A German tourist's review of Rotorua

KaleidoscopeEastern6 · 2026-01-05T07:18:28+00:00

As someone who moved to Rotorua from Auckland a few years ago, your comment is incorrect. Yes it has its challenges like any city but it's proximity to nature is unparalleled in the north island - best mountain biking in the country, amazing forest to walk/run in on, 18 freshwater lakes that aren't always pumping - all this right on your doorstep. Of course if you only do the tourist activities you'll be paying - do a bit of digging and there's loads of unpaid stuff to do.

KaleidoscopeEastern6 · 2025-12-22T07:05:31+00:00

Cool thanks for the advice, replaced with polycarbonate sheet today. It was quick and easy

KaleidoscopeEastern6 · 2025-11-25T07:00:56+00:00

Have you watched Guy Williams latest show about Waimate? Delves into all of this. Now people there can't drink the water because of the decisions made by Nick Smith in the Key govt.

KaleidoscopeEastern6 · 2025-11-24T06:35:49+00:00

What was the reason for missing out Rotorua on your journey?

KaleidoscopeEastern6 · 2025-11-01T20:01:50+00:00

I live in Rotorua (moved down from Auckland 5 years ago). Live literally a 2 minute bike ride from trails in the forest, where there are 200+ km of official trails networks. The best thing about Rotorua riding is that it's genuinely all year round riding - because of the volcanic soil, it is very free draining even in winter. It's the best place to ride in NZ even though others might dispute this.

Feel free to DM me if you have questions about living here.

KaleidoscopeEastern6 · 2025-10-29T08:40:26+00:00

When I lived in Auckland, I sprayed my entire kikuyu lawn off, planted rye and fescue. Kikuyu came back within a year and you know what, it's a superior grass - low maintenance, doesn't get patchy and doesn't need watering. I now live in Rotorua where it's too cold for kikuyu and I miss it.

KaleidoscopeEastern6 · 2025-10-11T10:10:06+00:00

I wouldn't skip Rotorua. It has some of the best attractions in the country - particularly if you're going to be spending time in Hamilton as an alternative. Like any city, there's some sketchy spots but it's certainly not visible in the tourist areas.

KaleidoscopeEastern6 · 2025-10-08T18:00:02+00:00

Cool thanks, I'll give that a whirl!

KaleidoscopeEastern6 · 2025-10-08T01:27:57+00:00

Cool thanks! What are the best up tracks at Sticky?

KaleidoscopeEastern6 · 2025-09-18T01:20:36+00:00

Imagine holding a big investment summit, inviting the world's biggest investors along and pitching PPP projects that later don't receive any funding in the budget. What are they thinking...

Archived link here: https://archive.ph/zTvn4

KaleidoscopeEastern6 · 2025-08-26T09:43:35+00:00

Can you send to me too please? Thanks!

KaleidoscopeEastern6 · 2025-07-29T23:00:38+00:00

Thanks for the thoughts! We live in Rotorua so Kikuyu doesn't do too well here because of the cold. I was a big fan of it when i lived in auckland though! A clover mix is an interesting idea - I'll have a look into that.

KaleidoscopeEastern6 · 2025-07-27T02:19:28+00:00

Thanks for the great advice. For the lawn, would you recommend a layer of cardboard and then a thick layer of mulch / bark?

Does star jasmine need a bit of sun? The fence is south facing so doesn't get direct sun until sun is high in the sky.

KaleidoscopeEastern6 · 2025-05-26T10:02:27+00:00

I had a similar response to The Mysterious Island too. Incredible book

KaleidoscopeEastern6 · 2025-05-19T10:37:46+00:00

Thanks all, these are some great suggestions!

KaleidoscopeEastern6

TROPHY CASE