http://www.taiaoadventures.com/blog/ The latest Blog feeds from www.taiaoadventures.com en-us Mon, 09 Mar 2026 09:18:14 +1300 Rocketspark http://www.taiaoadventures.com/blog/post/161376/kayaking-tours-in-the-bay-of-plenty-a-complete-guide/ The Bay of Plenty doesn't get enough credit as a kayaking destination. Everyone knows about Abel Tasman or Milford Sound, but this region - stretching from Whakatāne to Tauranga and inland to Rotorua - has some of the best and most varied kayaking in the country.You've got sheltered lakes, coastal paddles, geothermal landscapes, island wildlife, and everything from gentle sunset tours to full-day expeditions. The water's generally calm, the scenery's diverse, and you're not fighting crowds like... Tue, 03 Mar 2026 20:14:54 +1300 http://www.taiaoadventures.com/blog/#post161376 http://www.taiaoadventures.com/blog/post/157445/the-best-glow-worm-spots-in-new-zealands-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... Fri, 05 Dec 2025 13:49:05 +1300 http://www.taiaoadventures.com/blog/#post157445 http://www.taiaoadventures.com/blog/post/157433/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.... Fri, 05 Dec 2025 11:31:13 +1300 http://www.taiaoadventures.com/blog/#post157433 http://www.taiaoadventures.com/blog/post/157432/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.... Fri, 05 Dec 2025 11:13:46 +1300 http://www.taiaoadventures.com/blog/#post157432 http://www.taiaoadventures.com/blog/post/153722/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... Wed, 08 Oct 2025 08:10:21 +1300 http://www.taiaoadventures.com/blog/#post153722 http://www.taiaoadventures.com/blog/post/153721/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... Wed, 08 Oct 2025 07:53:42 +1300 http://www.taiaoadventures.com/blog/#post153721 http://www.taiaoadventures.com/blog/post/153720/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... Wed, 08 Oct 2025 07:25:31 +1300 http://www.taiaoadventures.com/blog/#post153720 http://www.taiaoadventures.com/blog/post/151832/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... Mon, 08 Sep 2025 22:08:08 +1200 http://www.taiaoadventures.com/blog/#post151832 http://www.taiaoadventures.com/blog/post/151830/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... Mon, 08 Sep 2025 18:29:19 +1200 http://www.taiaoadventures.com/blog/#post151830 http://www.taiaoadventures.com/blog/post/151829/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... Mon, 08 Sep 2025 18:13:30 +1200 http://www.taiaoadventures.com/blog/#post151829