Rotorua: the Waimangu Volcanic Valley and fantastic adventures in NZ

Our time in Wellington was fantastic—we especially enjoyed wandering through the beautiful Botanic Garden and along the scenic waterfront. White-water rafting in Turangi was a great adventure that we won’t forget. In Napier, we loved the city’s unique Art Deco architecture. We then spent some time in Rotorua, where hiking through the stunning Waimangu Volcanic Valley took our breath away. To top it all off, we visited New Zealand’s most active volcano, White Island—an unforgettable experience.

Wellington

We’ve visited windy Wellington, New Zealand’s vibrant capital, four times, and each visit has been a delight. The city’s charm never fades—its compact size makes it easy to explore, yet there’s always something new to discover. We love spending time at the bustling waterfront, where cozy cafes and lively restaurants line the shores. Cuba Street, with its quirky, bohemian vibe, is a must-see, while the Cable Car offers stunning views over the city. The Botanic Garden is a peaceful retreat, and the Te Papa Museum is always a highlight, offering a deep dive into the country’s history and culture.

.A trip on the Wellington Cable Car is a must-do, taking you to the top of the Botanic Garden, where you have a panoramic views of the city and harbour. From there, take a walk back down through the lush, serene garden it’s the perfect way to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

The waterfront view and the museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa are must-dos in Wellington, you can easily spend a whole day there.

After walking along the waterfront, we enjoyed drinks at one of the fantastic restaurants with a great view. No visit to Wellington is complete without a stop at the Te Papa Tongarewa Museum, which gives a view into New Zealand’s rich culture and history.

We visited the ecosanctuary Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne and walked through and saw many rare native wildlife species. Wildlife sanctori, Wellington New Zealand

Next day, we visited ecco-sanctuary, Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne a wonderful place to discover native wildlife species of New Zealand.

That is New Zealand, with friendly people everywhere.

New Zealand is a country where you can find nice people everywhere.

Whanganui

Whanganui, a city on New Zealand’s North Island, is beautiful. It is known for its culture and the Whanganui River. In addition, we enjoyed walking along the river, canoeing, and discovering the lovely town. If you enjoy golf, play on one of the interesting nearby courses.

During our trips to New Zealand, we visited Whanganui twice. We loved the beautiful town centre, galleries, parks, and the majestic Wanganui River.

The Whanganui River is New Zealand's third-longest and is significant to the Maori people. After extensive discussion, the river was granted its own legal identity, complete with the rights, duties, and liabilities of a legal person. New Zealand, North island

The Whanganui River in New Zealand holds deep spiritual significance for the Māori people. It was given its own legal identity and the same rights, obligations, and liabilities as a person. This groundbreaking recognition later inspired similar rights for the Ganges River in India.

The river and its unique fauna.
Wanganui, New Zealand

The Whanganui River and its unique fauna.

In 2007, we booked a canoe tour with the postman in Wanganui. He took us on his mail run up the river to the little hamlets and dropped us with the canoe upstream. Two hours later, he picked us up downstream. We enjoyed it a lot. New Zealand

In 2007, we booked a canoe tour with the postman in Whanganui. As part of his mail run, he took us upriver to small, remote hamlets and dropped us off with a canoe. We paddled downstream for two wonderful hours, enjoying the tranquil beauty of the river, before he picked us up again. It was a unique and memorable experience.

Tongariro National Park

Tongariro National Park is New Zealand’s oldest national park. It’s a dual UNESCO World Heritage site for its culture and natural beauty. It has three active volcanic peaks: Mount Ruapehu, Mount Ngauruhoe, and Mount Tongariro. It’s great for hiking, climbing, skiing, and enjoying the stunning landscape.

Mount Ngauruhoe, which stands at 2,291 metres and has historically been New Zealand's most active volcano, has been dormant for 50 years. This dangerous-looking volcano appeared as Mount Doom in the Lord of the Rings films. New Zealand

Mount Ngauruhoe, 2,291 metres high, is New Zealand’s most active volcano, but it has been dormant for 50 years. This dangerous-looking volcano appeared as Mount Doom in the Lord of the Rings films. Another symmetrical peak is Mount Taranaki, often admired for its classic volcanic cone shape.

A view of the New Zealand's largest active volcano, Mount Ruapehu, which has multiple peaks with a peak height of 2797 metres. New Zealand, North Island

Mount Ruapehu is New Zealand’s largest active volcano, with multiple peaks, the highest of which rises to 2,797 metres. In winter, it is a world-class ski destination, while in summer, it is a great area for hiking.

We stayed in Ohakune for four days and took a lift from Whakapapa village to the Knoll Ridge Chalet, which is 2020 metres above sea level. New Zealand

While We stayed in Ohakune, we took the lift from Whakapapa village to the Knoll Ridge Chalet, which is 2020 metres above sea level.

From there, we hiked up Skyline Ridge (2,300 metres) for spectacular views of Mt Ngauruhoe, Lake Taupo, and more. It is regarded as the best short hike in Tongariro National Park. New Zealand

Later, we hiked up Skyline Ridge (2,300 metres), where we were rewarded with breathtaking views of Mt Ngauruhoe and Lake Taupo. Despite its short length, this trail is often considered one of the best hikes in Tongariro National Park.

We found a secret New Zealand military depot on the road up to Whakapapa.New Zealand

Finally, during our trip to Whakapapa, we stumbled upon a top-secret military storage site—an unexpected and mysterious discovery.

The Silica Rapids Track, which begins 250 metres above the Whakapapa Village Visitor Centre and takes 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete, is another excellent hike. The path passes through subalpine vegetation, mountain beech trees, swamps, and tussocks. Iron-oxide clays from upstream swamps create the famous Silica Rapids, creamy white deposits. New Zealand

The Silica Rapids is our favourite hike in Whakapapa. Track starts 250 metres above the Visitor Centre. Then the path passes through subalpine vegetation, mountain beech trees, swamps, and tussock grass. Iron-oxide clays from upstream swamps create the famous Silica Rapids, creamy white. It took us two and a half hours to complete.

Taupo

Taupo is a picturesque town on the shores of Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake, and surrounded by hot springs. Known for its stunning landscapes, Taupo is a paradise for outdoor activities whether it’s fishing for trout , hiking or enjoying water sports. Taupo is a must-visit destination for travelers.

View of Lake Taupo, the largest lake in New Zealand, created by a massive volcanic eruption. The lake is surrounded by stunning scenery—rolling hills, geothermal hot springs. We stayed halfway between Taupo and Rotorua for a few days to explore this fantastic areas.

The place we were staying was rundown, but we had our own hot spring. New Zealand

Our place was a bit run-down, but it had one big plus—our own private hot spring. During our travels in New Zealand and Australia, we visited many hot springs, but Berry Springs, near Darwin, was our favourite.

New Zealands longest river originates on the slopes of Mt Ruapehu and flows through Lake Taupo before blasting through a narrow rock chasm to create the Huka Falls. It then flows peacefully northwards towards Port Waikato.

We have been there at least twice, the Huka Falls were always exciting. The massive water comes from New Zealand’s longest river, Waikato. It flows through Lake Taupo and then into a narrow rock chasm which create the Huka Falls.

We did grade 3 white water rafting on the Tongariro River from Turangi, which was very well organised. New Zealand

We visited New Zealand many times and once considered a trip to White Island the most exciting tour we’d done. But then we did Whitewater Rafting from Turangi, that was the most thrilling adventure we did. It was a Grade 3 tour, with 2.5 action-packed hours on the water. Before setting off, we had to confirm that we were fit and able to follow paddle commands and safety instructions. No problem there—as fit as a 79-year-old can be!

Navigating 60 rapids in a 13km stretch was an unforgettable adventure. Rafting New Zealand

During our tour, we navigated 60 rapids over a thrilling 13-kilometre stretch of river. Our guide was fantastic—steering us through the turbulence Whitewater. We had a great time, plenty of laughter, a few heart-pounding moments, and lots of fun.”

Taupo was the site of a significant international triathlon competition two days prior. We were extremely proud to work with some of the competitors' crew members, considering our age. New Zealand

Our crew was excellent some had even competed in an international triathlon just the day before. We felt quite proud to be part of a team with such fit people.”

Rotorua

Rotorua is known for its geothermal activity. The landscape is lined with geysers, hot springs and mud pools. Rotorua is a cultural heartland for the Maori people. In addition, it offers many ways to learn about and experience traditional Maori customs, arts, and lifestyles.

During our 2018 New Zealand trip, we stayed in a nice rental home a few kilometres outside of Rotorua. There, we went hiking and played golf. The highlight of the day was the cow procession for milking.

The Craters of the Moon were formed in the 1950s, when a large area of land north of Taupo suddenly became hot and began to emit steam due to a nearby geothermal power station. It is now a popular tourist destination with easy walkways and low admission fees.,New Zealand. Is not far from Rotorua

The Crater of the Moon is about one hour drive from Rotorua. We walked the Craters, which was formed in the 1950s when a large area of land north of Taupo suddenly became hot and began to emit steam due to a nearby geothermal power station. It is now a popular tourist destination with easy walkways and low admission fees.

From Rotorua, we drove to the Waimangu Volcanic Valley. We enjoyed hiking through, which was fantastic. It was created in 1886 when the volcano Mount Tarawera erupted. The entire walk to the lake’s edge is about 4 kilometres long, but mostly downhill. Inferno Crater Lake is a hot spring with stunning pale blue, highly acidic water. A shuttle bus stops at three locations and returns to the entrance.

The Frying Pan Lake is the world's largest hot spring, with acidic water temperatures ranging from 50 to 60 degrees Celsius. Waimangu Volcanic Valley near Rotorua

During the hike through Waimangu Volcanic Valley, there are many places to take fantastic photos. The outflow from Frying Pan Lake is vividly coloured because of minerals and algae.

The Frying Pan world’s largest hot spring. The lake is filled with steaming acidic water, typically around 55 C to 60 C. The steam and gases, the surrounding mineral deposits and the lush native bush create a wonderful atmosphere.

Waimangu Volcanic Valley wonderful silica terraces. Rotorua, New Zealand is a must to visit

View of the wonderful silica terraces in the Waimangu Volcanic Valley

Lake Rotomahana, one of New Zealand’s deepest lakes, is at the end of the hike. On our second visit, we took a 45-minute cruise through this beautiful, unspoilt natural wilderness area. After the cruise, a bus took us back to the Waimangu Volcanic Valley Visitor Centre, and then we drove back to Rotorua.

White Island

White Island is an active volcano about 48 kilometres offshore from the North Island. It is one of the world’s most accessible active volcanoes. It was a popular tourist destination. However, a large eruption in 2019 killed 22 and injured many, and no tourists allowed on the island since then.

While touring New Zealand in 2007, we took a boat trip from Whakatane to Whakaari / White Island. It is 50 km from the coast and is New Zealand’s most active volcano.

A large eruption occurred in 2019 while 47 people were on the island, 22 of whom died and the others were seriously injured.

Helicopter tours to White Island are popular, but we enjoyed the two hours boat trip, one way. We had a wonderful guide. She told us interesting stories about the history of the Island and Whakatāne.

We took a two-hour guided tour around the island, and it was fascinating, with the colours, steam, and odour.

We enjoyed the tour and were lucky that no eruption happened while we were there. White island volcano new zealand

We enjoyed the tour and were lucky that no volcano eruption happened while we were there.

Napier

Napier is located in the heart of Hawke’s Bay, one of New Zealand’s premier wine regions. It is a vibrant city known for its stunning Art Deco architecture and beautiful coastal landscapes. Often referred to as the “Art Deco Capital of the World.

While Napier is known for Art Deco, it was also a major wine-producing region in Hawkes Bay. The 3-kilometre walk along the black pebble beach is beautiful. In addition, there are also playgrounds, an aquarium, an ocean spa bath, and much more

Following the 1931 earthquake, the Soundshell was built in 1935 to rise from the rubble and ashes to another stunning Art Deco building.

The impressive Temperance & General Building, completed in 1936, was Napier's largest commercial structure.

The wonderful building was once Napier’s largest commercial complex.

Tom Parker, a 1936 Art Deco fountain that is illuminated after sunset, is another attraction on the Marine Parade.