Accommodation

Blue Lake Top 10 Holiday Park

We loved this spot! The safari tent was the perfect setup for families – there was a comfy bunk bed that Florence claimed as her own little fort, and they even had a cot set up for George, which was such a relief not having to pack our own.

The facilities were top notch. There’s a hot tub for soaking in at the end of the day, a playground, bikes you can hire, and even a trampoline that Florence bounced on every morning before breakfast. The lake is just a short walk away, and it’s a beautiful one – perfect for little legs to wander around or for parents needing a reset with a view.

We mainly cooked at the campsite to keep things simple and affordable, and the communal kitchen made it really easy. If you’re travelling with kids, this place really ticks all the boxes.

Must See

Hell’s Gate

We weren’t sure how Hell’s Gate would go with little ones, but honestly – epic! The mud bath and sulphur spa pools were a massive hit with Florence. The walk through the geothermal landscape was otherworldly, and surprisingly manageable with a pram and a toddler in tow. It’s such a cool way to introduce kids to geothermal wonders without it feeling like a lesson.

Tip: Go earlier in the day when it’s cooler and less busy, and pack an old swimsuit for the mud bath – the sulphur smell does linger.

The Redwoods

The Redwood Forest is a Rotorua classic and it didn’t disappoint. While we skipped the tree walk this time (toddler tantrum narrowly avoided), we did one of the easier family-friendly trails and the towering trees still made it feel like magic.

There’s heaps of space for kids to run and explore – and let’s be honest, running off all that campsite energy is key to surviving travel with littlies.