Searching for scenic walks near me? We think, surely just because you’re over 65 doesn’t mean life has to slow down. So, why not try something new and get off the beaten track to see some of these scenic walks, because they’re the hidden gems of Rotorua?
1. Scenic walks near me: Yellow Track in the Redwoods Forest, Rotorua
Walk the 8km loop starting and finishing from the Redwoods information centre. And be rewarded with the best views Rotorua has to offer. There are several coloured walks based from here. If your looking for scenic walks near me we thing Yellow is the best as it takes you to Pohutara Trig. This stands over the Pohutu Geyser in Te Puia and it also has an amazing view over Rotorua aswell as Lake Rotorua and the Ngongotaha Maunga. There is a bonus of lovely of the single track lined with native forest.
2. Roto Pounamu
This lake is amazing and is only accessible by walking. If your looking for scenic walks near me this one is located only 20 minutes to the west of Turangi. It is on the highway to National Park. Here you will find an incredible 2km scenic walk, and it’s only another 5km to walk around the entire lake. This is a great place to soak in the scenery as the entire area is surrounded by a thick and lush native forest.
3. Explore the mighty Sandstone Cliffs on the Rangitikei River, by raft
The Lower Canyons of the Rangitikei River are the most stunning of them all. Here you have the opportunity to explore by raft. Cruising through the gentle class 1 and 2 rapids. You will see the towering sandstone cliffs in the deep river gorges between Utiku and Mangaweka. Mangaweka Adventure Company offer guided rafting tours. These tours range from, 1 hour to 4 days in duration. Also is also great, well priced camping around the area too.
4. Tarawera Hot Pools
Here’s an absolute gem for those with all levels of adventure. The hot pools are in a bay down the southern end of Lake Tarawera, near where the Isthmus trail connects Rotomahana. The hot pools are formed by a hot creek coming into the lake. You can arrange a circle of rocks to build your hot pool. Kick back and relax after a long walk, or use the boat taxi service to get out and be as fresh as daisy. Spend the day soaking in the atmosphere of the lake and Mt Tarawera. Boat taxi services are offered by Totally Tarawera.
5. Tarawera Falls, the hidden jewel of the Bay of Plenty
Tarawera Falls is tucked away deep in the commercial pine forests near Kawerau. At the beginning of the trail the lake gently empties into the river and within 5 km it starts to steepen up and descends over waterfalls until all the water disappears underground. When it reappears, it launches itself out from a hole in a cliff and descends 50-metres into the steep bouldery river below. To get there, you need a permit from the Kawerau I site, it only costs a couple of bucks. From the Isite there’s a 20-minute drive that is well sign posted and winds through the forest. From the car park, it’s a 1km walk along with the crystal clear waters to an amazing lookout spot indeed. It’s truly a must-do in the Bay if your looking for scenic walks near me.
6. Rotorua Canopy Tours
You can explore every layer of this ancient native forest when you are on this unforgettable nature experience! You’ll see unique flora & fauna from the forest floor as well as up above the canopy also. There are two experienced guides that will take you on this adventure, they are with you the whole time and will keep you save along the way. This is not just a walk or a zipline experience. Canopy Tours is also a conservation experience. Your guides will teach you about the forest and how while going on this experience you are contributing to the conservation of this forest. Check out Rotorua Canopy Tours here.
