Spring in Rotorua is stunning – flowers displaying their bright, radiant petals and the trees blossoming. The weather is getting warmer and the days are longer. We’ve put together a list of our top things to do in Rotorua in spring. It’s got to be one of the best times to visit Rotorua.
Top things to do in Rotorua in spring:
- Go mountain biking or visit the Rotorua Bike Festival
- Picnic at Centennial Park (Tree Trust)
- Wander around the Government Gardens
- Explore native forest
- Get out on the water
1. Go mountain biking or visit the Rotorua Bike Festival
Rotorua is a mountain biking mecca with some of the best tracks in the South Pacific. With a network of more than 150km of biking trails spring is a great time to get outdoors and on your bike in Rotorua.
Rotorua hosts a 10 day Bike Festival during spring and it is filled with fun, festivities and everything bikes! It is a huge celebration for locals (as we love our bikes) and all Rotorua’s visitors. Daily events range from airbag challenges, recycled fashion parade on a bike, outdoor movies, the chance to ride the Rotorua Airport runway and more competitive races for the elite bikers. There is an event that will suit everyone’s abilities, even events that involve food so get amongst it. Check out the Rotorua Bike Festival website to get the latest info on when it’s happening.
Photo: The Airport runway bike challenge is part of the bike festival. Fantastic event for families.
2. Picnic at Centennial Park (Tree Trust)
On the southern side of Rotorua, in Tihiotonga, is Centennial Park. It is absolutely stunning in Spring with vibrant pink cherry trees blossoming. The 20 hectare development was previously known as the ‘tree trust’, where people dedicated trees on behalf of family members. The recent development of a BBQ/ picnic area and toilets is the perfect place to enjoy a picnic with your family and friends while being surrounded by gorgeous scenery.
Photo: A tui bird enjoying being perched in the cherry blossom tree. Credit: Kathryn Bloor.
3. Wander around the Government Gardens
The government gardens are a historic place in Rotorua. Perfectly groomed, they’re a sight not to be missed during spring with thousands of bright flowers and trees putting on a show in spring. The gardens have a nursery which annually produces 420,000 bedding plants for display within the cities 150 flower beds. They also grow about 6000 potted plants and 15,000 trees and shrubs annually. The gardens surround the Rotorua Museum, as well as the Blue Baths (among the first baths in the world to allow both male and females in the same pool), the historic Te Runanga tearooms and the band rotunda.
Photo: Trying to find things to do in Rotorua in spring, then head down to the Government Gardens to check out the picture perfect gardens and buildings.
4. Explore native forest
As the days begin to warm up, spring is an amazing time to explore Rotorua’s beautiful native forest. With Rotorua Canopy Tours you can explore every layer of the ancient forest canopy and learn all about the native flora and fauna. During spring the forest becomes full of life as lots of new growth appears. Birdsong can be heard throughout the forest and Robins, Tomtits and Grey Warblers start to bring their babies into the world. Choose between the award-winning Original Canopy Tour or their higher and longer Ultimate Canopy Tour. Explore the ancient forest via ziplines, cliff walks, swing bridges and more – it’s definitely one of the must do activities in Rotorua.
Photo: You’ll create amazing memories exploring ancient native forest, its one of the best things to do in Rotorua in spring.
5. Get out on the water
You can’t miss exploring lakes and rivers on the last of our top things to do in Rotorua in spring. With 18 lakes dotted around, and three main rivers, Rotorua is a water lover’s paradise. In spring the waters begin to warm up and it’s a great time to explore the beautiful lakes. Walk around the picturesque Blue Lake (Tikitapu) and have a picnic or if you’re feeling more adventurous you could raft the Kaituna River with River Rats. It’s the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world – so you’re bound to get a thrill!
Photo: Photo: You’ll have a blast rafting the epic Kaituna Falls as the water begins to warm up in spring.
