If you are looking for some adventure to keep your kids entertained these July school holidays then Rotorua has the perfect mix of adrenaline-fuelled activities to keep them busy.
Just an easy road-trip or short flight from anywhere in the North Island, Rotorua offers an unbeatable variety of attractions and accommodation for the perfect family getaway.
So if your little dare-devils are hungry for adventure, here are some top ideas for a memorable school holiday experience:
Off-Road NZis the ultimate way to test your courage and driving ability. Buckle your family in and tackle their self-drive 4WD Bush Safari where you’ll face steep climbs, white-knuckle bends and deep muddy holes. Or enjoy a guided V6 Monster 4x4 Thrill Ride where you’ll power up and down near-vertical slopes. Kids over 14 can also give Raceline Karting a go and reach up to 100km/hr on the 1.2km course.
OGO ballswill have you slipping, sliding and laughing your way downhill. Climb inside these giant inflatable balls with 40L of water (cool in summer, warm in winter) and roll down the straight or ‘sidewinder’ track. Up to three people can ride inside each ball – an experience you and your kids won’t forget.
Mountain Biking is legendary in Rotorua. Home to some of the world’s best mountain bike tracks, you can easily find a ride that will suit any level and ability. Bring your own bikes and enjoy free access to more than 100km of trails throughout the Whakarewarewa Forest. Or hire all the gear you need at Mountain Bike Rotorua. Guided tours are available and there’s a great café on site to refuel you kids before or after their ride.
Rotorua Canopy Tours are an unforgettable way to teach your children about conservation efforts and New Zealand’s native bush and bird life – all while soaring high above the treetops! This three hour adventure traverses ziplines (flying foxes), swingbridges and treetop platforms and is a magnificent way to see our beautiful forests up close. Parents will love this as much as the kids.
Skyline Lugeat the top of Rotorua’s gondola is an iconic ride and part of many Kiwi kids’ childhood memories. Luging down Mt Ngongotaha is fun for the whole family and you can choose from scenic, intermediate or advanced tracks. Kids under six can ride in tandem while your older speed demons race you to the bottom. The gourmet jelly bean store on site will also be a winner, with over 100 different flavours to choose from.
Electric Skateboards are now available at Fiik Action Adventures which has New Zealand’s first purpose-built track. Use a hand-held remote to move forward or backwards, and lean as you would normally would to turn corners. Fun and easy to get the hang of, and a great way to race your siblings or mates!
Amazeme is the perfect place to tell your kids to get lost! This 1.4km circular hedge maze will have you all bamboozled as you try and find your way to the centre. There’s also a small animal enclosure, picnic area and playground on site. Amazeme is open seven days a week from 10am – 4pm in winter and is an affordable, fun day out for kids of all ages.
For a full list of places to stay and exciting things to do in Rotorua these school holidays, visit http://www.rotoruanz.comand plan your ultimate holiday break.