Two of our kiwi guides Spencer and Cheynne have put together a list of their favourite outdoor adventures in the North Island, including some hidden gems!
There are lots of things to do near Rotorua but finding a spot to explore that's a little different isn't always easy. From our stunning coastal walks to impressive waterfalls, check out their top 8 favourite things to do in the North Island - all within 2 hours of Rotorua.
1. Do an epic walk at Kohi Point Walkway
2. See the tallest waterfall in the North Island at Wairere Falls
3. Go swimming at Tarawera Falls
4. Explore our beautiful coastline at Orokawa Bay
5. Go mountain biking at Summerhill
6. Learn about the fascinating history of Karangahake Gorge
7. Explore the canyon at Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tane Conservation Park
8. Take a dip in Butchers Pool
Photo: Our kiwi guides Spencer and Cheynne
1. Do an epic walk at Kohi Point Walkway
Located just out of the Whakatane town centre is a beautiful 7km coastal walk. As well as the stunning views of the impressive coastline and the beautiful outlook over Whakatane, the walk also goes through a historic pa site. On this 2-3 hour walk you'll be able to see White Island and hear some of our lovely native birds.
Find the Kohi Point Scenic Track here on Google.
Photo: Just one of the stunning views on the Kohi Point Walkway
2. See the tallest waterfall in the North Island at Wairere Falls
One of our favourite things to do near Rotorua is to see the North Island’s tallest waterfall. Located near Matamata, this impressive Wairere Falls cascades 153m down a steep cliff and is mesmerising to watch. The hike to the viewing platform crosses several beautiful streams with moss-covered rocks which are great to photograph. This trail is steep and can get muddy (particularly after rain), so wear good shoes and allow 90 minutes return to the viewing platform.
Find the carpark here on Google Maps.
Photo: The majestic Wairere Falls - one of our favourite things to do near Rotorua
3. Cheynne's favourite - Go swimming at Tarawera Falls
There are many swimming spots as well as an impressive 35m high waterfall located at the Lake Tarawera Scenic Reserve. To get to this beautiful spot you need a permit as it is only accessible through private forestry roads, so head to the Kawerau information centre first to pick up your permit (currently only $10 per vehicle). The Tarawera Falls Track is an easy walk to the waterfall surrounded by beautiful forest and is about 40-minutes return with plenty of designated swimming spots to choose from.
Photo: Find an awesome swimming spot on the Tarawera Falls Track
4.Explore our beautiful coastline at Orokawa Bay
The next one of our things to do near Rotorua takes you to one of the most scenic beaches in the region. This stunning walk starts at the very northern end of Waihi Beach and takes about 45 minutes to walk one way to Orokawa Bay. This walk features stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. We recommend taking a picnic -once you descend down into Orokawa Bay you can find shade under the huge Pohutukawa trees or find a spot along the picturesque sandy beach.
Photo: Admire our beautiful coast line on the walk to Orokawa Bay
6. Spencer's favourite - Go mountain biking at Summerhill
Just outside of Tauranga is Summerhill, a wee hidden gem with trails ideal for mountain bikers and walkers of all ages. This spot offers forests, open pastureland and stunning views which look back over Tauranga and it also links up to the Papamoa Hills.
Photo: Admire the stunning scenery on a trail at Summerhill
5. Learn about the fascinating history of Karangahake Gorge
One of our more unique things to do near Rotorua is to learn about the gold mining history of the Karangahake Gorge. The river that carves its way through the Gorge was once the site of a lucrative gold strike. Evidence of the huge commercial operation that sprung up between 1870s – 1950s can still be seen along the river banks today and there's a number of walking trails and cycle-ways that weave through former gold mining tunnels and ruins. Aside from the fascinating history, this place is absolutely stunning – with a rushing river, sheer cliffs and beautiful bush all around. One place not many know about is Owharoa Falls – it’s a beautiful waterfall and perfect for taking a dip in the hotter months!
Photo: Learn about the gold mining history at Karangahake Gorge
7. Explore the canyon at Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tane Conservation Park
In the heart of the North Island, just over an hours drive south of Rotorua is Whirinaki Forest. There are lots of hikes to do all through this native bush but our highlight is the Te Whaiti-Nui-a-Toi Canyon - which is only a 20 minute return walk!
Photo: Check out the canyon in Whirinaki Forest, source: Looking Glass Guides
8. Take a dip in Butchers Pool
The last of our things to do near Rotorua is Butchers Pool. There are lots of hot springs dotted between Rotorua and Taupo but this is one of the lesser known ones. While the pool is filled with natural hot spring water, it's a rectangular man-made pool - and the best part is it's free!
Photo: Take a dip in the natural hot spring Butchers Pool
So there you have our guides Spencer and Cheynne's favourite things to do near Rotorua. If you’re staying in the region you can also check out Things to do in Rotorua.
