More things to do in Rotorua (Rotovegas)

I do like this nickname for Rotorua. Its been around for a few decades since the Maori Showbands, Swing, dancing and all that jazz.

Not a big place for nightlife now. Nature lovers yes. Exotic Maori culture yes.

I had an Auckland couple recently both choose a Romiromi deep tissue massage therapy at Wikitoria Maori Healing.  They were recommended by Okawa Lakeside Bed and Breakfast, a stunning place, rather luxurious and right on Lake Rotoiti. The hostess Faith is one of the locals, a guide at the museum, a fabulous cook and my cousin so highly recommended!

I suggested to the couple to take the back road from Okawa Bay along the edge of Lake Rotorua to Hamurana Springs next to a golf course. A beautiful magical walk along a river through giant Canadian Redwoods to the largest spring in the southern hemisphere, the water source of Lake Rotorua and the Kaituna River! Fourty five minutes easy walk there and back.

That evening the couple went to the Rotorua night markets (Thursday nights only). Easy to find in the middle of our main street Tutanekai (named after our famous ancestor)

I admit to being a fussy foodie. So I will share my favourite stands. A good cheap place to go early evening for dinner on the run! Italian Pastamia-a $5 plate  was delicious (leek and walnut ravioli).
I buy the best Rotorua bread here-Five-grain made by an elderly couple who sell cakes also. You can also get mussell and whitebait fritters, a kaimoana plate with rewana , falafel, organic beef burgers, English pasties, soup, Asian noodles and delicious little Croation doughnuts that keep selling out .

Shop for Rotorua produce-local cheeses and wines from Taupo, The Chilli Co makes a wicked warm chilli relish (in my fridge!), buy local jewelery, clothes, soaps, waxes, oils

and Marty’s organic microgreens – you can buy a garden for your apartment!

There’s also a vegetable stand which is the same as Kuirau Park Saturday market veges where you can buy cheap Asian greens and watercress.

Only occasionally will you find organic veges and there’s no rocket.
Sadly this is not a Farmers Market. 

Still waiting !

The local shops stay open for the Rotorua Night Market . An interesting one is a vintage pre-loved store -Swit-sh with fourties frocks, cowboy boots, shirts from the 50’s and tiger coats.

Rotorua Night Market is an interesting busy place with locals, live music, coffee, food and tourists from everywhere. Wrap up warm and enjoy !

Remember you can now get an authentic Rotorua Maori Massage and Healing (one comes with the other!) in Rotorua Central at Regal Palms Resort Spa and The Millennium Hotel.  Did I mention I could be in two places at once?!

Mauri ora
Wikitoria