TE ARA AHI WWAIKITEAIKITE VVALLEYALLEY 2 DDAYSAYS 448km8km

TE ARA AHI Hemo Gorge © Nick Lambert Thermal by Bike Trail Info

This trail offers a 48km adventure through a Rainbow Mountain, Te Ranga Hot Pools thermal wonderland of steaming vents, bubbling and the Waikite Geothermal Field. Most of the geothermal areas are well 2 Days 48km mud pools and spectacular geysers. established tourist attractions, with a wide range of amenities such as cafés, etween the trail heads at famous of these is the souvenir shops, toilets and bike storage and the Waikite Thermal Reserve, located next to facilities. TRAIL GRADES: Valley Thermal Pools, this Te Puia (the Maori Arts & B We recommend you take at least two ROTORUA TO WAIMANGU cycle trail takes riders to four signifi cant Crafts Institute). Here you will also fi nd days to ride this trail. And if you want VOLCANIC VALLEY - GRADE 2-3 geothermal fi elds: Whakarewarewa, Whakarewarewa Village, which has more after that, Rotorua is a mountain- (EASY TO INTERMEDIATE) Waimangu Volcanic Valley, Wai-O-Tapu existed for over 700 years and is home A 30km ride taking 3-4 hours. biking mecca, with a range of world- Thermal Wonderland and to many families of the survivors of the class cycle trails to explore. WAIMANGU VOLCANIC VALLEY TO Thermal Springs. Each has its own 1886 eruption of Mt Tarawera. WAIKITE VALLEY THERMAL POOLS unique geothermal features, including - GRADE 3 (INTERMEDIATE) Other unique features along the trail rare fl ora and fauna, and is rich in Maori An 18km ride taking 2-3 hours. include the Lake Okaro restoration IMAGES BELOW LEFT: Poi maiden © Te Puia MOBILE PHONE COVERAGE: history and folklore. Possibly the most RIGHT: © Harriet Upchurch project (re-established wetland), Good mobile phone coverage from the start of the trail at Princes Gates LOOK OUT FOR... through to . No coverage on Waikite Valley Rd.

Whakarewarewa - The Living Maori Village Lake Rotorua DRINKING WATER: Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley residents act as village guides, providing This picturesque lake is the second- Drinking water is available at cafés incorporates a living, breathing Maori a tour with a difference – from relaying biggest in the North Island and is perfect at the Rotorua Mountain Bike car village that relies village stories, to cooking meals and for windsurfi ng, park in the Waipa Valley, Waimangu on geothermal explaining how they use the natural sailing and Volcanic Valley, Wai-O-Tapu power for landscape for bathing, washing clothes fi shing. Tours Thermal Wonderland, Waikite the ease of and predicting weather patterns. You are available to Valley Thermal Pools and at Lake everyday living. can also see spine-tingling cultural Mokoia Island, Throughout performances including the haka, and in the middle of Okaro and the Waiotapu Tavern. the day local taste delicious traditional Maori food. the lake.

49 Rotorua Waimangu Waikite Valley TE ARA AHI Th ermal Pools 30km 18km “Nowhere else in the world can you get on a pushbike and ride for 48km past four 5 Lake Rotorua geothermal attractions.” 30 Todd McClay, MP for Rotorua ROTORUA Sulphur Bay Reserve Lake Okataina

Lake Okareka Whakarewarewa Te Puia Hemo Gorge Whakarewarewa MTB Park

Tikitapu MAP LEGEND (Blue Lake) open section 5

optional route Lake Rotokakahi (Green Lake) start / fi nish point

point of interest Mountain biking - Whakarewarewa Forest Tamaki © Tourism Rotorua AA Centre Maori Village is 31km from Rotorua. At Waimangu i-SITE Visitor Centre Lake Rotomahana Volcanic Valley you can relax in the café town WAIMANGU or pay to go for a walk on a number of café/restaurant walking trails through one of the world’s Okaro Road toilets youngest thermal areas. 5 Lake Okaro camping Waimangu Volcanic Valley car park to Waikite Valley Thermal WAIKITE VALLEY Waikite Valley Rainbow Mountain THERMAL POOLS Road Pools, 18km accommodation Kerosene Creek d ey Roa (Te Ranga) 1 state highway all From Waimangu Volcanic Valley, V thermal ite Waiotapu area continue along Waimangu Rd, past the ik 38 a Lake Okaro picnic area (camping sites W Wai-O-Tapu to Wairoa Thermal available) and onto SH 38. Take care e Wonderland crossing the highway and follow the g 5 Whirinaki Stream n off-road cycle path around Rainbow a Mountain. After passing a roadside R picnic area the trail climbs further d a oa o around the mountain and drops down to R r ia e p a cross the gravel Old Waiotapu Rd. Here o P K you can turn left to go to Te Ranga (a e T thermally heated stream locally known L a k e as Kerosene Creek) or you can carry on

O h 5 straight ahead on an off-road trail all the a

k u Waihunuhunu Stream way to Waiotapu. Parts of the trail are r to Taupo i © AA Traveller 2015 steep here and may require walking. At Waiotapu you will fi nd a hotel RIDING THE TRAIL with accommodation, petrol station and a honey factory with a café and shop. Only 2km from Waiotapu is the Rotorua to Waimangu (the village entrance is 200m off the trail for mountain biking (100m off the trail on Waiotapu Mud Pool and the Wai-O- Volcanic Valley, 30km on your left). Guided tours are regularly your left). Here you will fi nd a café and Tapu Thermal Wonderland (paid entry). held through this historical village. bike hire etc. From the mountain bike car From Waiotapu follow the Waikite From the Rotorua i-SITE, ride east on park, ride 150m towards the highway to Valley Rd for 6km to the Waikite Valley Queen St to the start of the trail at the From the turn-off to the village, continue the start of a concrete bike path, which Thermal Pools – there is camping and Princes Gate Archway a few hundred following signs south past Te Puia, the runs alongside the highway for several a café here. metres away. Follow the trail signs around New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts kilometres of smooth easy riding. the edge of Lake Rotorua for 6km to the Institute, through Hemo Gorge to the The trail then follows Waimangu Rd to Note: The best time to ride is in the historic Whakarewarewa Maori Village entrance to the Whakarewarewa Forest the Waimangu Volcanic Valley, which summer, between November and April.

50 TE ARA AHI ALONGSIDE things to do... THE TRAIL

This trail winds its way through a geothermal paradise and past stunning lakes, hot pools, Maori villages and striking forests.

What other cycle trail offers you the chance to see boiling mud pools, erupting geysers and colourful crater lakes? Geothermal spots to check Summer evening barbecue, Lake Rotoiti out along this route include the © Destination Rotorua Tourism Marketing Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley, the Waimangu Volcanic Valley, the Don’t miss the Whakarewarewa Forest, Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland and one of Rotorua’s most spectacular the Paeroa Thermal Bluffs. natural assets and among its greatest A journey along this trail would not be treasures. The area known as the complete without taking in the culture Redwoods is popular for its towering at a Maori village. Options include the Californian coastal redwoods and Whakarewarewa, a living Maori village the walking track that winds its way and Tamaki Maori Village. beneath them. Lakes also feature heavily along the trail, Options along the way for soaking with lakes Rotorua, Tikitapu (Blue Lake), weary cycling legs include Kerosene Rotokakahi (Green Lake), Okaro and Creek, a thermally heated stream, and Ohakui all offering a different outlook. the Waikite Valley Thermal Pools. Rotorua City second lake • 108km SE of Hamilton on SH 5 Boulevard Motel Devonwood Resort & LICENSED RESTAURANT • 35 units & spacious grounds Reservations 0800 348 207 • Close to city & thermal attractions • Sky TV • WiFi available • Heated swimming pool, BBQ, sauna, playground & tennis court • Underfl oor thermal heating • Off-season, group & corporate rates available ES:TX4 312 Fenton St (PO Box 6052), Rotorua RESERVATIONS: 0800 806 100 P: 07 348 1999 F: 07 346 2855 • Central Location E: [email protected] www.devonwoodresort.co.nz • One, Two and Three-bedroom Suites

• Spa Pool Suites BREAK UP YOUR CYCLING WITH A • Genuine Private Mineral Pools 3 HOUR ADVENTURE ON NZ’S ONLY • Heated Swimming Pool NATIVE FOREST ZIPLINE TOUR!

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Cnr Fenton & Seddon Street, Rotorua OR PH:07 3 3 1001 Phone: 07 348 2074 Fax: 07 348 2072 Email: [email protected] WWW.CANOPYTOURS.CO.NZ www.boulevardrotorua.co.nz

51 TE ARA AHI MAORI MYTHOLOGY ROTORUA FESTIVALS

Maori believe that Rotorua owes its from the cold, he sent a prayer to his Rotorua hosts a variety of fun festivals throughout the year. thermal attractions to an early spiritual sisters in Hawaiki (where, according leader from the Te tribe, to Maori folklore, the Maori people Here is a small selection of what’s on offer: Ngatoroirangi. originated from). They responded, In Maori mythology, when the great sending fi re demons to his aid. waka Te Arawa arrived in Rotorua, These demons cut across the ocean, Ngatoroirangi had to stand on the surfacing at White Island, Rotorua and summit of what is now Mt Tongariro Taupo before reaching Ngatoroirangi in order to claim the surrounding land and freeing him from the lethal cold, for his tribe. As he reached the top of leaving a geothermal trail where they the mountain, he almost died from the had travelled and giving these places icy wind and the cold. To save himself the thermal activity that can still be seen today.

• Stay in a resort in the heart 349 Fenton St, Rotorua Phone: 07 347 7686 of Rotorua with mini-golf, [email protected] tennis, spa complex and Reservation: outdoor heated pool. Lake Okareka boardwalk © Destination Rotorua Tourism Marketing RESORT 0800 99 93 93 HERITAGE • Choose the comfort of a studio, 1 or 2-brm apartment (with fully equipped kitchen) Rotorua Bike Festival, 12-21 Rotorua Walking Festival, • Spa pool & spa bath suites. February 2016, Whakarewarewa 12-13 March 2016: The Rotorua WiFi & central heating Forest: Now in its third year, the Bike Walking Festival celebrates the • FREE bike storage • Tariff: $95-$275 Festival brings together everything region’s fantastic scenery and

OLD TAUPO RD

A M Lake great about biking. Includes national abundance of trails. With walks A HOU ST Rotorua

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N mountain bike champs, city rides, ranging from 10km to 42km, this G A E R D 5 Thermally Heated Pool DEVON ST sprint races, kids rides and lots of festival has a distance for everyone, FENTON ST T

S Silver Oaks Resort SAL A Heritage family-friendly events. with spectacular walks guaranteed. www.silveroaksheritage.co.nz HEMO RD

Rotorua’s premier accommodation Luxury & Style

Facilities Include: Facilities Include: • Studio/1-Bedroom/2-bedroom · SuitesStudio / 1-Bedroom / • 2-Bedroom2-bedroom SuitesApartments with Ensuite, Separate Bathroom · 2-Bedroom Apartments with and Laundry Ensuite, Separate Bathroom • Air conditioning in all Suites and Laundry • Spa Pools in all Suites · Air-conditioning in all Suites • TV / DVD / Stereo / Minibar · Spa Pools in all Suites • FREE Highspeed WiFi · TV/DVD / Stereo / Minibar • Heated Swimming Pool / Sauna · FREE Highspeed WiFi • Tennis Court / Gymnasium · Heated Swimming Pool / Sauna • Mini Golf - BBQ Area · • BoutiqueTennis Court Conference / Gymnasium Venue · • GuestMini Golf Lounge - BBQ / AreaHouse Bar · • InternetBoutique Station Conference Venue · • GuestGuest LaundryLounge / •House Day Spa Bar · • BicyclesInternet forStation guest use G est La ndr

Your Hosts: Ross & Annie McGregor 350 Fenton Street, Rotorua New Zealand P: +64 7 350 3232 F: +64 7 350 3233 E: [email protected] W: www.regalpalms.co.nz RESERVATIONS FREEPHONE: 0800 74 3000

52 TE ARA AHI Sailboats on Lake Taupō © Destination Great Lake Taupō GEOTHERMAL HOTSPOTS

NEARBY DESTINATIONS

Rotorua © Destination Rotorua Experience the warmth of the Maori out Huka Falls. Although Taupo buzzes Tourism Marketing people during an evening of ceremonial with action-packed recreation and See colourful crater lakes, shooting Te Puia also offers a wide range of Maori rituals, powerful cultural performance, geothermal activity bubbles and boils, geysers and scalding hot mud pools just cultural experiences, including carving storytelling and hangi feasting at the this town also has a softer side – spend minutes from the city centre. Rotorua’s demonstrations and performances. Tamaki Maori Village. This is a time in its beautiful parks and gardens geothermal hotspots give a fascinating Visit Waimangu Valley, which was insight into the inner mechanisms of pre-European Maori village nestled and the Lake Taupo Museum and Art formed by the Mt Tarawera eruption. Earth. The smell of hydrogen sulphide The force of the eruption split the within a 200-year-old native tawa forest. Gallery for a start. that penetrates many parts of the city is mountain in two, creating a 17km rift a small price to pay for being in one of Taupo, around 42km from the end of the The Waikite Valley Thermal Pools in Earth’s crust and seven impressive the world’s great geothermal zones! craters. Here you’ll marvel at the trail, is a pretty town on the edge of the are the place to go to experience the One of the most famous geothermal colourful lakes, geysers and silica striking Lake Taupo – the biggest lake ‘living waters’ of the Waikite Valley. attractions is the Pohutu Geyser in terraces. in Australasia and roughly the size of There is a variety of geothermal hot Te Puia, the living Maori cultural centre A short drive out of the city on SH 5 just fi ve minutes from central Rotorua. Singapore. There’s a staggering number pools and private spas to enjoy. While brings you to the vast and colourful Erupting up to 20 times a day, this landscape of Wai-O-Tapu geothermal of activities to choose from, including you’re here, follow the Eco-Trail to the geyser reaches heights of more than park, home to the Lady Knox Geyser and trout fi shing, watersports and checking magnifi cent Te Manaroa Spring. 30m, displaying Mother Nature’s power the vivid Champagne Pool. with dramatic fl air.

53 TE ARA AHI

Zorb

A must-try is the Zorb, which involves rolling head over heels down a hill in a bubble inside a huge plastic ball. Wet and dry options are available.

Jetboating © Agroventures • TOP LEFT: Zorb © Zorb Rotorua BOTTOM LEFT: Luge riding © Skyline Rotorua

Here you can navigate the highest Not surprisingly, the region’s many THRILLS commercially rafted waterfall in lakes and rivers are used for a variety New Zealand (7m) on the Kaituna River, of water sports. Adventure-seekers or try skydiving over the breathtaking can make the most of the awesome & SPILLS Rotorua scenery. Other thrilling options rivers that wind their way through the in this exciting city include riding a Rotorua region, with white-water rafting fl ying fox through ancient treetops available on the Wairoa, Rangitaiki, Luge on a magical eco journey, zooming Motu, Mohaka, Tongariro and Kaituna Rotorua boasts several claims around a man-made river in a jet boat, rivers. The Kaituna’s 7m waterfall drop One of Rotorua’s most popular or enjoying the thrill of a bungy jump. can be rafted over. Sledging takes place to fame in the adventure attractions, Skyline Skyrides is where Experience the Shweeb, or go fl ying – on the Wairoa River and you can jet boat department, where there’s an you can ride the luge, a Rotorua literally – at the freefall wind tunnel. For on both the Waikato River and Lake experience for everyone! designed three-wheeled cart. something a little less scary, try horse Rotorua. trekking or mountain biking.

With more than 100km of purpose-built mountain biking trails just a 5- to PLQXWHELNHULGHIURPRXUSDUN\RXZRQ¶W¿QGDEHWWHUORFDWLRQIRU your forest adventure. Enjoy mountain bike hire, sports massage, and )5((KRWPLQHUDOSRROV6WD\LQRXUFDPSHUYDQFDUDYDQRUWHQWVLWHVIXOO\ VHOIFRQWDLQHGÀDWVDXWKHQWLFORJFDELQVDQGVWXGLRVDOOVXUURXQGHGE\ PDWXUHWUHHVDQGJDUGHQV5RWRUXDKDVEHFRPHDPHFFDIRUPRXQWDLQ bikers from all over the world. Come and join the fun!

463 Old Taupo Road (south end), Rotorua PH +64 7 346 3140 [email protected] www.rotoruathermal.co.nz

54 TE ARA AHI VOLCANIC WONDERFUL WILDLIFE LAKES The variety of wildlife in the region is sure to impress both kids and adults alike, with activities ranging from hand-feeding animals to watching entertaining live shows.

Witness an outdoor fl ight show at the Baby kiwi © Rainbow Springs LEFT: Holiday relaxation, Blue Lake, Rotorua Wingspan National Bird of Prey Centre. © Destination Rotorua Tourism Marketing You will be spellbound as you watch the New Zealand falcon/karearea being trained to hunt and survive in the wild. Flying displays start at 2pm daily. At Paradise Valley Springs you can have Taupo may have Australasia’s largest an up-close and personal encounter with some exquisite creatures. Trout lake, but what the Rotorua region lacks may be fed in pools among the native in size it makes up for in numbers, bush, while wallabies, donkeys, pigs and with a staggering 18 freshwater lakes, sheep are also on display. You can even get close to a lion at feeding time! 14 of which are easily accessible. All Check out Rainbow Springs Kiwi these lakes are of volcanic origin, fi lling Wildlife Park where you can combine craters, calderas or valleys blocked learning with fun on the Big Splash, by lava fl ows, and many are ringed a water ride that showcases New Zealand’s ecological evolution and by forest and farmland with fantastic fi nishes with an adrenalin rush. lakeside walking trails. Lake Rotorua At the Agrodome, watch the award- is the largest lake in the region, while winning sheep show with live sheep- the intriguing Blue and Green lakes are shearing demonstrations, and join the smaller, but just as impressive. interactive farm tour to hand-feed all sorts of friendly animals.

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