4 Best Sights in Rotorua Environs, East Coast and the Volcanic Zone

Even if you’re not an aficionado of Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies, a delve into this magic, pretend world of the Shire of Middle-earth (aka the Hobbiton movie set) is rather fascinating. Guides will escort you along the paths of the 12-acre set, stopping at little Hobbit houses set into the hillsides. Along the way, they share secrets about how the movies were made and explain incredible, intricate details of the set design. Like the thirsty Hobbits, you’ll enjoy finishing up at the Green Dragon Inn for an exclusively brewed beverage. The standard tour lasts two hours. Meal packages can be added, and transport can be arranged from nearby Matamata and Rotorua. Hobbiton is one of New Zealand's most visited attractions, and reservations are essential for all tours. To think this was once just another New Zealand sheep farm.

Rewind time by spending an evening at Mitai Māori Village, where you can listen to the harmonious chant of traditionally clad warriors as they paddle a waka (war canoe) along the Wai-o-whiro stream, then watch a top-notch cultural show, and enjoy a delicious hāngi feast. Getting the chance to see glowworms on a short, guided bush walk is a bonus.

Take a step into the dark for an up-close and personal view of the kiwi. The hatchery was established in 2008 and has become a leader in breeding and rearing the brown version of the national bird. Kiwi experts are on hand to guide you as you understand the kiwi hatching process and take a peak at newly hatched kiwi chicks in its  state-of-the-art facilities.

When Mt. Tarawera erupted in 1886, destroying Rotomahana's terraces, not all was lost. A volcanic valley emerged from the ashes, extending southwest from Lake Rotomahana. It's consequently one of the world's newest thermal-activity areas, encompassing the boiling water of the massive Inferno Crater Lake, plus steaming cliffs, bubbling springs, and bush-fringed terraces. A path (one- to two hours) runs through the valley down to the lake, where a shuttle bus can get you back to the entrance. You can also cap your trip by taking a cruise on the lake itself. Waimangu is 26 km (16 miles) southeast of Rotorua; to reach it, take Highway 5 south (Taupō direction) and look for the turn after 19 km (12 miles).