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.
This story is from the March 31, 2023 edition of New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March 31, 2023 edition of New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Nature goals FIND YOUR GREEN SPACE
From stressed to refreshed! Lifestyle medicine practitioner Dr Jenny Brockis shares the simple steps you should adopt to give your wellbeing a boost
Nature & the city KELLY & MARLEY'S WILD PROJECT
The podcaster’s eyes have been opened to a new way of life
TikTok star Paris 'I'M BRINGING OUR KAI TO THE WORLD
After a tough start to motherhood, the foodie tells how she reclaimed her life
Love and the city! WENDYL'S CHANGE OF HEART
After a decade in the country, she’s given up the good life to return home
New TV star Andy 'I THOUGHT BEIN AN ALL BLACK WAS TOUGH!' Кро
It was a big shift channelling his talent into the hit show Moving Houses, but the sporting legend is a natural
Babies and beyond! INES HEALS BRAD'S HEART
The actor is embracing life with his zero-drama’ partner
Spreading the joy SIR ASHLEY'S KINDNESS CLUB
The Kiwi health legend is taking a jab at teaching kids important life skills
Doing it for the mums! LUCY & BROOKE'S SECRET STRENGTH
Our Olympic golden girls reveal how their friendship is even stronger as they take a year offrowing
ANDREW'S HOUSING CRISIS
The prince is standing on shaky ground after the King cuts his cash
Kate's discovery INSIDE HER YEAR OF CHANGE
The princess dealt with curiosity, confusion, conspiracies and cancer, but never lost her spirit