Rediscovering ROTORU

Weekly art director Mirella Monteiro gets creative in the Bay of Plenty

It seemed ages since I had spent meaningful time in Rotorua, so returning with my partner for an overdue break proved a revelation. And it was every bit as restorative as we hoped.

First stop was Secret Spot Hot Tubs, Rotorua's latest soaking sensation and the brainchild of brothers Keith and Eric. Located in a slice of bush paradise in the Waipa Valley, Secret Spot's popularity suggests the siblings' secret is well and truly out. They've set a dozen large cedar tubs beside the Puarenga Stream and each is replenished with fresh water piped from a spring high in the forest. The mineral-rich water is then warmed to muscle-relaxing perfection - an instant cure for two work-weary bods. Affable host Keith highlighted the red button that triggers tubside service whenever you fancy a tipple and he definitely got a workout!

With the late-afternoon sun shining, we headed into town to explore the newly redeveloped lakefront. It's a phenomenal improvement. Playgrounds were in full swing and every second boardwalker cradled an iced drink.

We wandered through iconic Government Gardens via Sulphur Point and circled back to the busy strip of restaurants that is "Eat Streat". Although tempted by several, we made an abrupt turn into Arawa, mounted a white staircase, and were promptly seated at Poco Tapas & Wine, a vibrant eatery and bar. Chefs Jeff and Tuta have devised an exquisite menu that showcases the best in Bay of Plenty produce. We were drawn to smoked kingfish croquettes and mussels with grilled leeks and Pernod. The upbeat waitstaff were right to recommend grilled courgettes and green beans from the Ngongotahā Valley.