If you're looking for fun family activities that are educational and do their part caring for the environment, we've got the perfect list for you. We’re lucky enough in New Zealand to have a lot of great family activities that don’t disturb natural areas – these are low impact and improve the environment for the native creatures that call these places home. Check our list of the top eco family activities in the North Island:

• Rotorua Canopy Tours

• Sail Barbary

• Rainbow Springs

• Poor Knights Island Marine Reserve

• Waimangu

• ZELANDIA

• Rotorua Duck Tours

• Dive Tatapouri

• Sanctuary Mountain

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

 

We all have heaps of suggestions of where to stay but we also have awesome suggestions of where to eat. Some of our favourites are only well known by the locals and we love sharing the local secrets with our visitors. Make sure you check out these awesome food places for some of the best food in town. 

1. Abracadabra 
2. Rotorua Night Markets
3. Ciabatta Bakery
4. Patricks Pies 
5. Okere Falls Store