Solo Trip to Rotorua (Car-Free Edition!) 🚌🌋

📍 *No car? No problem! Here’s how I conquered Rotorua in 3 days—solo and stress-free.* Day 1: Arrival + Geothermal Stroll 🚌 Auckland → Rotorua: InterCity bus (10am, delayed to 3pm due to traffic). Visitor Centre: Paid lockers + booked Wai-O-Tapu shuttle (💰$104, WeChat accepted!). 🚶♀️ Rotorua Walk: Route: Sulphur Point → Lakeland Queen → Rotorua Lakefront → Kuirau Park (free foot soak!). Time: 2hrs with stops (follow the clear trails!). 🌲 Redwoods Night Walk: 20:20 arrival: *50-min wait* (no Fast Pass—go earlier/later!). Verdict: Cool but overhyped—fake glowworms = meh. Uber: $40 roundtrip. Day 2: Wai-O-Tapu + Hidden Springs 🌋 Wai-O-Tapu Adventure: InterCity shuttle ($19, 8:30am): Quick mud pool stop → Lady Knox Geyser show (10:15am). Explored all 3 trails—*Walk 3’s Green Waterfall = highlight!* 12:45pm return (back by 1:30pm). 💧 Hamurana Springs (Lucky Bonus!) Rideshare: Saved $80 Uber fees (normally $80 roundtrip). BookMe ticket: $13. Verdict: Crystal-clear waters—even on cloudy days! Redwoods + turquoise springs = magic. Day 3: Taupo Bound 🚌 Rotorua → Taupo: 1pm bus (easy day trip!). 💡 Key Tips ✔️ Wai-O-Tapu shuttle = budget hack ($19 vs. tour prices!). ✔️ Hamurana Springs: BookMe for discounts—go early to avoid crowds. ✔️ Redwoods Night Walk: Skip if short on time (day hikes are free & prettier!). #SoloTravelNZ #RotoruaOnABudget #NoCarNeeded