The Redwood Forest is one of Rotorua’s jewels of the district. This is a just a magnificent outdoor recreational playground. With over 5600 hectares of forest, most visitors can explore the abundance of walking tracks, or venture out on to the world class mountain bike tracks. There is an abundance of Californian Coast Redwoods that are just mind blowing. A good place to start is Long Mile Road where you have the option of 30 minute, 1 and 2 hr walks which are all colour coded. For more information go to www.redwoods.co.nz

Lake Okareka is only a 10 - 15 minute drive from Rotorua, past the Redwoods and up the hill, and is part of a cluster of four lakes. At the end of Acacia Road is a lovely boardwalk that travels around the edge of the lake where there is an abundance of bird life. The walk follows the lake edge where you then turn around, and head back. A lovely flat walk.

Rainbow Mountain is located 25 minutes' drive from Rotorua heading southwards Taupo, about 25 km. Rainbow Mountain is a geothermal landscape with a unique coloured terrain. There are a number of walking and mountain biking tracks. The walk to the summit will take about an hour and a half depending on fitness level. At the top of the mountain the view is amazing – overlooking lakes, Tarawera, Rerewhakaaitu and Rotomahana to the North, and to the South, Tongariro National Park and Lake Taupo. There are a number of native plants that are unique only to the geothermal environment.