Rotorua, located in the heart of New Zealand’s North Island, is a destination that defies expectations. Steam hisses from street vents, geysers erupt with theatrical flair, and neon-blue pools bubble beside ancient forests. It’s a place where Māori culture is lived, not staged, and where every day can swing between adrenaline and deep relaxation. I’ve looped Rotorua more times than I can count—family holidays, mountain biking weekends, rainy-day retreats—and it always delivers.

Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland isn’t just another geothermal park — it’s a full-blown sensory experience. Located just 30 minutes south of Rotorua, this surreal landscape of neon pools, steaming craters and sulphur terraces feels like stepping onto another planet. Whether you visit in blazing summer sun or misty winter chill, the colours pop, the steam dances, and the boardwalks lead you through one of the most photogenic and fascinating places in Aotearoa.

Mount Maunganui, affectionately known as “The Mount,” is the embodiment of New Zealand’s coastal charm. Golden sands stretch endlessly along Main Beach, while the sheltered waters of Pilot Bay glisten on the harbour side. At its heart rises Mauao, a forested volcanic cone that beckons early risers for sunrise summits. All around, cafés hum with activity, surf lessons shape new enthusiasts, and salt-water hot pools offer the perfect post-adventure reward. Whether you linger for a weekend or simply drive through on a Bay of Plenty road trip, Mount Maunganui strikes a balance between relaxation and adventure that few other places can match.