Spring in Rotorua is stunning with the flowers displaying their bright, radiant petals and the trees blossoming. As it begins to get warmer and the days get longer, there's lots of options for things to do in Rotorua in spring. Rotorua has immaculate flowers and gardens that you will see all around the city, beautiful lakes and stunning forests. Below, we've put together a list of things to do in Rotorua in spring, it's got to be one of the best times to visit Rotorua.
The best things to do in Rotorua in Spring
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Go mountain biking or visit the Rotorua Bike Festival
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Picnic at Centennial Park (Tree Trust)
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Wander around the Government Gardens
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Explore native forest
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Get out on the water
1. Go mountain biking or visit the Rotorua Bike Festival
Rotorua is a mountain biking mecca with some of the best tracks in the South Pacific. Rotorua has a network of more than 150km of trails and spring is a great time to get outdoors, so its got to be on your list of things to do in Rotorua in spring.
There is also a 10 day Rotorua Bike Festival annual event of fun and festivities and everything bikes! It is a huge celebration for locals as we love our bikes and all our Rotorua visitors. With daily events ranging from airbag challenges, recycled fashion parade on a bike, Redwoods outdoor movie, a chance to ride the Rotorua Airport runway and more competitive races for the elite bikers. The Rotorua Bike festival can be enjoyed by everyone - young children, families, parents, grandparents. There is an event that will suit everyone's abilities and there are even events that involve food so get amongst. Check the Rotorua Bike Festival website to get the latest info on when it's happening.
Photo: Rotorua Canopy Tours guide Shane getting involved in the Airport runway bike challenge with his family
2. Picnic at Centennial Park (tree trust)
Over the southern side of Rotorua in Tihiotonga, the Centennial Park is absolutely stunning in Spring with the vibrant pink cherry tree blossoming. The 20 hectare development was previously known as the 'tree trust', where people dedicated trees on behalf of family members, but now it has reached capacity and is closed to adoptions. The recent development of a BBQ, picnic area and toilets surely could tempt you into enjoying a picnic with your family and friends while being surrounded by gorgeous scenery. You might even spot a couple of tui birds in the eye-catching cherry trees - visiting the cherry trees has got to be one of the most beautiful things to do in Rotorua in spring.
Photo: A tui bird enjoying being perched in the cherry blossom tree . Photo by Kathryn Bloor
3. Wander around the Government Gardens
The government gardens are a historic place in Rotorua. Perfectly groomed, they're a sight not to be missed during spring with thousands of bright flowers and trees putting on a show in their radiant colours. The gardens have a nursery which annually produces 420,000 bedding plants for display within the cities 150 flower beds, and also grows about 6000 potted plants and 15,000 trees and shrubs annually. The gardens surround the Rotorua Museum, as well as the Blue Baths (among the first baths in the world to allow both male and females in the same pool), the historic Te Runanga tearooms and the band rotunda. Spend a morning or afternoon taking a leisurely walk around the historic buildings and the picture perfect gardens that surround them.
Photo: Trying to find things to do in Rotorua in spring, then head down to the Government Gardens to check out the picture perfect gardens and buildings
4. Explore native forest
As the days begin to warm up, spring is an amazing time to explore Rotorua's beautiful native forest. With Rotorua Canopy Tours you can explore every layer of ancient forest that is over 1000 years old and learn all about the native flora and fauna. During spring the forest becomes full of life as lots of new growth appears. Plenty of birdsong can be heard throughout the forest and the cute Robins, Tomtits and Grey Warblers are nesting to bring their babies into the world. Choose their award-winning Original Canopy Tour or their higher and longer Ultimate Canopy Tour and explore the ancient forest via ziplines, cliff walks, swing bridges and more - it's definitely one of the must do activities in Rotorua.
Photo: You'll create amazing memories exploring ancient native forest, its one of the best things to do in Rotorua in spring.
5. Get out on the water
You can't miss exploring lakes and rivers on the last of our things to do in Rotorua in spring. With 18 lakes dotted around, and three main rivers, Rotorua is a water lover’s paradise. In spring the waters begin to warm up and it’s a great time to explore the beautiful lakes. Walk around the picturesque Blue Lake (Tikitapu) and have a picnic or if you’re feeling more adventurous you could raft the Kaituna River with River Rats. It’s the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world – so you’re bound to get a thrill!
Photo: You'll have a blast rafting the epic Kaituna Falls as the water begins to warm up in spring.
