New Zealand

Posted on: November 16, 2008 at 10:56AM

Hopefully you can be on your own in Rotorua, for after seeing all the sights in town, hop in your rental and head to Okere Falls. This Scenic Reserve is about 25 Km northeast of the city. Here you can have a peaceful and beautiful walk through the Reserve without the tour crowds! You will see the 7 meter falls where white rafting is available. We saw several rafts come over the falls, but we chose not to do that! There are several other walks available in the reserve along the Kaituna River and the Hinemoa's Steps to some caves, which we did. This is truly off the beaten tracks and you won't see bus loads of "tourists" here. If you wish, drive to the Fletcher Challenge Visitor Information Center , in Rototua, and take a loop walk abound the Red wood Forest. This is within the Whakarewarewa State Forest Park, on the southeastern edge of the city. The Map and Track Shop at 1225 Fenton St. has excellent maps for walks within Rotorua. They are a bit different than the Redwoods here in the U.S., with very soft insides. This was a harder place to find but with a map and asking directions you will find it! Just a tip for Off the Beaten track where we like to go. report a problem