Rotorua Travel Forum

Is this possible? I would like to visit the Paradise springs lions, mud pits, hot springs and hangi.....

I am travelling alone, so not sure how to get there....is the airport a fair way out?

I am hoping it can be done in a day, early out of auckland, late back etc.

Yes, this is possible. I would rent a car, so you do not lose time to get from one place to the other in Rotorua. Those attractions are at rather distant locations. They do have shuttle services in Rotorua, though. But it would take you real big time to get around. The airport is quite a drive from the centre. I think a car would be the most time and cost effective solution.

Sissi

Hi Sissi, i would totally agree with you.
There is quite a bit to see so grab a car, make sure of the early start and some preparation of your route beforehand and you should have a great time.

I will be by myself so driving etc is a little worring....

The alternative would be to take a flight to Rotorua and rent a car at the airport, so you would avoid Auckland's traffic. But it would already take you a long time to get to AKL airport... So already half the day would be over.

Are you not driving at home?

Sissi

The road between Akl and Rotorua is fine and taking things easy should take you maybe 3-3.5 hrs, so definitely do-able although it does make for a big day. It's fairly straightforward.

I have booked a day trip with the naked bus....I arrive in Rotorua at noon and leave again at 4pm. The two things i really want to see are the pits, a dip in a spring and see the lions.

Anything else thatare only in Rotorua that i might do?

Not a lot more in this short time...

But you could perhaps also visit Rainbow Springs where they have a great kiwi breeding programme and kiwis, and as it is right beside the gondola you could take a gondola ride on Mt. Ngongotaha and get a great view of the lake, and a little bit further along the road is the Zorb (rolling down a hill in a giant ball), and 500 metres from there is the Agrodome with a very touristy but still funny and impressive sheep show.

Sure, this is already too much for the time given - but perhaps you can make a choice ;-)

Sissi

Can you suggest an itinery for me then.....drop off is the information centre...where i hope i can store my bag etc in loclers. Does any one know if that is available?

thanks

The 'Buried Village' is an excellent historical and cultural visit as well.

Do not know about lockers - but the shuttle bus to the attractions starts in front of the information centre.

The Buried Village is totally to the other direction, and further away, so I see no chance of including it in a 4 h itinary.

We spent a couple of hours at the Buried Village alone.

I THINK there are lockers at the main info centre. Failing that I would ask the coach driver to secure bags on the vehicle, maybe in the luggage hold.