Hobbiton is a great day trip that's only about an hour away from Rotorua. Photo/file
Hobbiton is a great day trip that's only about an hour away from Rotorua. Photo/file
As summer makes a welcome return, we at the Rotorua Daily Post thought it was timely to highlight some of the best day trips from Rotorua.
Hobbiton, Matamata: Less than an hour's drive from Rotorua, unleash your inner movie geek and step into the lush pastures of the Shire, as featuredin the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies. With a range of tours to meet your needs, this is a great day trip to take with the whole family.
Wairere Falls, Kaimai-Mamaku Forest Park: Fancy seeing the highest waterfall in the North Island? Just an hour's drive from Rotorua you will reach the starting point of a 5km walk that will take you to the top of the Wairere Falls. Depending on fitness it will take between three and five hours to do the walk, so be sure to bring plenty of snacks, water and sunscreen.
Mount Ruapehu, Tongariro National Park: While many only visit Mount Ruapehu when it is blanketed in snow, the mountain also has plenty to offer in the summer. And the bonus? It's not teeming with people. If tramping is not your thing, you can drive up the mountain and enjoy the stunning views and the rocky alpine environment. From Rotorua the drive takes about a two and a half hours.
Waitomo Caves, Waitomo: Waitomo may be a little village but boy is there a lot to do there. Just under two hours from Rotorua, there are countless walks, waterfalls and outdoor activities to fill your day, not to mention the glow worm caves the place is famous for! A perfect day trip for families, couples or individuals.
Blue Spring, Putaruru: Want to soak in some picturesque scenery a mere 40 minutes from Rotorua? Look no further than the Blue Spring. The walk to the natural, crystal-clear spring takes about an hour and a half from White Rd. Pack a picnic and make a day of it.
