Rotorua, with its colourful pools, rich Maori culture, hot springs and steaming volcanoes, offers the perfect blend of nature and culture. Visit Whakarewarewa Village (New Zealand's only living Maori Village) and learn about the settlement, how they prepare their food and their amazing knowledge on the surrounding thermal activity. There is also Rainbow Springs, the world's largest kiwi hatchery where you can learn about their vital Kiwi breeding programme, and maybe even see a Kiwi chick. Get outside the town and into the trees on a trip to Redwoods. Walk on the 21 suspended bridges by day and in the evening, admire the Redwoods Nightlights, an immersive nocturnal experience with ornate lanterns decorating the trees.
On arrival into Taupo you will catch your first glimpse of the extraordinarily immense Lake Taupo (roughly the size of Singapore) and its eclectic mix of scenery from beautiful glacier lakes and thundering falls, to alpine tracks. Explore on foot or by bike and brave the popular skydive over the lake. When winter rolls in, the mountains transform and you can hit the slopes. With runs ranging from beginner to extreme, Whakapapa, New Zealand's largest ski area, is perfect for a fun family holiday.
On your way between Rotorua and Taupo, you can stop of at one of the many thermal springs and soak away your troubles in the mineral-rich waters. Visit Wai-o-tapu, a thermal wonderland with over 20 different types of geothermal features including the famous 'Champagne Pool' and the bright green 'devils bath'. Listen out for the hissing, whistling and bubbling sounds, an orchestral reminder that the ground below you is alive with activity.
