Aaron McDowell

The Perfect Family Getaway

Pack your bags and bring the whole family

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay with the family in Rotorua, Holiday Inn Rotorua is a great choice. Finding a hotel that offers comfort and enough space for both adults and children can be difficult, and you also need to make sure the surrounding area offers plenty of things to see and do to keep everyone entertained. What’s more, at Holiday Inn Rotorua Kids Stay and Eat free.

Home for Mountain Biking

Holiday Inn Rotorua is located on the outskirts of Redwood Forest, home to a wealth of exotic native tree and plant species. Exploring the forest can be a great family bonding experience. We have a purpose built mountain biking cleaning and storage facilities to help keep you on top of everything. You can experience nature and investigate the area using the walking or mountain biking tracks, enjoying some quality time together in the fresh air. And that’s just the beginning.

The Must-See Geothermal Village

The Holiday Inn Rotorua is in close proximity to the Whakarewarewa Geothermal Village, which presents an amazing educational experience. Visitors are welcomed into this traditional Maori village to learn about its history and culture, from its wooden carved houses to its thriving Arts and Crafts Institute. The village is built on an area of geothermic activity, so while you’re here you can take in the 500 natural hot springs and geysers for which it’s famous for. Did you know that the natural heat from the springs is also what keeps our swimming pool heated all year round?

Family Holiday Adventure in New Zealand

We were delighted to be recently included in the article by Expedia, ‘Your Next Family Holiday Adventure in New Zealand’, for our dedication to making your next family holiday one to remember!

There are discount packages available for entry into some more of the local attractions and activities. OGO Rotorua ball rolling is a fun day out for the family (more details in Expedia’s article), as is exploring the area’s land and water on a Duck Tour in an amphibious bus. Rainbow Springs Nature Park is another essential excursion for both children and adults wanting to learn more about New Zealand’s rich natural history. This essential conservation project, set in beautiful forestry, offers you the chance to meet the nation’s most beloved species, the Kiwi. Rainbow Springs plays an important part in Kiwi conservation, having hatched over 1,500 at the park itself. It has a playground area and water ride for some more family fun!

Helpful Concierge and Reception team

Our friendly staff at the Holiday Inn Rotorua are happy to advise you further on any of these excursions and activities. The hotel’s Chapman’s Restaurant welcomes children and offers a kids’ menu, in addition to a buffet and a la carte food to suit all ages and tastes, including a variety of delicious traditional New Zealand dishes.

Holiday Inn Rotorua is a safe and relaxing environment for adults and children alike and is well placed to allow you to explore this beautiful part of the world to the fullest.

Environmental Travellers

Proud to be green in more than just our logo

Holiday Inn Rotorua has been recognised by two global companies for its commitment to being an environmental hotel.

As a business who impacts the environment, we have made it our mission to benefit the community around us and operate in a sustainable nature. Some of the Green Friendly business practices which we take part are:

Our geothermally sourced water heats our pools and showers
We purchase paper where the trees are grown in an environmentally efficient manner
We replace light bulbs with LED bulbs where possible
We have efficiency targets with our power usage to reduce our impact on the environment and be sustainable
We are a sponsor of the Rotorua Trails Trust so assist volunteers with maintaining the Redwoods Forrest

TripAdvisor GreenLeader Bronze Award

We have recently received a special recognition for our green practices. We are very proud of this and will continue to work hard to increase our status.

Enviro Silver Qualmark Award

Qualmark is New Zealand tourism’s official quality assurance organisation so this is a valuable award for us and once again one we will continue to improve.

Rotorua Health and Wellness

relaxing-in-pool polynesain spa private pool health and wellness rotorua

Take a Health, Wellness and Spa
Vacation to Rotorua

Going on holiday to Rotorua means more than just relaxing.

Going on holiday to Rotorua means: Rejuvenating. Revitalising. Refreshing. Renewing. Recharging.

Save up to 35% off this spring when you escape to Holiday Inn Rotorua

There is an extensive range of health, wellness and spa treatments to indulge in while you are in Rotorua. The Rotorua area is famous for its active geothermal activity, with mud spas, thermal pools and hot waterfalls.

For generations, Māori have used thermal waters for medicinal purposes. The therapeutic health and wellness benefits were discovered by Europeans in the late 1800’s, and people travel to Rotorua every year to ease their aches, pains and fatigues.

Here are some of our recommendations:

WAIKITE VALLEY THERMAL POOLS

The pure natural calcite-laden thermal water at Waikite Valley Thermal Pools is sourced from the spectacular Te Manaroa Spring. To enhance the thermal bathing experience, all pools are emptied, cleaned and refilled daily – this means visitors won’t find bathing water this pure anywhere else in New Zealand! Enjoy the rejuvenating health and wellness benefits.

$15 - $18 per person
Hours: 10am to 9pm
Months of Operation: Open all year
648 Waikite Valley Road, Waikite Valley, 3077

HELLS GATE GEOTHERMAL MUD BATH SPA

Hells Gate is the only place in New Zealand where you can soak and relax in an outdoor Mud Bath, used for generations by Maori to ease joint and muscle pain, and increase health and wellness. Enjoy a traditional mud bath or unwind in a Sulphur Spa overlooking a spectacular geothermal landscape, before cooling off in a beautiful spring-fed waterfall and plunge pool.

$20 - $240 per person
Hours: 8:30 am - 8:30 pm/10pm (Except Christmas Day), 7 days
Months of Operation: Open all year
361 State Highway 30, Tikitere, Rotorua

POLYNESIAN SPA

Polynesian Spa is New Zealand’s leading internationally acclaimed spa. Enjoy this unique lakefront thermal spa experience - offering a wonderful fusion of relaxing hot mineral spring bathing, health and wellness spa therapies and picturesque views of Lake Rotorua. With 27 thermal pools, simply select one of four bathing areas - Deluxe Lake Spa, Adult Pools, Private Pools, or Family Spa.

$15 - $315 per person
Hours: Bathing pools: 8am - 11pm, Last pool entry: 10.15pm, Spa therapies: 10am-7pm
Months of Operation: Open all year
1000 Hinemoa Street, Rotorua Central

THE BLUE BATHS

Located in the Stunning Art Deco Heritage Building, the Blue Baths have a rich history opening in 1933. Having been stylishly refurbished this Spanish inspired building and its many original features, it has a dazzling collection of meeting spaces; a museum gallery, thermally heated sapphire pools. The original Juvenile Pool is generally around 31 degrees; the two hot soak pools between 37 and 42 degrees.

$6 - $11 per person
Hours: Summer Hours, 10am - 6pm Winter Hours, 12pm to 6pm
Months of Operation: Open all year
Queens Drive, Government Gardens, Rotorua, 3010

WIKITORIA MĀORI HEALING

Traditional Māori Healing… A Gift From The Ancient Ones, represents spiritual harmony, peace on earth, peace within self and goodwill to all mankind. Reawaken your inner-self and rejuvenate with a traditional Māori healing massage for health and wellness. All body workers or anyone interested in the indigenous healing arts are welcome to participate in workshops onsite.

$130 - $365 per person
Hours: Monday to Sunday - 9am - 5:30pm
Months of Operation: Open all year
1070 Eruera St Rotorua

FULL LIST OF HEALTH AND WELLNESS SPAS IN ROTORUA

Explore the famous Redwoods

Plan an adventure in The Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest

The Redwoods and Whakarewarewa Forest are one of Rotorua’s most spectacular natural assets and one of the city’s greatest treasures. Over 5,600 hectares of forest awaits you to enjoy and explore at your leisure. From its famous network of world class mountain bike trails to its beautiful walking tracks and the magnificent Californian Coast Redwoods. These towering trees can reach over 100 metres high and 9 metres in diameter.

The entrance to the Redwoods and Whakarewarewa Forest is only one kilometer from Holiday Inn Rotorua. Slip on your walking shoes, jump on your mountain bike or saddle up your horse and come and explore our incredible forest. We have complied some of our best tips to get the most out of your time at Whakarewarewa, no matter your interest or fitness level.

Getting Around on Foot

All sign posted tracks start from the Redwoods Visitor Centre located on Long Mile Road, a short walk or drive from the hotel.

Short Rotorua Forest Walks

The Redwood Memorial Grove track and the Waitawa Walk provide a family friendly introduction to the Redwoods Forest. Each 2 and 4 kilometers long they can be explored in under an hour. The kids will love the famous New Zealand Silver fern and everyone will enjoy the exotic aquatic plant life.

Long Rotorua Forest Walks

If you have a higher level of fitness and a larger amount of time then the Quarry lookout track, Tokorangi Pa track and Pohaturoa track will satisfy your nature thirst. From 4.8 to 11.5 kilometres these will be the perfect adventure for these family school, holiday if you have active teenagers.

Whakarewarewa Circuit

This tramping route is a full day’s walk over 34 kilometres of forestry roads and tracks. See spectacular panoramic views of Rotorua and walk the shores of the beautiful lakes Tikitapu and Rotokakahi.

Dog Walking

The Redwoods is a favourite place for people to walk their dogs. In the majority of places they are required to be kept on leash in fairness to other guests but there are a number of areas designated where you can exercise your dog off leash.

World Class Mountain Biking in Rotorua Forest

With around 130 kilometres of continually evolving trails, there is something to cater for all levels of rider, from beginners and family groups through to experts looking for extreme action. The forest is divided into several riding areas to help identify where is most suitable for your abilities.

Holiday Inn Rotorua has bike storage and cleaning facilities to make your journey convenient. Leave your car at the hotel, get on your bike and be in the trails within 5 minutes.

Beginner Trails for families

Kids Loop, Tahi, Creek Track, The Dipper and Hemo Gorge Trail will be fun and exciting trails for you to explore with a younger family.

Intermediate Trails for teenagers

Exit Ndo, Genesis, Turkish Delight, Tokorangi and Corridor provide a step up in skill requirements and will be adrenaline fuelled trails to get the bigger kids a higher level of excitement.

Advanced and Expert Trails

Down the Guts, Eastern Spice, Grinder, Boulderdash and Double Down give the skilled room to jump and drop on free-ride style tracks.

Saddle up

You are able to park horse floats just down from The Redwoods Gift Shop & Visitor Centre on a grassed area under the shade of some roadside Redwoods.

Redwoods on Horseback

Exploring the forest by horse back is a popular activity, horse riding can be undertaken on dedicated horse trails and forestry roads.

Pony Trek

Horse Treks Rotorua offer an introduction to horse riding with their Pony Trek. For only $20 this will be the highlight of many children’s school holidays.

Stay at Holiday Inn Rotorua these school holidays

Heated Outdoor Pool & Spa
Free Parking
Free Wi-Fi Internet*
Tour Desk
24 hour Business Centre
Gymnasium
Dry Cleaning and Laundry Services

BOOK NOW AND SAVE UP TO 35%

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ROTORUA FOR FAMILIES

2015 Tarawera Marathon

The 42km marathon no longer represents running’s equivalent to climbing Mount Everest.

Get bragging rights to having completed one of the six best trails in the world as voted by The Guardian (UK newspaper).

An ultramarathon is now the ultimate test of expanding one’s physical and mental limits. Ultramarathons have taken the world by storm. Many who can run marathons are realising that it is very realistic to now set their sights on an ultramarathon. The softer terrain of a rugged landscape is gentler on the body than hard tarmac and, coupled with slowing your pace, it is possible to just keep running and running!

Why run the Tarawera Trail Marathon & 50k?

The Tarawera Trail Marathon & 50k is a spectacular course in a unique geothermal landscape that starts at the world famous Pohutu Geyser, cuts through the Hemo Gorge, and takes cover under the beauty of Whakarewarewa Forest. This point-to-point marathon in Rotorua commands views of five lakes: Lake Rotorua, Rotokakahi (Green Lake), Tikitapu (Blue Lake), Tarawera and Rotomahana. The race concludes right under Mount Tarawera at Hot Water Beach. A scenic boat ride then takes you back home after you soak in the hot pools or jump in the lake.

A Solution to the Rugby World Cup Final Clash.

This race provides the perfect opportunity for those who are unable to complete the Auckland Marathon due to the scheduling clash with the IRB Rugby World Cup 2015 final. Don’t let your training go to waste. Instead, embark upon a challenging and rewarding adventure.

If you have just completed the equally magnificent Rotorua Marathon, then take a short break and set your sights on the Tarawera Marathon as your next goal. This is the first step to prepare for New Zealand’s ultramarathon, the Tarawera ultramarathon.

When is the next Rotorua Trail Marathon?

The 2^nd annual Tarawera Trail Marathon and 50k run and walk is taking place on Saturday 14 November, 2015.

Where to book?

You can purchase your tickets for the run on the official website.

Where to stay?

Holiday Inn Rotorua in the official sponsor of the Tarawera Trail Marathon & 50k and is conveniently located very close to the start line. Register with the marathon to be eligible for a special accommodation rate.

Tarawera is more than just a race, it is a cultural experience. For a taste of what you can expect from the Tarawera Marathon and 50k, watch this adrenaline pumping and motivational video.

8 ways to treat mum this Mother’s Day

Mums selflessly cater to your needs every day which is why we think Mother’s Day is so special.

Why not show mum you love her by taking her to Rotorua this weekend? Treat mum like a queen with these inspiring ideas.

PAMPER & INDULGE

Spoil mum by getting her a gift she has always wanted.

Polynesian Spa provides the ultimate in relaxation. Mum can enjoy a soak in their deluxe Lake Spa, followed by cake and bubbles. She can then experience a spa treatment and go home with a unique and individual gift hamper. The thermal tranquillity of Polynesian Spa and its ability to cater to either intimate privacy or relaxed family fun ranks this as a sure thing for Mother’s Day.
Hell’s Gate is Rotorua’s most active geothermal attraction and offers some of the most indulgent experiences. The historic Mud Bath and Sulphur Spa Experience is renowned for its curative and invigorating properties. Mud therapies or massages will be just what mum needs as we come into winter.

ACTION & ADVENTURE

Take mum into the wild outdoors and get a little bit competitive.

Rotorua Canopy Tours is an adventure loving mum’s ideal day out! It features 3 hours of jaw dropping ziplines over 1.2km and traverses the evergreen native forests of the Mamaku Plateau. Located just behind Holiday Inn Rotorua and ranked the #1 activity in the North Island on Trip Advisor, watch as your mum soars over the treetops and shows her bold and daring side this Mother’s Day!
Skyline Rotorua is potentially a one stop shop for Rotorua! Spoil mum with a complete day out, beginning with picturesque views over Rotorua from the Gondola. Then take off downhill racing through the twists and turns of the luge, one of Rotorua’s most popular attractions. While on top of Rotorua you can either continue your adventure with Skyswing, Ziplines or mountain biking, or unwind in the casual atmosphere of Food Market Kitchen.

CULTURE & HISTORY

For those who would like a culturally rich experience on Mother’s Day.

Whakarewarewa the Living Village is a unique experience rich in Maori culture that will satisfy and intrigue historically interested mum and their families. There is plenty to see and do here, with traditional song and dance, stories, Maori legends, early migration history, and geothermal attractions.
A Trip to the Theatre is always a treat for any culture lover and what mum could resist the classic love story Beauty and the Beast? John Paul College will be presenting the famous story of Belle’s taming of the unfortunate beast at Rotorua Civic Theatrefrom Friday 8^th to Saturday 16^th May. Tickets are available from Ticketmaster online.

CULINARY DELIGHTS

Give mum a break from the cooking for once and treat her to a culinary experience.

Chapman’s Bar & Restaurant is an iconic buffet restaurant, which is located in Holiday Inn Rotorua. It has been helping to create memories in Rotorua for years. With its fresh seafood and delicious roasts (not to mention the mouthwatering desserts) there is something to please the whole family. This Mother’s Day Chapman’s will be offering a special menu, but it is extremely popular, so we advise booking to avoid disappointment.
Treat mum to High Tea at Mokoia complete with tiered china cakes stands and homemade treats including freshly baked scones with cream and jam, sandwiches and sweet pastries, cakes and biscuits.

Mother’s day lunch at Chapmans

What better way to show appreciation for your mother than to treat her to our delicious and decadent Mother’s Day Buffet. Chapman’s at Holiday Inn Rotorua want to make sure that mums have a special day with their whole family. Make sure that the special woman in your family is indulged and cared for; give her a true afternoon of relaxation.

Mother’s Day Lunch

Lunch commences with her complimentary glass of bubbles followed by a comprehensive gourmet buffet. Our fine selection includes beautiful local seafood, a generous display of meats, fresh salads and a delicious assortment of desserts from the pastry kitchen (See Chapman’s Mother’s Day Menu).

Top 5 Activities for the Easter Holidays

Summer is well and truly over, as the days get shorter and the leaves fall off the trees you may be wondering how to entertain the children over Easter. It’s rapidly becoming too cold for the beach or lake, and long summer nights playing back yard cricket are a thing of the past. Take a look at our round up of family friendly (and best of all, budget friendly) Easter holiday events and activities.

Netball Kia MAGIC vs. Mystics

Whilst taking the whole family to the netball isn’t exactly free, but it is a great opportunity to inspire your future athletes, cheer on the home team and get caught up in the winning atmosphere. The game at the Energy Events Centre is on Sunday 5^th April and tickets can be bought from ticketmaster.co.nz.

Rotorua Museum Easter Egg Hunt

The ever popular egg hunt at the museum is back again. Suitable for all ages, including the tiny wee ones, children will have a blast finding all the hidden eggs throughout the museum. As an added bonus they may learn something about the local culture and history along the way. Best of all, the event is free for locals and the hunt is on for the entire school holiday period! Visit rotoruamuseum.co.nz for more information.

Paymark XTERRA Rotorua Festival

This is the biggest multisport event in New Zealand taking place right in our backyard. The range of events will ensure there is a challenging but achievable event for all levels of fitness. And if you’re not quite ready to take part in the action, head along to give some support to the participants who are braving the elements to take part. Events range from short fun walks to mountain biking to a multisport swim, bike and run event. see xterra.co.nz for more details.

Explore the Redwoods Forest

The stunning Redwoods Forest is the ideal terrain for walking, running, mountain biking or horse riding. With a number of interesting tracks, why not pack a picnic and make a day of it? You can hire bikes onsite from Mountain Biking Rotorua whilst the Visitor Centre will be your one stop shop for maps, toilets and booking any activities in Rotorua.

Kuirau Park

Kuirau Park is an entire precinct located in the heart of downtown Rotorua. The area is home to the Aquatic Centre as well as hosting the weekly Rotary Market. Enjoy a day out here as you let the children run free on the playground, or relax as you soak your feet in the steaming mineral foot pools. Because you’re right in town you can combine the trip with a more adult activity – perhaps sipping a coffee in one of the local cafes.

For other ideas, take a look at our Family Acitivities page.

Photo Credit:

Redwood Forest by Steve Watson

Rotorua Museum by Abaconda Management Group

The Ultimate School Holiday Bucket List for Rotorua

We’ve come up with a great list of ideas to keep the kids entertained for the holidays whilst preserving your sanity! Whether you’re a local, or you’ve decided to spend a few days in Rotorua for a spring getaway, these ideas are unique, fun and won’t cost you the earth.

1. The aMAZEme maze: Get ready to get well and truly lost as you try to find your way to the centre of the maze. This is the perfect activity if you’re entertaining a big group, or have older children who can go and explore on their own. The maze has added features which add to the fun, such as openings in the hedge, permanent blocks and well as one way doors for a quick exit.

2. Rainbow Springs: For a massive day of family fun, Rainbow Springs is the way to go. Set amongst 22 acres of native trees, streams and bush, Rainbow Springs is an exciting day out for all ages. The children will enjoy learning about New Zealand’s native species including birds and reptiles and can even get up close and personal with some of the parks inhabitants. Be prepared to get wet on the Big Splash as well which is sure to delight parents and kids alike. If this sounds like your idea of fun, check out Holiday Inn Rotorua’s Stay Entertained package which includes reduced ticket prices to Rainbow Springs.

Movie Get Out (2017)

3. Whakarewarewa Forest: Otherwise known as the Redwoods, this is a free activity best planned around the weather as it does involve being outside. Hopefully Rotorua will turn on the sun so that your family can enjoy exploring over 5600 hectares of forest. Visit The Redwoods Gift Shop & Visitor Centre to pick up an age appropriate activity sheet before heading off on your adventure. The Redwoods aren’t just for walking- you can go horse riding or hire bikes for a faster paced journey. Many of the mountain biking tracks are suitable for kids as well.

4. Kuirau Park: Situated right in the heart of Rotorua, enjoy nature’s wonders including bubbling pools and steaming geysers. The park is free to enter and, as long as you stay on the right side of the fences, safety shouldn’t be an issue. Why not let the kids loose with a digital camera or smart phone and have a competition to see who can take the best picture?

5. Government Gardens: These stunning gardens are situated by the edge of Lake Rotorua, close to Rotorua Museum. For the perfect spring picnic, bring along a blanket or rug and some easy school holiday snacks. The young ones will love the playground, whilst older kids and adults can enjoy activities such as petanque and croquet or simply enjoy the serenity of the rose gardens.

6. Kerosene Creek: This used to be one of the region’s best kept secrets, but is now popular with locals and tourists alike. Visit this hot water stream for a swim on a rainy day - you’ll be getting wet anyway! Located about 28km south of Rotorua, it’s a good idea to bring along a picnic. Remind the kids not to put their heads underwater though as the amoeba in the water can make them sick.

7. Aquatic Centre: Some of the best childhood memories include days spent at the local pools - jumping into the water, lounging on the pool toys and racing along the inflatable obstacle course, all before warming up with some hot chips or having an ice cream treat. Although a trip to the pool is not Rotorua specific, it’s a guaranteed child pleaser. They’ll love the Splash Pad and Lazy River, and there’s plenty of space for spectators. The pools are fantastic, affordable fun and perfect for a wet day.

8. Rotorua Night Markets: Indulge in some treats at the night markets every Thursday from 5-8pm on Tutanekai Street. With plenty of stalls to wander through, as well as free entry, this is a great dinner time activity. Let the kids explore and sample the many different ethnic cuisines on offer and enjoy live music from local artists. For older children, this can be a great lesson about budgeting too - give them a set spending limit with which to feed themselves and see what they can come up with. It’s always best to bring cash as there are many tempting treats on offer as most stall holders don’t accept cards.

Photo Credit:

Path Through the Redwoods by J Silver

Government Gardens by itravelNZ

Rainbow Springs Rotorua by Robert Linsdell

Crankworx Festival Comes to Rotorua

Coming to Rotorua in March 2015 is the world’s biggest mountain biking festival- Crankworx.

The festival has been successfully running in Whistler, Canada for the last 11 years and now it is Rotorua’s turn to be in the spotlight. The Whistler festival regularly attracts around 150,000 spectators so Rotorua can expect to be inundated with passionate mountain biking enthusiasts.

The announcement further boosts Rotorua’s profile as the premier mountain biking destination in the southern hemisphere. The festival has something for every level of mountain biker, from riding the trails at Skyline’s brand new park to extreme riding for the real adrenaline junkies. If you’re making a sport out of spectating, expect to be kept entertained with the many parties and music events that will also be part of the festival.

If you’re ready to get amongst the mountain biking festivities, Holiday Inn Rotorua can offer dedicated mountain biking facilities including secure indoor bike storage and bike washing station. We’ll keep you posted on all the latest developments with the Crankworx festival and hope you’re as excited as we are!