🇳🇿 Rotorua Redwoods Half-Day Hike | Day 3 Part 2

After arriving in Rotorua from Auckland via Intercity bus, my first mission was food! ☕️ Grabbed a Starbucks (finally, something priced like back home!). 🚶‍♂️ Rotorua Street Vibes: Spotted the Duck Tour (amphibious vehicle cruising from town to Lake Rotorua). Didn’t join, but looks fun—bookable downtown! 🍝 Lunch Plan B: Wanted noodles at Fresh Noodles (closed Wednesdays 😅), so tried Capers Cafe+Store instead. Their creamy chicken pasta was… exactly how you’d imagine—decent! 🏠 Airbnb Check-In: Dropped my 48L Osprey backpack at a host-shared homestay (budget hack for NZ trips!). Cheaper than hotels, with private space + local chats—though hotels are easier if money’s no object. 🚌 Off to the REDWOODS! Used the Bee Card (NZ’s transport card, $5 base + top-up). Works in Queenstown too! Redwoods options: 🌳 FREE ground trails (choose wisely—some are long!). 🌉 Paid canopy walkway (stunning at night with lights!). 🤔 Why I Skipped Te Puia Māori Village: 1️⃣ Too rushed for Te Puia + Redwoods in one afternoon. 2️⃣ Ideal plan: Te Puia by day → Redwoods by night (but buses stop at 5:50 PM!). 3️⃣ Settled for free thermal parks downtown instead. 💡 Pro Tip: nights to hit Wai-O-Tapu (epic geothermal park!) and avoid transport stress! Next up: More Rotorua adventures! 🌋✨ #RotoruaTravel #NZBackpacking #RedwoodsNZ #BudgetTravel #HotSprings #NewZealandAdventures