We’ve got some awesome short walks to enjoy with the kids these school holidays! School holidays are a great excuse to spend time as a family, and with spring well and truly here it’s the perfect time for an afternoon adventure.
We’ve explored four fantastic walks in Rotorua that we think will be great for the kids: Kuirau Park, the Redwood Memorial Grove Track, the Rotorua Lakefront & Government Gardens, and the Waipa Mudpool Loop.
Kuirau Park
Accessible and awe-inspiring, the geothermal wonders of Kuirau Park are a stone’s throw from the city centre. Explore bubbling mudpools, beautiful gardens, and a fun wooden bridge over a sulphur pond. The great thing about Kuirau Park is that its interweaving paths provide a ‘choose your own adventure’ style walk – you pick the length. If you’re heading there on a Saturday, be sure to check out the the Saturday Morning Rotorua North Rotary Market, which is open every Saturday of the year from 7am to 1pm.
Redwood Memorial Grove Track
Just a short drive from the city centre, the Redwood Memorial Grove Track is a must-visit for families seeking a walk that packs a forest experience into a short half an hour (2km) walk. The grove is home to some magnificent Californian redwood trees that were planted in 1901. This track also features a boardwalk across an old thermal pond with an array of aquatic plant life. Begin this track at the Redwoods I-Site on Titokorangi Drive (formerly Long Mile Rd).
Rotorua Lakefront & Government Gardens
For a blend of lake views, beautiful gardens, and a touch of history, take the family on the Rotorua Lakefront walk. This walk meanders along beautifully maintained paths beside Lake Rotorua, before ducking down a short road that pops you out by the rose gardens in the Government Gardens. From here, you can chill out while the kids play on the playground, or carry on through to stunning views of the Rotorua Museum, historic statues, and fountain.
Waipa Mudpool Loop
The Mudpool Loop, a short 20-minute walk (1.9km) is perfect for families and begins at the Waipa MTB Carpark. From here, the walk takes you past a pond and round to the bubbling mudpool Te Pikitanga ki Whangapipiro. You’ll also explore two stunning groves of redwoods trees. The track is relatively flat and it’s length means its great for little legs. Pop into Secret Spot Hot Tubs to grab a map from reception, and rest your legs in a Shinny Dip foot hot tub afterwards – they’re free with any purchase.
Whether you’re after a bit of history, lake views, mud pools, or towering redwood trees, there’s a short walk for every family these school holidays. Better yet, most of these walks have a place to stop for an ice cream at the end of them!
Photo credits: Meghan Malony (redwoods photo)
