🌿 Rotorua Weekend Escape: Geothermal Pools, Lion Cubs & Redwoods

*"A slow, soul-refreshing 2D1N itinerary—no crowds, just steam and serenity."* ♨️✨ 🗓️ Day 1: Lakes, Geysers & Forest Bathing 9:30AM - Lake Rotorua 🦢 "Guardian swans" gliding on glassy waters → peak zen. 10:30AM - Government Gardens 🏛️ Historic buildings + moody photo ops (free & crowd-less!). 12:00PM - Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland 🌈 Champagne Pool’s psychedelic hues + gurgling mud pots = Earth’s power on display! 2:30PM - Redwoods Forest (Free Trails) 🌲 *Sunlight piercing 120-year-old giants* → 45min of forest therapy. 4:00PM - Polynesian Spa (Lake-View Pools) ♨️ Soak with Rotorua Lake vistas—towel & waterproof bag essential! 🦁 Day 2: Wildlife & Whimsy 10:00AM - Paradise Valley Springs 🐾 Teenage lion cubs (basically Queen Street moody teens but fluffier!) 🦙 Alpacas, wallabies & mysterious birds in a forest-meets-zoo setting. 💡 Pro Tips ✅ Skip paid Redwoods walk—free trails = same magic! ✅ Book Wai-O-Tapu online (dodge queues!). ✅ Kuirau Park = next trip’s free geothermal fix! #RotoruaUnplugged #SlowTravelNZ #HotPoolsAndHugs #NoFOMOJustForests