It is truly magical to get outside after a dark, cold winter and the Rotorua region is a walking paradise where getting close to nature comes with a variety of ''extras'' like lakes, geothermal activity, waterfalls, native bush, towering trees, rare birds and views galore.
The latest New Zealand ecotourism venture in the outdoors is Rotorua Canopy Tours.
The wildernessadventure is within beautiful virgin native forest on an incredible network of walking trails, treetop platforms, six thrilling ziplines (flying foxes) and two spectacular canopy swingbridges up to 22 metres high above the forest floor. Among 500-year-old giant trees, native birds, monster tree ferns and perching plants, the forest is aweinspiring and has evolved in isolation from the rest of the world. If you prefer to have your feet on the ground, you can explore one of the World's premier rainforests - Whirinaki Forest with Foris Eco-Tours.
The Whirinaki Forest has barely changed since dinosaurs roamed under the stunning canopy. The walk in the Whirinaki Forest can also be joined with a fun, gentle grade 2 river rafting trip on the clear waters of the Rangitaiki River, a superb jewel that flows through the forest.
There are many fascinating trails in Rotorua and one of the best to see some action is the walk along the Kaituna River to see Okere Falls where daredevil kayakers and rafters make their way over the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world at 7 metres high. There's also a cave, parts of Rotorua's first power station and a trout pool along the way to explore. Everyone who meanders to Hamurana Springs feels awe afterward from its tranquil beauty. The icy water spring you come across is crystal clear, shot through with stunning turquoise, greens and blues.
You can even explore it with Rotorua Paddle Tours on stand-up paddle boards for a unique view of the deep water spring.
The Whakarewarewa Forest is Rotorua's most popular outdoor spot in the city, home to towering 110-year-old Redwoods and other exotic and native trees. There are many lovely walking trails for the family with information boards along the way where you can learn about the fascinating history of the surroundings.
With 16 sparkling lakes in Rotorua, another great option is to swim, havea picnic and walk around the beautiful lakeside tracks. The Blue Lake has a 5.5km trail around it and is close to town with many stunning viewpoints. However, if you're after something more challenging, the Eastern and Western Lake Okataina walkways offer a three-hour Lake Okataina to Lake Tarawera trail and a seven-hour Lake Rotoiti to Lake Okareka trail option. Serious trampers are also awaiting the completion of the newest Great New Zealand Walk by the Department of Conservation - a three-day journey around Lake Tarawera.