Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
aMAZEme
MAP
MAZE
( 07-357 5759;
www.amazeme.co.nz
;
1335 Paradise Valley Rd, Ngongotaha; adult/child/family $16/9/45;
9am-5pm)
This amazing 1.4km maze is constructed from immaculately pruned, head-high
escallonia hedge. Lose yourself (or the kids) in the endless spirals.
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Northeast of Rotorua
Sights & Activities
Hells Gate & Wai Ora Spa
MAP
VOLCANIC AREA, SPA
( 07-345 3151;
www.hellsgate.co.nz
;
SH30, Tikitere; admission adult/child/family $35 /17.50/85, mud bath & spa
$75/35/185, massage per 30/60min $85/130; 8.30am-8.30pm)
Known as Tikitere to the Maori, Hells
Gate is an impressive geothermal reserve 16km northeast of Rotorua on the Whakatane
road (SH30). Tikitere is an abbreviation of
Taku tiki i tere nei
(My youngest daughter has
floated away), remembering the tragedy of a young girl jumping into a thermal pool. The
English name originates from a 1934 visit by George Bernard Shaw. The reserve covers
10 hectares, with a 2.5km walking track to the various attractions, including a hot thermal
waterfall. You can also see a master woodcarver at work, and learn about flax weaving
and other Maori traditions.
Long regarded by Maori as a place of healing, Tikitere also houses the Wai Ora Spa,
where you can get muddy with a variety of treatments. A courtesy shuttle to/from Rotorua
is available.
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Southeast of Rotorua
Sights & Activities
Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest
FOREST
