Sliders and Winter Cocktails at The Fainting Goat Rotorua
On one chilly winter night in Rotorua I found myself drawn inside The Fainting Goat by their glowing lights and promises of cocktails and sliders. … Read more
North Island
Travel guides and first-hand stories from New Zealand’s North Island — home to geothermal wonders, Māori culture, volcanic lakes and the country’s biggest cities. Browse my posts on Auckland, Rotorua, Taupō and more.
Mexican Night in Rotorua at El Mexicano Zapata Cantina
What about Rotorua? There is solid Mexican food. Yeah, I’m gonna be honest with you here… It’s not exactly where I thought I’d end up … Read more
The Gym at Pullman Rotorua
Hotel gyms aren’t something I tend to blog about, but the one at the Pullman Rotorua impressed me enough that I wanted to share it … Read more
I Tried the Hangi Buffet at Pataka Kai, Te Puia
I tried the hangi buffet at Pataka Kai, Te Puia. Since getting to Rotorua, I had been wanting to try a real hangi buffet, and … Read more
We Liked Spa City Noodle Bar Enough to Come Back the Next Day
On the first night in Rotorua, we found Spa City Noodle Bar tucked into a mall, glowing with that unmistakable neon. Starving, we got some … Read more
Black Swans and a Paddle Steamer on the Rotorua Lakefront
I had a peaceful wander along the Rotorua Lakefront one morning, and let me tell you: sometimes these are the simplest of walks that turn … Read more
Kuirau Park Rotorua Is Free and It Still Steams
As I entered Kuirau Park in Rotorua, I didn’t have high expectations. Was it a Free geothermal attraction? This was going to be some roped-off … Read more
Hells Gate Rotorua: Mud Pools, Sulphur and a Hot Waterfall
As soon as you get into Rotorua, it stinks, but in the best way possible. It literal is rotten eggs! Sulphur is just a fact … Read more
My Hideaway of Rotorua Review – The Alpacas Come to the Fence
Rotorua is a tough place to find good budget accommodation (unless you travel solo). Most of the motels on the main drag is overpriced or … Read more
Walking the Redwoods Treewalk in Rotorua
You can walk the Redwoods Treewalk in Rotorua. The Redwoods in Rotorua have been on my radar for years but I never realy imagined what … Read more
Agrodome Farm Show Rotorua: Sheep, Dogs and Feeding a Bull
Rotorua. Let’s be honest: when I first heard about this farm show, I wasn’t really sure what to expect. Watching sheep and sheepdogs in a … Read more