7 Free Things To Do In Rotorua
March 16, 2013
Rotorua, the nearest town from where we lived is about 20 mins drive away. It is known for its geothermal activity and Maori culture but we weren't keen on the expensive commercialized tours to thermal reserves or Maori villages. It was difficult for us to even get out of the countryside not to mention visit the sights which were scattered around town. Thanks to fellow pickers and friends, we were able to visit the following free places in Rotorua:
1. Lake Rotorua
A Maori chief named this lake Rotorua (roto means lake and rua means two) as it was the second lake he discovered. Go fishing, linger with the gulls or people watch.
Stroll along the lake
Ducks bobbing quietly on the lake
Popular hangout spot for families
2. Kuirau Park
Start your Saturday morning at Kuriau Park's farmers market followed by a free thermal experience after stocking up on fresh produce. It was damn shiok soaking my tired feet in the hot water man.
Saturday Morning Rotary Market 7am-1pm
Mud pool
Dip your feet in
Maori carvings
Smell the sulphur
6. Trout Hatchery
Free "gifts" in here...
This book is free??!!
1. Lake Rotorua
A Maori chief named this lake Rotorua (roto means lake and rua means two) as it was the second lake he discovered. Go fishing, linger with the gulls or people watch.
Stroll along the lake
Ducks bobbing quietly on the lake
Popular hangout spot for families
2. Kuirau Park
Start your Saturday morning at Kuriau Park's farmers market followed by a free thermal experience after stocking up on fresh produce. It was damn shiok soaking my tired feet in the hot water man.
Saturday Morning Rotary Market 7am-1pm
Mud pool
Dip your feet in
3. Ohinemutu (Maori Village)
In a typical Maori village, there is an open space (marae) used for religious ceremonies (e.g. funeral) and important events (e.g. welcoming VIPs or birthdays), some which last for a few days. Folks from the same tribe and other visitors would gather together and the buildings around the marae are for them to have their meals and sleep in.
Maori carvings
Smell the sulphur
4. St Faith's Anglican Church
Opposite the Tamatekapua meeting house is the St Faith's Anglican Church where Eru and Ngaire held their wedding ceremony. Look out for a window with Jesus wearing a cloak floating on water.
5. Hinemoa Point
On the way to Hinemoa Point, Eru told us about the love story of Hinemoa and Tutanekai, Rotorua's version of Romeo and Juliet. He showed us the rock where Hinemoa would sit on while listening to Tutanekai play his flute from Mokoia Island. My battery went flat when I was taking a photo of the sacred rock lol.
6. Trout Hatchery
Trouts are commonly found in the lakes around Rotorua. Never seen trouts before, Eru took Jacklyn and I to the hatchery. We took a little walk along the stream, peered into ponds and learnt about the lifecycle of trouts.
7. Redwoods Visitor Centre
There wasn't time to do any walks so we just looked around in the shop. Anything that is free appeals to a poor backpacker lol. I grabbed lots of free maps, magazines and guidebooks but I realised they were quite useless and only added to my weight so I left them on the bus haha.
Free "gifts" in here...
This book is free??!!
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