49

TE

AR

A A

HI

2 Days

48km

2 DAYS2 DAYS 48km48km

This picturesque lake is the second-

biggest in the North Island and is perfect

for windsurfi ng,

sailing and

fi shing. Tours

are available to

Mokoia Island,

in the middle of

the lake.

Lake Rotorua

Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley

incorporates a living, breathing Maori

village that relies

on geothermal

power for

the ease of

everyday living.

Throughout

the day local

residents act as village guides, providing

a tour with a difference – from relaying

village stories, to cooking meals and

explaining how they use the natural

landscape for bathing, washing clothes

and predicting weather patterns. You

can also see spine-tingling cultural

performances including the haka, and

taste delicious traditional Maori food.

Whakarewarewa - The Living Maori Village

Trail Info

LOOK OUT FOR...

This trail offers a 48km adventure through a

thermal wonderland of steaming vents, bubbling

mud pools and spectacular geysers.

TE ARA AHIThermal by Bike

Between the trail heads at

Rotorua and the Waikite

Valley Thermal Pools, this

cycle trail takes riders to four signifi cant

geothermal fi elds: Whakarewarewa,

Waimangu Volcanic Valley, Wai-O-Tapu

Thermal Wonderland and Waikite Valley

Thermal Springs. Each has its own

unique geothermal features, including

rare fl ora and fauna, and is rich in Maori

history and folklore. Possibly the most

famous of these is the Whakarewarewa

Thermal Reserve, located next to

Te Puia (the New Zealand Maori Arts &

Crafts Institute). Here you will also fi nd

Whakarewarewa Village, which has

existed for over 700 years and is home

to many families of the survivors of the

1886 eruption of Mt Tarawera.

Other unique features along the trail

include the Lake Okaro restoration

project (re-established wetland),

Rainbow Mountain, Te Ranga Hot Pools

and the Waikite Geothermal Field.

Most of the geothermal areas are well

established tourist attractions, with a

wide range of amenities such as cafés,

souvenir shops, toilets and bike storage

facilities.

We recommend you take at least two

days to ride this trail. And if you want

more after that, Rotorua is a mountain-

biking mecca, with a range of world-

class cycle trails to explore.

Hemo Gorge © Nick Lambert

IMAGES BELOWLEFT: Poi maiden © Te PuiaRIGHT: Lake Rotorua © Harriet Upchurch

WAIKITEWAIKITEVALLEYVALLEY

TRAIL GRADES:

ROTORUA TO WAIMANGU

VOLCANIC VALLEY - GRADE 2-3

(EASY TO INTERMEDIATE)

A 30km ride taking 3-4 hours.

WAIMANGU VOLCANIC VALLEY TO

WAIKITE VALLEY THERMAL POOLS

- GRADE 3 (INTERMEDIATE)

An 18km ride taking 2-3 hours.

MOBILE PHONE COVERAGE:

Good mobile phone coverage from

the start of the trail at Princes Gates

through to Waiotapu. No coverage

on Waikite Valley Rd.

DRINKING WATER:

Drinking water is available at cafés

at the Rotorua Mountain Bike car

park in the Waipa Valley, Waimangu

Volcanic Valley, Wai-O-Tapu

Thermal Wonderland, Waikite

Valley Thermal Pools and at Lake

Okaro and the Waiotapu Tavern.

50

TE

AR

A A

HI

Rotorua to Waimangu Volcanic Valley, 30km

From the Rotorua i-SITE, ride east on

Queen St to the start of the trail at the

Princes Gate Archway a few hundred

metres away. Follow the trail signs around

the edge of Lake Rotorua for 6km to the

historic Whakarewarewa Maori Village

(the village entrance is 200m off the trail

on your left). Guided tours are regularly

held through this historical village.

From the turn-off to the village, continue

following signs south past Te Puia, the

New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts

Institute, through Hemo Gorge to the

entrance to the Whakarewarewa Forest

for mountain biking (100m off the trail on

your left). Here you will fi nd a café and

bike hire etc. From the mountain bike car

park, ride 150m towards the highway to

the start of a concrete bike path, which

runs alongside the highway for several

kilometres of smooth easy riding.

The trail then follows Waimangu Rd to

the Waimangu Volcanic Valley, which

RIDING THE TRAIL

38

30

5

5

5

5

5

Paeroa R

angeWhakarewarewa

Te PuiaHemo Gorge

Sulphur Bay Reserve

Whakarewarewa MTB Park

WAIMANGU

WAIKITE VALLEYTHERMAL POOLS

Kerosene Creek(Te Ranga)

thermalareaWaiotapu

Wai-O-TapuThermal

Wonderland

Lake Ohakuri

Whirinaki Stream

Waikite ValleyRoad

Lake Okaro

Lake Rotomahana

Lake Tarawera

to Taupo

to Wairoa

Waihunuhunu Stream

Te K

opia

Road

Waiki

te Valley Road

Rainbow Mountain

Okaro Road

Lake Rotokakahi(Green Lake)

Lake Okareka

Lake Okataina

Lake Rotorua

Tikitapu(Blue Lake)

TamakiMaori Village

ROTORUA

“Nowhere else in the

world can you get on

a pushbike and ride

for 48km past four

geothermal attractions.”

Todd McClay, MP for Rotorua

is 31km from Rotorua. At Waimangu

Volcanic Valley you can relax in the café

or pay to go for a walk on a number of

walking trails through one of the world’s

youngest thermal areas.

Waimangu Volcanic Valley to Waikite Valley Thermal Pools, 18km

From Waimangu Volcanic Valley,

continue along Waimangu Rd, past the

Lake Okaro picnic area (camping sites

available) and onto SH 38. Take care

crossing the highway and follow the

off-road cycle path around Rainbow

Mountain. After passing a roadside

picnic area the trail climbs further

around the mountain and drops down to

cross the gravel Old Waiotapu Rd. Here

you can turn left to go to Te Ranga (a

thermally heated stream locally known

as Kerosene Creek) or you can carry on

straight ahead on an off-road trail all the

way to Waiotapu. Parts of the trail are

steep here and may require walking.

At Waiotapu you will fi nd a hotel

with accommodation, petrol station

and a honey factory with a café and

shop. Only 2km from Waiotapu is the

Waiotapu Mud Pool and the Wai-O-

Tapu Thermal Wonderland (paid entry).

From Waiotapu follow the Waikite

Valley Rd for 6km to the Waikite Valley

Thermal Pools – there is camping and

a café here.

Note: The best time to ride is in the

summer, between November and April.

Rotorua Waimangu Waikite ValleyTh ermal Pools

30km 18km

Mountain biking - Whakarewarewa Forest

© Tourism Rotorua

open section

optional route

start / fi nish point

point of interest

AA Centre

i-SITE Visitor Centre

town

café/restaurant

toilets

camping

car park

accommodation

state highway

MAP LEGEND

© AA Traveller 2015

1

51

TE

AR

A A

HI

things to do...ALONGSIDE THE TRAIL

This trail winds its way through a geothermal paradise and past stunning lakes, hot pools, Maori villages and striking forests.

What other cycle trail offers you the

chance to see boiling mud pools,

erupting geysers and colourful crater

lakes? Geothermal spots to check

out along this route include the

Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley,

the Waimangu Volcanic Valley, the

Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland and

the Paeroa Thermal Bluffs.

A journey along this trail would not be

complete without taking in the culture

at a Maori village. Options include the

Whakarewarewa, a living Maori village

and Tamaki Maori Village.

Lakes also feature heavily along the trail,

with lakes Rotorua, Tikitapu (Blue Lake),

Rotokakahi (Green Lake), Okaro and

Ohakui all offering a different outlook.

Don’t miss the Whakarewarewa Forest,

one of Rotorua’s most spectacular

natural assets and among its greatest

treasures. The area known as the

Redwoods is popular for its towering

Californian coastal redwoods and

the walking track that winds its way

beneath them.

Options along the way for soaking

weary cycling legs include Kerosene

Creek, a thermally heated stream, and

the Waikite Valley Thermal Pools.

Summer evening barbecue, Lake Rotoiti© Destination Rotorua Tourism Marketing

Boulevard Motel& LICENSED RESTAURANT

• Central Location

• One, Two and Three-bedroom Suites

• Spa Pool Suites

• Genuine Private Mineral Pools

• Heated Swimming Pool

• Games Room

• Excellent Licensed Restaurant

• Free Wireless Internet

• 20 TV Channels including Sky

Cnr Fenton & Seddon Street, RotoruaPhone: 07 348 2074 Fax: 07 348 2072 Email: boulevard@xtra.co.nz

www.boulevardrotorua.co.nz

Reservations 0800 348 207

Devonwood Resort• 35 units & spacious grounds• Close to city & thermal attractions• Sky TV • WiFi available• Heated swimming pool, BBQ, sauna, playground & tennis court• Underfl oor thermal heating• Off-season, group & corporate

rates available

ES:TX4312 Fenton St (PO Box 6052), RotoruaRESERVATIONS: 0800 806 100P: 07 348 1999 F: 07 346 2855E: devonwood@ihug.co.nzwww.devonwoodresort.co.nz

BREAK UP YOUR CYCLING WITH A 3 HOUR ADVENTURE ON NZ’S ONLY NATIVE FOREST ZIPLINE TOUR!

BOOKINGS ESSENTIALFREE PHONE 0800 CANOPYOR PH:07 3 3 1001WWW.CANOPYTOURS.CO.NZ

Rotorua Citysecond lake • 108km SE of Hamilton on SH 5

52

TE

AR

A A

HI

Rotorua Bike Festival, 12-21

February 2016, Whakarewarewa

Forest: Now in its third year, the Bike

Festival brings together everything

great about biking. Includes national

mountain bike champs, city rides,

sprint races, kids rides and lots of

family-friendly events.

Rotorua Walking Festival,

12-13 March 2016: The Rotorua

Walking Festival celebrates the

region’s fantastic scenery and

abundance of trails. With walks

ranging from 10km to 42km, this

festival has a distance for everyone,

with spectacular walks guaranteed.

Rotorua hosts a variety of fun festivals throughout the year.

Here is a small selection of what’s on offer:

ROTORUA FESTIVALS

Lake Okareka boardwalk © Destination Rotorua Tourism Marketing

MAORI MYTHOLOGY Maori believe that Rotorua owes its thermal attractions to an early spiritual leader from the Te Arawa tribe, Ngatoroirangi.

In Maori mythology, when the great waka Te Arawa arrived in Rotorua, Ngatoroirangi had to stand on the summit of what is now Mt Tongariro in order to claim the surrounding land for his tribe. As he reached the top of the mountain, he almost died from the icy wind and the cold. To save himself

from the cold, he sent a prayer to his sisters in Hawaiki (where, according to Maori folklore, the Maori people originated from). They responded, sending fi re demons to his aid. These demons cut across the ocean, surfacing at White Island, Rotorua and Taupo before reaching Ngatoroirangi and freeing him from the lethal cold, leaving a geothermal trail where they had travelled and giving these places the thermal activity that can still be seen today.

RESORTHERITAGE

FE

NT

ON

ST

DEVON ST

HEMO RD

MALFROY RD

OLD

TAU

PO

RD

SALA

ST

LakeRotorua

5

TE N

GAE R DA

M

AHOU ST

Silver OaksResort

Heritage

Thermally Heated Pool

• Stay in a resort in the heart of Rotorua with mini-golf, tennis, spa complex and outdoor heated pool.

• Choose the comfort of a studio, 1 or 2-brm apartment (with fully equipped kitchen)

• Spa pool & spa bath suites. WiFi & central heating

• FREE bike storage• Tariff: $95-$275

349 Fenton St, RotoruaPhone: 07 347 7686

heritage@silveroaks.co.nzReservation:

0800 99 93 93

www.silveroaksheritage.co.nz

Your Hosts: Ross & Annie McGregor350 Fenton Street, Rotorua New Zealand

P: +64 7 350 3232 F: +64 7 350 3233E: experience@regalpalms.co.nz W: www.regalpalms.co.nz

RESERVATIONS FREEPHONE: 0800 74 3000

Facilities Include:· Studio / 1-Bedroom / 2-bedroom Suites· 2-Bedroom Apartments with Ensuite, Separate Bathroom and Laundry· Air-conditioning in all Suites· Spa Pools in all Suites· TV/DVD / Stereo / Minibar· FREE Highspeed WiFi· Heated Swimming Pool / Sauna· Tennis Court / Gymnasium· Mini Golf - BBQ Area· Boutique Conference Venue· Guest Lounge / House Bar· Internet Station

G est La ndr

Rotorua’s premier accommodation

Luxury & StyleFacilities Include:• Studio/1-Bedroom/2-bedroom

Suites• 2-Bedroom Apartments with

Ensuite, Separate Bathroom and Laundry

• Air conditioning in all Suites• Spa Pools in all Suites• TV / DVD / Stereo / Minibar• FREE Highspeed WiFi• Heated Swimming Pool / Sauna• Tennis Court / Gymnasium• Mini Golf - BBQ Area• Boutique Conference Venue• Guest Lounge / House Bar• Internet Station• Guest Laundry • Day Spa• Bicycles for guest use

53

TE

AR

A A

HI

See colourful crater lakes, shooting

geysers and scalding hot mud pools just

minutes from the city centre. Rotorua’s

geothermal hotspots give a fascinating

insight into the inner mechanisms of

Earth. The smell of hydrogen sulphide

that penetrates many parts of the city is

a small price to pay for being in one of

the world’s great geothermal zones!

One of the most famous geothermal

attractions is the Pohutu Geyser in

Te Puia, the living Maori cultural centre

just fi ve minutes from central Rotorua.

Erupting up to 20 times a day, this

geyser reaches heights of more than

30m, displaying Mother Nature’s power

with dramatic fl air.

Te Puia also offers a wide range of Maori

cultural experiences, including carving

demonstrations and performances.

Visit Waimangu Valley, which was

formed by the Mt Tarawera eruption.

The force of the eruption split the

mountain in two, creating a 17km rift

in Earth’s crust and seven impressive

craters. Here you’ll marvel at the

colourful lakes, geysers and silica

terraces.

A short drive out of the city on SH 5

brings you to the vast and colourful

landscape of Wai-O-Tapu geothermal

park, home to the Lady Knox Geyser and

the vivid Champagne Pool.

GEOTHERMAL HOTSPOTS

Rotorua © Destination Rotorua Tourism MarketingExperience the warmth of the Maori

people during an evening of ceremonial

rituals, powerful cultural performance,

storytelling and hangi feasting at the

Tamaki Maori Village. This is a

pre-European Maori village nestled

within a 200-year-old native tawa forest.

Taupo, around 42km from the end of the

trail, is a pretty town on the edge of the

striking Lake Taupo – the biggest lake

in Australasia and roughly the size of

Singapore. There’s a staggering number

of activities to choose from, including

trout fi shing, watersports and checking

out Huka Falls. Although Taupo buzzes

with action-packed recreation and

geothermal activity bubbles and boils,

this town also has a softer side – spend

time in its beautiful parks and gardens

and the Lake Taupo Museum and Art

Gallery for a start.

The Waikite Valley Thermal Pools

are the place to go to experience the

‘living waters’ of the Waikite Valley.

There is a variety of geothermal hot

pools and private spas to enjoy. While

you’re here, follow the Eco-Trail to the

magnifi cent Te Manaroa Spring.

NEARBY DESTINATIONS

Sailboats on Lake Taupō © Destination Great Lake Taupō

54

TE

AR

A A

HI

THRILLS & SPILLS

Rotorua boasts several claims to fame in the adventure department, where there’s an experience for everyone!

Here you can navigate the highest

commercially rafted waterfall in

New Zealand (7m) on the Kaituna River,

or try skydiving over the breathtaking

Rotorua scenery. Other thrilling options

in this exciting city include riding a

fl ying fox through ancient treetops

on a magical eco journey, zooming

around a man-made river in a jet boat,

or enjoying the thrill of a bungy jump.

Experience the Shweeb, or go fl ying –

literally – at the freefall wind tunnel. For

something a little less scary, try horse

trekking or mountain biking.

Not surprisingly, the region’s many

lakes and rivers are used for a variety

of water sports. Adventure-seekers

can make the most of the awesome

rivers that wind their way through the

Rotorua region, with white-water rafting

available on the Wairoa, Rangitaiki,

Motu, Mohaka, Tongariro and Kaituna

rivers. The Kaituna’s 7m waterfall drop

can be rafted over. Sledging takes place

on the Wairoa River and you can jet boat

on both the Waikato River and Lake

Rotorua.

A must-try is the Zorb, which involves

rolling head over heels down a hill in

a bubble inside a huge plastic ball.

Wet and dry options are available.

Zorb

One of Rotorua’s most popular

attractions, Skyline Skyrides is where

you can ride the luge, a Rotorua

designed three-wheeled cart.

Luge

Jetboating © Agroventures • TOP LEFT: Zorb © Zorb RotoruaBOTTOM LEFT: Luge riding © Skyline Rotorua

With more than 100km of purpose-built mountain biking trails just a 5- to

your forest adventure. Enjoy mountain bike hire, sports massage, and

bikers from all over the world. Come and join the fun!

463 Old Taupo Road (south end), Rotorua PH +64 7 346 3140info@rotoruathermal.co.nz www.rotoruathermal.co.nz

55

TE

AR

A A

HI

Witness an outdoor fl ight show at the

Wingspan National Bird of Prey Centre.

You will be spellbound as you watch

the New Zealand falcon/karearea being

trained to hunt and survive in the wild.

Flying displays start at 2pm daily.

At Paradise Valley Springs you can have

an up-close and personal encounter

with some exquisite creatures. Trout

may be fed in pools among the native

bush, while wallabies, donkeys, pigs and

sheep are also on display. You can even

get close to a lion at feeding time!

Check out Rainbow Springs Kiwi

Wildlife Park where you can combine

learning with fun on the Big Splash,

a water ride that showcases New

Zealand’s ecological evolution and

fi nishes with an adrenalin rush.

At the Agrodome, watch the award-

winning sheep show with live sheep-

shearing demonstrations, and join the

interactive farm tour to hand-feed all

sorts of friendly animals.

The variety of wildlife in the region is sure to impress both kids and adults alike, with

activities ranging from hand-feeding animals to watching entertaining live shows.

WONDERFUL WILDLIFEVOLCANIC LAKES

Taupo may have Australasia’s largest

lake, but what the Rotorua region lacks

in size it makes up for in numbers,

with a staggering 18 freshwater lakes,

14 of which are easily accessible. All

these lakes are of volcanic origin, fi lling

craters, calderas or valleys blocked

by lava fl ows, and many are ringed

by forest and farmland with fantastic

lakeside walking trails. Lake Rotorua

is the largest lake in the region, while

the intriguing Blue and Green lakes are

smaller, but just as impressive.

Baby kiwi © Rainbow SpringsLEFT: Holiday relaxation, Blue Lake, Rotorua© Destination Rotorua Tourism Marketing