Places to visit in Rotorua that are Free and wont cost you a cent.

We all love a holiday, time away from the usual daily grind. Often having a holiday means spending  a lot of money. It doesn’t have to be that way if you know where to find places that are free.  Read on If you want to find out about all the free things to do in Rotorua.

Kuirau Park

Rotorua is known for its geothermal activity; mud pools, geysers and steam. For a free experience you can check out Kuirau Park right in the centre of Rotorua. The park is located on the corner of Randolf Street and Lake Road and is a short walk from the shopping centre. There are several small mud pools, a small lake with a walk way over it, steam rising gives it an airy feel. If you have kids then make sure you check out the playground and the foot pools.

Mud Pool at Kuirau Park, Rotorua

Lake at Kuirau Park, Rotorua

Government Gardens

To learn more of the history of the area, one place to visit is Government Gardens. You can find the gardens on Queens Drive by Lake Rotorua. Places of interest include Te Runaga Teahouse, Princes Gate Arches, Rotorua Museum (currently closed due to earthquake damage) and Whangapiiro.

Entrance to Government Gardens Rotorua

A cultural heritage map will guide you around the area and give a little history of how the Gardens came to be. From swamp and battle field to a gift from Maori of 50 acres to the Crown.  For the kids take them to the awesome playground near the rose garden on Oruawhata Drive.

Rotorua Museum

Maori Sculpture Government Gardens

Art features in the area in the form of a Sculpture Trail. The Trail meanders around Sulphur Lake, which was formed around 1908. One of many artificial lakes providing a calming setting for patients of the nearby Sanatorium and Bath House. For more art check out The Arts Village, a non-profit arts based community centre. Art exhibitions are held each month, with Matariki featured at the end of June until the end of July  2018.

Sculpture at Government Gardens Rotorua

Also located nearby is the lakefront walkway.  If you head along the walkway to Motutara – Sulphur Bay there you will find many of the waterbirds that inhabit Lake Rotorua. It is also a significant wildlife habitat of New Zealand.

Pukeko

Rotorua Lakes

There are many lakes in the Rotorua area. Located 12km southeast of Rotorua is Lake Okareka. Along one edge of the lake is a walkway which starts from Acacia Road. Highlights include stands of native vegetation, wetlands and farmland. In close proximity  is Lake Tikitapu a popular spot for water activities including water skiing, jet skiing and other boating activities. A playground and facilities for BBQs and picnics are nearby. It is also possible to walk around the lake if you have a spare 1.5 hrs.

Lake Tikitapu, Rotorua

Lakefront, Lake Rotorua

Lets not forget Lake Rotorua which is the largest lake in the district. Along the lakefront is a boat ramp, playground and picnic facilities. To find out more about this lake and others in the area follow this link.

The Redwoods

One of my favourite places to visit would be The Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest located off Tarawera Road on Long Mile Road. With over 5600 hectares to explore, its suitable for all ages. If you love to hike, run, mountain bike, ride a horse  or  walk the dog make sure you put this place on your to do list. A fantastic outdoor space with a lot of history, for more information check out the website.

Mountain Biking, Rotorua

Trails in The Redwoods, Rotorua

Though its not free I would highly recommend checking out the Treewalk.  The Treewalk consists of  suspension bridges suspended in air between Californian coastal redwoods. Now I’m not one for heights but this was amazing, if I can do it anyone can do it and the nightlights are spectacular too.

Treewalk, The Redwoods Rotorua

There is lots more to add to this blog about things to do in Rotorua that will give you a great experience that wont cost you a cent but that might have to wait until part two. (if there is a part two!)

For a memento from your visit pop over to the website and look at my  NZ town name photograph art.

Also, if you are looking for accommodation then check out our home