Rotorua

Central in Rotorua, only about a 10-minute walk from Lake Rotorua, Kuirau Geothermal Park and the Aquatic Centre. The grounds cover around 1.6 hectares with a varied mix of accommodation options: dorm rooms, private chalets as well as camping and van sites. Spacious shared kitchen with an outdoor area, modern sanitary facilities, plenty of washers and dryers, BBQ area, bike rental, free WiFi. Around 20 NZD with power, 15 NZD without.

Only about 20 minutes from Rotorua, one of the wildest experiences of our trip: rafting on the Kaituna River, including the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world, plunging a full 7 meters down Tutea Falls in the boat. The tour lasts about 50 minutes on the water in total and runs through 14 rapids. A thorough briefing and full gear beforehand (wetsuit, helmet, life jacket). Cost €50 per person.

A natural spring-fed river with impressively clear, blue-turquoise water. The water comes from an underground spring and takes over 100 years to filter through the rock, hence its exceptional clarity. Around 70% of New Zealand's drinking water comes from this spring. It's reached via a trail that takes 1.5 to 3 hours (round trip) depending on the starting point, through green hills, fern forests and along the river. Free entry.

Important: entering the water and swimming are prohibited to protect the water quality.

Via swing bridges you walk at around 20 meters high through a forest of Californian redwoods that have been standing here for over 100 years. The view and perspective from above are impressive. There are two ticket options: daytime or in the dark evening with light installations. We went for the daytime option to better appreciate the size of the trees. Cost 42 NZD per person (depending on season).