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The best glow worm spots in New Zealand’s North Island: a complete guide

Glow worms - Arachnocampa luminosa - are larvae of a fungus gnat found only in Australia and New Zealand. And if you’re travelling Aotearoa’s North Island, you've got more options to find them than you probably realise.Some glow worm sites are polished, well-established attractions with boats and guides. Others are wild, completely free caves where you’ll get muddy and wet. And some sit quietly in forests, gorges, or along lakeshores - places locals know well, but that don’t often make i...

Geothermal parks in Rotorua: which are worth visiting?

Rotorua sits on top of one of the most active geothermal fields in the world, which means there's bubbling mud, steaming vents, and hot springs almost everywhere you look. And I promise it’s unlike anything you’ll have seen before - you simply can’t come to Rotorua and miss it.You've got several geothermal parks to choose from here, each with their own take on the landscape. I've been to all of them multiple times, either on my own or tagging along with friends and family who are visiting....

Rotorua with kids: family-friendly activities and attractions

Geothermal wonders, adrenaline activities, and wide-open green spaces that lend themselves to exploring - Taiao Adventures backs Rotorua as the perfect family-friendly travel destination. Whether you want to keep the kids busy with adventure-packed days, or simply want them to appreciate the wonderful natural world, Rotorua delivers every time.So if you’re putting together a family itinerary, these are the activities that have been favourites for families who visit....

Glow Worm Caves Near Auckland (Trips & Tours)

Most people planning a New Zealand trip want to see glow worms at some point. In te reo Māori, we call them titiwai, and they’re one of our most magical natural wonders.If you're flying into Auckland and spending a few days there, the question becomes: where can you see them without driving halfway across the country? Good news – there are several solid options within a couple hours of the city.I'm based in Rotorua, so I'm a bit further out, but I've done enough research (and had enough con...

A Guide to Exploring Rotorua as a Solo Traveller

There’s something special about travelling on your own. It’s a chance to follow your own schedule, be present, and discover a new place on your own terms. As a guide, I get to meet heaps of solo travellers exploring New Zealand, and I always tell them the same thing - Rotorua is a fantastic place to do it.Rotorua is a safe, friendly city that’s easy to get around, and filled with adventures that are just as amazing (sometimes even more so!) when you experience them by yourself. If you’re...

Beyond the Obvious: 4 Unique Nighttime Experiences in Rotorua

Whether it's Skyline, Secret Spot Hot Tubs, or the Night Market, Rotorua has plenty of world-famous tourist activities, and they're popular for a reason.And sure, no trip here would be complete without them - but there are also plenty of other things that don't appear on Instagram feeds or TripAdvisor lists that are just as worth experiencing.I've lived here most of my life, and since I spend most evenings out on the water doing glow worm tours, I've picked up on what else is happening across to...

Rotorua For Two: The Best Romantic Spots

Rotorua doesn't get talked about much as a romantic destination. It's usually pitched as the adrenaline capital, or the ultimate family holiday spot.But, and I say this as a bit of a hopeless romantic, though I wouldn't admit that to most people - we’ve got plenty of spots and activities that lend themself to really slowing down and being present with someone you love. So if you're planning a trip here with your partner - perhaps for an anniversary, proposal, or just getting away for a few day...

Rotorua, After Dark

Ah, so you’re planning a trip to Rotorua? You've probably got your daytime activities sorted - geysers, mud pools, maybe a cultural performance or the Redwoods walk. All good choices.But Rotorua’s pretty special after dark, too. The geothermal steam looks different at night, the temperature drops, and a completely different set of activities opens up. Some of them you won't find anywhere else in New Zealand.I spend most of my evenings on the water, but I've lived here long enough to know wha...

A Packing List For Your Glow Worm Adventure

The internet's full of packing guides for every possible trip - what to wear hiking, what to bring camping, capsule wardrobes for a European summer. But when it comes to what to bring for a glow worm kayak tour on a Rotorua lake, the advice gets a little harder to find.So I thought I’d put together a simple and honest guide written by someone who heads out onto this lake most nights of the week to run tours, and has heard every version of “I wish I’d dressed warmer” or “I didn’t thin...

A Guide’s Guide to Finding Glow Worms in Rotorua

Most people don't come to Rotorua for the glow worms. They're here for the mud pools, geysers, mountain biking, or the Māori cultural experiences. And rightfully so - this place has some of the most iconic landscapes in the country.But glow worms, hidden in damp caves and native bush, hanging from ferns and cliff faces in their thousands are quieter, far less dramatic … but they often end up being what people remember most from their time here in the Bay of Plenty.Whether you want to find the...