If you and your mates or BFFs love to gather for a long weekend catch-up, we’ve concocted the perfect recipe for you.
There’s so much to do in Rotorua so it can be a bit daunting coming up with a plan for everyone to enjoy. On the other hand, there’s plenty of things NOT to do here, as well: worry, go hungry, over-exert yourself, create more stress, get bored.
Rotorua is full of fun activities, but chilling at a beer garden or on a deck overlooking a beautiful lake, and splurging here and there on some excellent food is sometimes all you need as long as you’re surrounded by your favourite people.
Day 1
One must start their day with a good breakfast and coffee or two. The deliciously hearty dishes at Scope Café, plus their award-winning service and bursting-at-the-seams sweets cabinet have set a fail-proof trap for hungry folks. The welcoming atmosphere has created a loyal following and you’ll often see owners Dana of Steve out on the floor greeting her regulars by name. We love the theme, from the hunting-chic interior design to the hearty meals with names like Healthy Buck, Fearless Huntress, and Bush Tucker.
Now that you’re happily fed and caffeinated, it’s time for some group fun which Rotorua offers by the bucket load. Few things can beat a day on the lake and Rotorua has 17 – yes, 17 of our 18 lakes are accessible and free to visit! Choose from for kayaking, SUPing, splashing around, fishing on a charter, or just relaxing with a picnic or BBQ. Many of our lakes have great walking tracks alongside or around them, perfect for active relaxers.
For something a bit more adventurous and/or scenic, head to Katoa Jet or Volcanic Air, both at the lakefront of Lake Rotorua, and check out their options for adrenaline-fuelled fun or a scenic route to secluded hot pools on another lake, Rotoiti.
For dinner tonight, head to The Fainting Goat or Pig & Whistle Historic Pub, both fantastic gastropubs with great menus, bars and ambiance.
Day 2
If you’re keen for more adventure, book in for the Ultimate Tour at Rotorua Canopy Tours. Ziplining through an ancient forest with this multi award-winning company is an experience that’s both incredible and unforgettable. Not only will you fly across six ziplines for a total of 1,200 metres, but you’ll traverse a 50-metre-high cliff walkway, three suspended swing bridges, an 18-metre-high controlled descent, and more.
If you time it right and your thirst buds are pinging for something refreshing, head across the road from the HQ of Rotorua Canopy Tours to Volcanic Hills Winery atop Mt Ngongotahā. To get there, take the Skyline Rotorua Gondola up the mountain to the Tasting Room. Choose your favourite varietal or enjoy a fun, hosted and unpretentious taste of up to five Rotorua-made wines while enjoying the stunning views of Lake Rotorua and the cityscape.
Stay on the mountain and head to dinner at Stratosfare, one of the best buffets in town, or head to Pātaka Kai at Te Puia for the other fantastic buffet. Reservations are recommended for either place.
Day 3
Today’s a great day to really turn up the dial on chilling and unwinding, and you know what helps with that? Massages, spa treatments and a relaxing soak in hot pools. Rotorua’s geothermal landscape has us spoilt for choice with many award-winning hot pools and spas.Rotorua’s newest offering is the luxury Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa, offering their incredible Restorative Journey of hot and cold treatments which culminates in hot pools overlooking Lake Rotorua. The city’s historic, original hot pools at Polynesian Spa are also located along the shores of our namesake lake, with 28 pools to choose from, and a cold plunge pool as well. Massages and spa treatments are available at both of these beautiful places.
To enjoy feeling more immersed in a natural setting, head to either forest-side Secret Spot Hot Tubs, or rural Waikite Valley Hotpools. Hell’s Gate won’t disappoint either, and provides the option to bathe a geothermal, mineral-rich mud pool that leaves your skin feeling baby-soft.
For dinner tonight, treat yourself to an amazing meal at the industrial-chic Poco Tapas & Wine, colourful Sabroso, or cosy ANI’s Gin Bar & Tapas.
Both Poco and ANI’s offer delicious seasonal dishes to share, with ANI’s heavily featuring indigenous ingredients and offering “large tapas” big enough to serve as a main dish.
Sabroso’s flavour-packed mainstays feature traditional dishes from the Caribbean, Central and South America (and their margaritas are a must!), infused with Latino warmth and hospitality.
With exceptional food and attentive service that’s hard to come by, any of these restaurants are the perfect place to wrap up your special weekend. Bookings highly recommended.
