Spoilt for choice in Rotorua

Rotorua has an abundance of activities to suit all ages and tastes. Nicknamed Rotovegas, it wasn't bright lights and adrenaline I was seeking for a weekend getaway, but activities to suit a young family.
Our first port of call on Friday was Lake Okataina, as my husband, Adam, couldn't resist an opportunity to go trout fishing while our son, James, 2, and I played on the white sandy beach and paddled in crystal-clear water.
We continued to our weekend abode, the Heritage Rotorua. Our spacious room with views over the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve and Historical Living Village made us feel in the heart of the geothermal activity for which Rotorua is renowned. As hotel guests, we were able to collect discounts for local attractions.
We drove to the Gondola Skyrides, just a few minutes away. We took a cable car to the top of Mount Ngongotaha where we enjoyed panoramic views of the city, Lake Rotorua and beyond. We took the luge ride down - James sharing with his dad. We loved it and took the ski lift back up for another go. (www.skylineskyrides.co.nz)
On Saturday morning, we went to Paradise Valley Springs Wildlife Park, about 15 minutes' drive from the hotel. It is larger than we anticipated and it took us about two hours to see all the animals and trout. Highlights included seeing lions and the opportunity to stroke a lion cub. We bought special food to feed the animals and fish.
After lunch, we went for a walk in the Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest, which is 5km southeast of the city centre and is free to the public. It derives its name from huge Californian coastal redwoods. The paths of red foliage give a sense of eternal autumn and provide stunning photo opportunities. The forest has walking tracks to suit all abilities. We opted for the half-hour track as it was easy for a young child and when James decided to have a snooze in the pushchair, we merged on to the one-hour track to venture further. The forest also has mountain-biking and horse-riding tracks. (www.redwoods.co.nz)
We dined at Aorangi Peak Restaurant (we discovered the restaurant by accident when our GPS took us to the top of Mountain Rd in pursuit of the gondolas). Service was excellent and thoughtful. On arrival, a highchair was in place for James, plus pens and paper to keep him entertained. Our table afforded stunning views across Rotorua and as night fell, the lights of the city dazzled like jewels. I opted for the Mother's Day menu, which was available for the weekend, and was delighted that I didn't have to eliminate any options, as it included three starters and three desserts plus a complimentary glass of rose. All the food was delicious, particularly the pohutukawa honey icecream. (www.aorangipeak.co.nz)
On Sunday, we took James to the Lakefront Volcanic Playground, a popular, free park close to the shores of Lake Rotorua. We watched helicopters and seaplanes taking off near the jetty and people passing by in pedal boats. A family feeding ducks at the water's edge kindly gave James some bread so he could join in the feeding frenzy.
We then spent about 15 minutes on a scenic walk along the lake front to the Government Gardens. The museum is located there - a beautiful Tudor-style building - and the thermally heated 1930s art deco Blue Baths. As it was Mother's Day, we went to the upstairs function room, which is only open to the public this day each year, for an indulgent afternoon tea served by waitresses in 1930s attire. The Blue Baths also has an excellent cabaret and dinner evening on each Thursday-Saturday from October to April and on demand in the winter. (www.bluebaths.co.nz)