Kate's Guidebook
Ngongotaha
Things close by to see, do and eat.
A short walk away, lies a scenic lakefront walk. Sit at one of the benches or picnic tables along the way and soak in the views of Lake Rotorua. Follow the path to the end and you will find yourself in the Ngongotaha Village.
13 locals recommend
Ngongotaha
A short walk away, lies a scenic lakefront walk. Sit at one of the benches or picnic tables along the way and soak in the views of Lake Rotorua. Follow the path to the end and you will find yourself in the Ngongotaha Village.
The local cafe and best place to go for a delicious brunch/lunch. The ladies there will serve you with a smile, and the food will make you smile. Delicious cabinet treats as well!
12 locals recommend
Cafe Dynasti
125A Ngongotaha RdThe local cafe and best place to go for a delicious brunch/lunch. The ladies there will serve you with a smile, and the food will make you smile. Delicious cabinet treats as well!
Just up the road in Hamurana is this little gem. They are now charging an admission free but its worth a look if you want to stay local for a day.
43 locals recommend
Hamurana Springs Nature Reserve
773 Hamurana RdJust up the road in Hamurana is this little gem. They are now charging an admission free but its worth a look if you want to stay local for a day.
Food scene
Mouth watering burgers, pork belly bites with delicious orange pop sauce. Keep an eye out for their specials as they are always coming up with new things.
Eat in or takeaway
The Factory Smokehouse and Grill
170 Old Taupo RdMouth watering burgers, pork belly bites with delicious orange pop sauce. Keep an eye out for their specials as they are always coming up with new things.
Eat in or takeaway
Perfect if meeting a few friends in town or even just for two. Highly recommend the shared platters especially if you like having left overs for lunches.
The Fainting Goat
Perfect if meeting a few friends in town or even just for two. Highly recommend the shared platters especially if you like having left overs for lunches.
A Rotorua classic, huge pub meals that are as tasty as tasty can be and live music on Friday & Saturday nights.
48 locals recommend
Pig & Whistle, Historic Pub
1182 Tutanekai StA Rotorua classic, huge pub meals that are as tasty as tasty can be and live music on Friday & Saturday nights.
Wet Weather Options
While Rotorua is known for its outdoor adventures, sometimes the rain coat just isn’t thick enough. Get out of the rain and into some of these options.
Beautiful hot pools set in bush/farm surroundings. A lot more budget friendly that Polynesian Spa. 30 minute drive between Rotorua & Taupo.
I mean if your going to get wet you might as well do it in the hot pools right.
66 locals recommend
Waikite Valley Thermal Pools
648 Waikite Valley RdBeautiful hot pools set in bush/farm surroundings. A lot more budget friendly that Polynesian Spa. 30 minute drive between Rotorua & Taupo.
I mean if your going to get wet you might as well do it in the hot pools right.
3D Trick Art Gallery
171 Fairy Springs RdGreat fun for all ages! Make sure your phones are charged.
A cinema dedicated to ‘indie’ movies and an indoor rock climbing in one building. Whats not to like!
12 locals recommend
The Wall and Basement Cinema
1140 Hinemoa StA cinema dedicated to ‘indie’ movies and an indoor rock climbing in one building. Whats not to like!
Walks
A mix of free and paid walks to help you stretch your legs after a long drive.
Stretch your legs with a stroll around Lake Tikitapu ‘The Blue Lake’.
5.5km Loop Track
Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake), Bay of Plenty 3073, New Zealand
Stretch your legs with a stroll around Lake Tikitapu ‘The Blue Lake’.
5.5km Loop Track