top Hikes and Walks

15/12/2025

Rotorua is a nature lover’s paradise – and there’s no better way to explore it than on foot. With trails that wind through ancient forests, past thundering waterfalls, circling crystal-clear lakes, and venturing across volcanic landscapes, you’ll feel like your stepping onto another planet. Whether you’re after a gentle short stroll or a challenging full-day mission, lace up your walking shoes, because we’ve compiled the ultimate guide to the best hiking tracks and family-friendly walks around Rotorua.

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Karakia Blesses Waimangu’s New Boats and New Direction

04/12/2025

A significant milestone was celebrated at Waimangu Volcanic Valley on Monday, with a karakia to name and launch the valley’s two new vessels on Lake Rotomahana and to acknowledge the recent change in ownership.

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A Family-Friendly Day Out in Rotorua for Young Explorers

28/05/2025

Rotorua is a natural playground where curious minds thrive. With its unique blend of geothermal wonders, lush forests, crystal-clear lakes and adventure activities, it’s the perfect destination for families seeking memorable experiences.

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Rotorua’s Most Photogenic Spots for the ‘Gram

29/04/2025

From otherworldly geothermal landscapes to brilliant blue lakes and lush green forests, Rotorua is a dream destination for photographers, nature lovers, and Instagrammers alike. Whether you’re a seasoned content creator or just looking for some stunning holiday snaps, your next Rotorua trip will be full of breathtaking backdrops. Here’s your go-to guide for the best spots to snap, shoot, and share.

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Waimangu Volcanic Valley Recognised for Kaitiakitanga Environmental Sustainability

21/02/2022

Waimangu Volcanic Valley were delighted to receive the Kaitiakitanga Environmental Sustainability and Climate Change Award at the Rotorua Business Awards this year.

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We were fortunate to visit when there were no crowds and walked the valley in almost complete isolation which added to the mysterious and prehistoric feel. Everywhere we turned was a feast for the eyes. Our teenage son only wished we could have spent more time there. If you appreciate nature, enjoy an easy hike, want to see something unique Waimangu is for…

Dianna
Tokyo, Japan

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A must-go in Rotorua, where you'll explore a stunning scenery of ferns and volcanic rocks and…

Simone
Brasillia

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I honestly think my words can't do this place justice. It's breath taking, with flora that changes every 5 min. If you have the fitness ability walt the whole place on foot. You won't regret it. If you get tired they have buses. Amazing lakes and views you will never forget.Pack a picnic and some water and enjoy a day you will never forget. Plenty of benches to rest too. Take your time and son up every moment. Good for couples, families with…

Yana

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Can’t recommend this highly enough. Our family of two adults and a 7, 10 and 11 year old absolutely loved it. The walk through the valley was gorgeous. The self guided map tour was awesome, our kids took turns reading the info at each spot. It was perfectly planned out with the walk down (we used the full two hours and had to power walk the last 15 minutes to make the boat), followed by the boat trip and then a ride back up to the top. The…

Charlie
New Zealand

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A peaceful quiet walk in the rain. We came here on a rainy day, as there wasn’t much else to do outside when in rains in Rotorua. Staff was nice and walked us through the bus stops and how everything worked there. We paid the additional $5 to rent a heat thermometer gun (not sure was the actual name of it is). It was cool to see how hot the water was getting with the temperature gauge. This was a good place to go when it rains. The walkway is…

Spring
Texas

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We had a great trip here - very organised walk with lots of information and fascinating views of the craters. The boat trip on the lake was very relaxing and timed to allow us to catch the bus back up. We had a good lunch back at the…

Penny
Brisbane, Australia

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