🇳🇿 Weekend Escape to Rotorua | Geothermal Wonders, Redwoods

📍 Rotorua Weekend Itinerary – Wai-O-Tapu, baby lions, and hot springs—all checked! 🧖🏻‍♀️ 🌿 I’m not a fan of crowded holiday trips—I prefer quiet weekends away. This 2-day, 1-night getaway was more like a blank page for relaxation. Since I’ve visited some spots before, I kept it chill—some places were quick stops, while others (like Skyline) didn’t make the cut this time. 🧭 Day 1: Lakeside Strolls + Wai-O-Tapu + Redwoods + Hot Springs 🕤 9:30 AM – Lake Rotorua Started with a peaceful walk by the lake. The water glimmered, the breeze was gentle, and a few black swans glided like "guardian spirits of the lake." 🦢✨ 🏛️ Government Gardens Historic buildings + perfect photo ops. A great spot to slow down and snap some pics. 🧪 Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland Mind-blowing! Last visit was 6 years ago, and the memories had faded. The Champagne Pool (nature’s palette!) and bubbling mud pools left me in awe of Earth’s power. 🌋 🌲 Redwoods Forest (Free walking trails) Skipped the paid canopy walk this time—just wandered under towering trees, sunlight filtering through. So quiet, so serene. ♨️ Polynesian Spa (Lakeview Pools) The OG hot spring spot! Soaked with views of Lake Rotorua—pure relaxation. 💆‍♀️ 🦁 Day 2: Paradise Valley Springs (Teenager Lions & More!) This place is more forest sanctuary than zoo. Highlights: A yawny, half-grown lion (total Queen Street teen vibes 🦁👀) Fluffy alpacas, quirky birds, and chill wallabies A peaceful 2-hour wander through the valley 🎒 Pro Tips: ✅ Redwoods: Free trails are enough—skip the paid walkway. ✅ Polynesian Spa: Bring a towel, swimsuit, waterproof bag & hair tie. ✅ Wai-O-Tapu: Buy tickets online to skip queues. ✅ Paradise Valley: 2 hours is perfect. ✅ Next time: Kuirau Park (free geothermal area!) & Skyline. #NZTravel #RotoruaWeekend #GeothermalMagic #HotSpringRetreat #WildlifeEncounters #SlowTravel #Wanderlust