I know, I owe a life/health update. Next month will be one year post-op so I think I’ll do it then.

Before that, I’m going to Rotorua! My boyfriend/excellent companion James and I are spending a week at the Regal Palms, which sounds suitably fancy and comes with a private tub and on-site mini-golf. The dream.

My problem now is, there is a major lack of authentic content about Rotorua that suits my travel aspirations. 

We’re not BIG adventure tourism people, that stuff is exhaustingly covered online. I’m looking for recommendations of activities (chilled, nice scenery), venues (music? theatre?), and eateries (fine dining, shared/tapas style, quality food)… That people “like us” would do – urbanish NZ’ers, not interested in NZ culture experiences or pre-packaged international level tourism. We want to know this quite cool bit of our own country. We are in Rotorua from the 29th Dec – 4th Jan.

So, things we (mostly I, James is not yet protesting) are interested in so far, perhaps for the benefit of others:

  1. Eat and/or swim at Blue Baths (pictured), deco/spanish style architecture faithfully restored, NZ historical significance. Looks damn cool. If only there was a show on when we are in town.
  2. Bathe and do massage-y pampery stuff at The Polynesian Spa, that’s their buzz
  3. Eat at Mokoia for a fancy night out (fine dining level). I like the look of this place for using NZ “herbs and spices”, which I’m familiar with already, but it’s a nice spin. Aorangi Peak has a better looking restaurant and scenery, but the menu doesn’t seem as interesting to me, or as good for my post-op tummy.
  4. Rotorua Summer Carnival is on from the 26th of December to the 9th of January. I could munch cotton candy and watch some people get sick on carnival rides.
  5. My only other real food lead is “Eat Streat” which was mentioned in the sole “blog” type piece I’ve been able to find of much use from (Massey Uni’s Massive Magazine). I am considering it credible because she’s from Rotorua and recommended an iced chocolate. Legit.
  6. New Years Eve “GLO party” is on lakeside. A “family designed” event with a load of things I am not the least keen for, but fireworks. A nice coffee lounge or chill lakeside bar from which these two not-so-party-keen people can watch the sparkles would be nice!
  7. An hour on an old boat. On a lake, sounds pretty. Lakeland Queen.
  8. The Thursday night may have to be spent wandering the Rotorua Night Market.
  9. Markets? Oh yes, there are also markets on a Saturday morning.

Do you have any other Rotorua Hot Tips? Give me the insiders’ guide!