Rotorua Walks - Lakefront and Government Gardens
New Zealand Travel - Rotorua Walking Tracks Are Split Into Sections
Jul 27, 2009
Rotorua walking trails are woven through areas of geothermal activity, urban streets, native and exotic plantings, lakes and streams. Walks encompass sites of historical significance, stunning scenery and both native and exotic plantings. Trails cater to people of all ages and fitness levels. Some walks are suited to people who require wheelchair access.
A City-Side WalkA short walk close to the city could begin on Pukeroa Hill, site of the Rotorua Hospital and gifted to Rotorua City by Ngati Whakaue. Paved walkways wend up, down and over the slopes of Pukeroa. This is an especially lovely walk during the spring when massed daffodils splash the hillsides with golden yellow.
Across the road to the west of Pukeroa Hill lies Kuirau Park with its own walkway and thermal activity, while to the east the walk can continue along the Lakefront Promenade. It’s worth stopping for a minute or two to enjoy the views across lake and parkland from one of wooden seats strategically placed along the paved walkway.
The Rotorua Lakefront Promenade is an Easy Walk
An early morning walk along the cobblestoned Lakefront Promenade is a peaceful and inspirational way to begin the day. Ducks and black swans drift across the waters of Lake Rotorua, while gulls swoop above, beady eyes and greedy beaks ready for the throw-away crumb. Mokoia Island, home of ancestral lovers, Hinemoa and Tutanekai, lies opal-like in the centre of the lake.
A 15-20 minute stroll alongside the lake on a paved walkway will bring walkers to Sulphur Point, where the opalescent waters and scrubby landscape have been set aside as a wildlife sanctuary. This is an active thermal area where the earth’s crust is shallow and broken by steam vents and mud pools. Walkers are warned not to stray from the designated pathways.
Back to the City via the Government Gardens
For those with limited time, the walkway curves back to the city along Queen’s Drive, past the well-kept greens of a nine-hole golf course and through the Government Gardens, site of that iconic New Zealand landmark, the Museum of Art and History. Other buildings of note on this cultural heritage site are the Spanish Mission-inspired Blue Baths, the Croquet Pavillion, the Band Rotunda and Gardener’s Cottage. While admiring the acres of manicured lawns embroidered with vibrant floral plantings, visitors may find it difficult to imagine the fierce tribal battles that once raged across these tranquil grounds.
Well-maintained pathways meander through the gardens, taking walkers to the Polynesian Spa, Rotorua Arts Village, viewing points for boiling springs and various art installations among other attractions. The gardens can be exited just a block or two away from Rotorua’s Information Centre, CBD and numerous backpackers and other accommodation providers.
Absorb the Unique Spirit of Rotorua – Without Spending a Cent
These are well-maintained, easy walks with only Pukeroa offering sloping hillsides – but these are of short duration. Depending on the time available, a brisk walk from Pukeroa Hill through to the Government Gardens and back to the city could take as little as an hour or so, or a morning could be enjoyably whiled away – and all without spending a cent.
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