Opinion: The royal itinerary has two reporters disagreeing

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be in Rotorua on October 31. Photo / Getty Images

I, like many others I'm sure, have been waiting with anticipation to find out what the Duke and Duchess of Sussex would be doing on the Rotorua-leg of their upcoming trip.

Considering all the incredible activities our city has on offer, my mind's been spinning with the possibilities - ziplining, luging, horseback riding, white water rafting, mountainbiking - the list goes on.

So you can imagine my slight disappointment when what I considered to be quite a subdued itinerary was released on Friday.

Sure, I understand they're royalty and there's a certain standard they have to maintain, but I imagine the Duke and Duchess would love nothing more than to jump on the luge and go winding down Mt Ngongotahā!

I'm not saying what they are set to experience won't highlight the unique aspects of Rotorua but this is Prince Harry and Meghan we're talking about, not Prince Charles and Camilla. Could they not have at least been able to give one of our mountain bike trails a whirl?

Where in the itinerary is the excitement, adrenaline and adventure that Rotorua does so well?!

Hold on Steph, Zizi here, I'm going to have to interrupt and say I completely disagree!

With plans to spend fewer than 24 hours in the city, I think the itinerary will perfectly showcase what Rotorua - and Rotorua alone - has to offer.

Yes you can visit a marae anywhere in the country but where better to do so than the Māori capital of the world? And what better marae than Te Papaiouru on the shores of Lake Rotorua, near the geothermal activity the city is known for.

Our redwoods are known throughout the world for what they offer so the Treewalk is a staple in the visit.

The representatives of the mountain bike community lucky enough to meet with the couple will hopefully share what the forest means to them and plans for its future.

And then the chance to catch a glimpse of a kiwi bird at Rainbow Springs and name two of them is an experience only possible in New Zealand.

I think the activities planned for the whirlwind visit are perfect for international visitors and I have no doubt the Duke and Duchess will leave with lasting memories of Rotorua.