Lake Rotoiti Hot Pools – The Ultimate Winter Day Escape
*Please note that this post is laden with satire. We’ve included the links to the other amazing Rotorua activities that we have trolled below. All photos were taken on our daily water shuttle trip on Wednesday 14th July 2021.
You’d be hard pressed to believe it’s the middle of July as you look around the Lake Rotoiti Hot Pools right now. The sun is shining, everybody is in their togs, and a few kids are jumping off the jetty into the lake with ruthless abandon.
It’s the middle of the school holidays, but you would only recognise that by the fact that there are a few kids hanging about during school hours, mid week. There are a few boats tied onto the jetties, but the lake remains calm and quiet.
Back in Rotorua, the usual holiday attractions are bustling. The bunnies at ‘Minigolf with Rabbits” have been working over time, and have taken to hiding under the picnic benches and in the bamboo while kids scour the premises looking for furry friends to poke and prod.
Up Skyline at the top of the world’s shortest gondola, the bin where they keep the small helmets is almost empty, and if not for the light wind you would probably hear the countless shrieks of delight from as far as Ngongotaha.
At Motion Entertainment you could probably peddle off ear muffs for up to 3x the price you paid for them at Bunnings. However, after your children squandered a quarter of your life savings trying to get enough tickets to win a small-mid sized stuffed animal at timezone, those ear muffs might not be in your budget anymore.
But here on a remote shore of Lake Rotoiti, there is no need to compromise. Adults sit in their ideal temperature pool and watch out over the lake as their kids expend all of their energy. A hesitant first trip down the slide and into the lake is followed by countless bombs of the jetty and a dash back to the hot pools to warm. This cycle is on wash, rinse and repeat from the moment the kids put on their swimsuits.
You can’t tell if the tranquil-yet-smug look on the parents’ faces is from a bit of long overdue pampering, or because they know that their kids will be in bed by 8pm out of exhaustion. We’d like to think it’s a bit of both.
With eight different pools, there is no settling needed. There is a temperature for everyone. All pools have magnificent lake views, and the overhanging native bush provides the ultimate setting for relaxation. Soaking in the warm, mineral laden water, you could easily mistake your location for a tropical island paradise. Even in the middle of winter.
The best part – the Lake Rotoiti Hot Pools are only accessible by water. Unless you own a boat, or you charter one of Volcanic Air float planes, the next best way to get here (and by far the most affordable option) is to join us for a trip on our daily water shuttle. With trips running daily, now is without a doubt the best time to come check out this small slice of paradise.
Mini-golf with rabbits – Self explanatory, and 100% awesome. At night the smoke machines and disco lights get turned on, the 80’s bangers get turned up and some of the more adventurous party bunnies come out to play. Well worth a look with the kids, or go a bit later for the ultimate date night activity and laugh.
Skyline – This is a fantastic day out for all ages. The luge is always a crowd favourite, with small children and infants allowed to ride tandem with adults. The Volcanic Hills tasting room should not be missed, and Rainbow Springs across the car park at the base is home to the world’s largest and most successful kiwi hatchery for conservation.
Motion Entertainment– This is your one stop shop for the kids. Boasting an indoor trampoline park, laser tag, ten pin bowling, mini golf, escape rooms and time zone all under one roof, there’s something for everyone.
Lastly, Volcanic Air. Even we get a bit envious when the float plane turns up at the hot pools. Enough said.