Things to do in Rotorua

paradise valley springs is expensive, but Cody would love it!!  heaps of animals and beautiful surroundings.  Also their are lions and at the moment the lion cub is out for petting etc.  Check out their website for times when he's out.  It's $28 an adult though (cody free), but you can spend as much time there as you like, and take a packed lunch to save buying it there!

 

There are other animal type places around, by the gondola place.  Not sure of their prices though or whether they'll be as good as paradise valley.

 

 

Don't go to whakarewarewa. Total rip off and no mud. We took some friends from overseas and to be honest I was a bit embarrassed about it representing nz. Apparently it split up a few years back and is now two places. Go to the other one although it is ridiculously expensive too. That is if mud and geysers is your thing.

OK sorry it is really long.....
FREE AND CHEAP THINGS TO DO WITH THE CHILDREN IN ROTORUA

Train rides at Ngongotaha ($4 a ride on big train, $3 a ride for small train).
     Run by a group of steam train enthusiasits these small trains operate most weekend and      public holidays – and most school holidays.   Would suit younger children.

Feeding the ducks and a play in the Volcanic Playground down at the waterfront - free.

A swim at the Aquatic Centre (at back of Kuirau Park) – approx $4 child and $7 per adult – or less is you don’t have a spa. Has lots of different pools and things to do – also can hire BBQs.

A play at the playground in Kuirau Park - free.

The Markets at Kuirau Park on a Saturday morning – good veggies also some food stalls – eg Hangi, Butter Chicken etc. Not only food – some other variety stalls as well.

A Walk around Kuirau Park to look at the Thermal Activity – free and just as good as Hells Gate etc if you are a kid. Make sure your lock your car and keep together on the main tracks – apparently there has been some unsavoury activity in some of the more out of the way mud pool areas. I have only been told of this activity but have never felt unsafe there whenever we have visited. The kids love it.

     Soak your feet in the hot thermal foot baths in Kuirau Park.

A play at the playground at Hamurana and a walk along the reserve to the falls – really nice walk (approx 45 mins easy and ok for buggys) - free.

A play at the playground at The Botanic Gardens, and a walk around the Gardens - free. Also drive past the Museum out the back to look at the thermal part of the lake – Sulphur Point (can walk around the walking tracks) and see all the ducks etc.

The Craft Markets at the Soundshell. – not on every week.

A Walk through the Redwood Forest - free. Entry off Tarawera Road. Good for pushchairs/buggys.

A Play at the playground at Lake Tarawera – Stoney Point ( or just a drive)

A Swim at the Blue Lake – in the summer - free.

A play at the playground at Blue Lake - at the reserve end of the carpark – free.

A walk around the boardwalk at end of Acacia Road, Lake Okareka. Nice walk through the reeds on the lake edge, very easy walk, good for buggys.

A visit to the Jade factory – Fenton Street – you can purchase carvings but they have carvers working and it is interesting to see how the finished product is made.

A swim at Hamurana Springs (very cold) – on the far side of the reserve is a carpark over the road from the lake shore where you follow the stream down to the swimming hole.   Would recommend for older children who are good swimmers – say 10yrs or up.
A Visit to the Ngongotaha Hatchery to look at the trout farming – free – really good and just as good as Rainbow Springs. It is open 7 days and you are able to walk around and look at the pools of trout at varying stages of development. It is on Paradise Valley Road, Ngongotaha Phone (07) 357-5501 for more info.

The 3D Maze – on Te Ngae Road - $6 entry for adults and $4 for children. Good Fun and you can take a picnic lunch too. Quite possible the cheapest tourist attraction in Rotorua.

A drive or walk around St Faiths Church at Ohinemutu Village – in city near the hospital situated right on the lake – Turn off Lake Road onto Houkotuku Street. Very narrow traditional roads.

While not free the museum is reasonably priced and well worth a look and has lots of things to keep kids occupied. Rotorua Museum has great value family rates which include guided tours, cinema experiences, the viewing platform and all our exhibitions PRICES Family (2 Ad + up to 3 Ch): $28.00 Family (1 Ad + up to 3 Ch): $16.00

Sorry, WAAAYYYYY ott