On the North Island, the Rotorua region is a fascinating place to explore. This area has so many activities to participate in, it is difficult to know what to do first.

The odor of sulphur lingering in the air is a constant reminder that the area is alive with thermal activity. Thermal springs, mud pools, geysers, and steam vents attract visitors in throngs. People recognized the therapeutic properties of the thermal springs as far back as the 1800. Spas abound and visitors should definitely avail themselves of the healing qualities while they are in town.

Everyone that comes to Rotorua must experience the thermal springs. One of the best places to see the activity is Kuirau Park. This park has walking trails leading to areas of activity. There are mud pools that are scalding hot, steam vents that open with no warning, and crater lakes that are too hot to swim in. Tendrils of steam often shroud the park giving it an ethereal quality.

Starting out as a trout sanctuary, Paradise Valley Springs is a privately owned park that has transformed into a great animal and bird park. Pools of brown and rainbow trout, a pride of lions, deer, ducks, sheep, and a variety of other animals make their presence known. In addition to the untouched native bush, animals, and birds; this little piece of paradise bottles and sells water from its onsite spring. The cold refreshing water is us pure enough to drink straight from the spring and is used in their coffee shop and trout ponds as well as the bottling plant.

While in Rotorau, you simply must explore the Maori culture with a visit to Te Puia. The story telling, Maori village, the Pohutu Geyser, and cultural shows will keep you spellbound. Your guides will enchant you with their warm personalities and their ability to draw you into their world. No trip to New Zealand is complete without some exposure to the native culture since it has such an extensive influence on every aspect of life on these islands.

Whakarewarewa Forest with its stand of magnificent California redwoods is a terrific place to pass the day quietly. Although it is ironic that Americans come here to see the redwoods, the first of these trees were planted in 1901 in an attempt to recreate the forests that existed before the 1886 eruption of Mt. Tarwawera destroyed the forests. Redwoods were deemed to be the most suitable to grow quickly enough in this area. The trees were later dedicated as a memorial to members of the Forest Service that were killed in WW1. Walkways throughout the park allow people to bike, ride horses, and walk through the forest enjoying the scenery and views.

This city has many interesting activities and you won’t regret your visit here. The diversity ensures that there is something for everyone in the family and your visit will be one to remember.

Few activities can compare to being able to swim and interact with affectionate, playful dolphins. There are a few places on New Zealand’s North Island that offer this unique experience. Paihia, Tauranga, and Whakatane are three such places. Each town is a magnet for those seeking the excitement of swimming with wild dolphins and a number of other outdoor activities.

There are a few Department of Conservation licenced tour operators that offer a half-day excursion of dolphin viewing and swimming. These operators have boats built specifically for the purpose of dolphin watching and swimming. You are offered an informative commentary during the tour and you will undoubtedly see other marine life. If you have chosen to swim with the dolphins, you will be carefully advised as to the proper way to interact with these intelligent mammals. Department of Conservation rules apply and there will be times when swimming cannot safely be permitted.

Paihia:

Located at the north end of New Zealand, the pretty town of Paihia sits on the coastline of the breathtaking Bay of Islands. Zane Gray popularized this deep-sea fishing in this area in the 1930s and tourists began arriving for the fishing. Now Paihia is one of the most popular destinations for tourists that want to experience the thrill of deep-sea fishing, surfing, sailing, and swimming with dolphins.

Bay of Islands with its 144 islands and extremely rich marine life offers many activities and the opportunity to see whales, seals, marine birds, and dolphins. There are activities for the whole family to enjoy but the dolphin swims top the list.

Tauranga:

Further south down the coast from Piahia are the coastal settlements of Tauranga city and the town of Whakatane. Just over an hour apart along the coast of Bay of Plenty, Tauranga is the more northerly location and is the destination of choice for many surfers and dolphin swimmers. Surrounded by orchards and vineyards, this picturesque city is close to Lake Taupo and Rotorau. The proximity to these major tourism areas adds to the appeal of the city.

The Bay of Plenty is inhabited by thousands of dolphins so it is unlikely that a dolphin expedition will fail to make contact. Provided the conditions are right, swimming with the dolphins is something that you will be able to experience.

Whakatane:

Considered to be New Zealand’s Sunshine Capital, Whakatane is just 48 km south of New Zealand’s most active volcano, White Island. Aside from the wildly popular swimming with the dolphins tours; activities such as bushwalking, whale watching, chartered fishing cruises, hunting, and scuba diving tours are steadily drawing increasing numbers of tourists.

As with any adventure of this type, the weather conditions are a key factor as to whether the boat can safely go out on the water and there is no guarantee that a sighting will occur. When swimming with any wild creature, there is there is an inherent risk of injury. Wild creatures are unpredictable although careful instruction is given to swimmers in order to keep them as safe as possible. If you are an adventurous soul, prepare to get the ultimate thrill and have a very personal experience with wild dolphins.

Always make sure that the tour offering swimming with the dolphins is licenced and ask if equipment such as snorkels and wetsuits are included. Check to see what age restrictions may be in place so that you are not disappointed upon arrival because a member of your party is too young. Ask whether swim bars are available for the less proficient swimmers.

Once you have done your research and booked your tour, prepare to experience one of the most memorable times to occur in your life.