Rotorua 2D1N Itinerary: Only $200pp for Food, Stay & Fun!

Our group of 4 drove from Auckland for a relaxed 2-day getaway—no rushing, just good vibes. Total cost: ~$200 per person! Day 1: Scenic Drives & Soothing Soaks 🍳 Breakfast: Douhua Zhou (Northcote) Soy milk + giant crispy fried breadstick ($2.5!)—perfect for Chinese taste buds! 💧 Blue Spring (Te Puna) 2hr drive (pit stop at Tirau for restrooms + JJ Lin’s iconic "sheep & dog" sculptures 📸) Trail partially closed—30min round trip. Pretty but not worth a detour. 🚗 → Rotorua (1hr) Welcome by sulfur smells & street-side steam vents—so surreal! 🍗 Lunch @ Eat Street Nando’s combo meal ($50+ for 4)—filling & budget-friendly! 🏡 Airbnb Check-In $260+ for 3 bedrooms (clean, cozy, great for short stays). Skipped Skyline Gondola due to rain ☔. ♨️ Waikite Valley Hot Pools Private pool ($35pp/45min) with shower/changing area. Tip: Private ticket includes unlimited public pool access! 🌮 Dinner @ Mexican Restaurant Mixed grill (tough meat) + cheesy quesadilla (yum!) + skip the paella $150 total (leftovers!). Great service—free dessert for a missing order! 🌲 Redwoods Night Walk $45pp for underwhelming lights—opted for a free outer loop instead. Day 2: Forest Walks & Autumn Hues 🌳 Redwoods (Daytime Visit) Stunning trails—perfect for photos & short hikes (30-60min). ☕ Ciabatta Cafe & Bakery Solid coffee + delicious pastries (~$15pp). 🍁 Centennial Park Maple/ginkgo leaves not fully turned—best in early May + sunny days! 🚗 Return to Auckland → Hotpot finale! #RotoruaOnABudget #NZTravel #WeekendGetaway #GeothermalNZ