Those short on time - or wanting the ultimate views of White Island from above - can instead opt for a stunning yet more expensive scenic flight that provides an aerial aspect on the island's unique structure. Your choice of operators and flight itinerary will ultimately depend on your departure point and preferred tour; those looking to fly directly to White Island from Rotorua can join operator Volcanic Air on a scenic flight that departs from Rotorua's Lakefront, lasting between 2. Alternatively, those looking to self-drive to Whakatane and then fly out to White Island for a birds eye-only view can opt for a tour with White Island Flights, who provide briefer and more budget-conscious 1-hour flights above the island before returning to Whakatane.
Whakatane itself is a pleasant town renowned for both its excellent, sunny weather and being home to one of New Zealand's greatest beaches: Ohope , which sits just a minute drive outside town.
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It's gorgeous, clean, and offered sheltered swimming conditions, and offers views all the way out to White Island on clear days. Elsewhere, visitors to Whakatane can stroll upon the seaside Warren Cole Walkway, take a dolphin or seal tour to see aquatic life, or get an in-depth dose of history at the Whakatane Museum before heading back to Rotorua. Long one of the most recognisable scenes among New Zealand's many unique natural phenomena, the glittering and glowing spectacle of Waitomo's "Glowworm Grotto" looks akin to something out of a fairytale.
Having served as a tourist attraction dating all the way back to the late 's when it became open to travellers, the caves and their thousands of tiny residents have enthralled countless visitors who have glided silently underneath them. Waitomo's cave network is the main reason the little township of Waitomo exists at all, and its range of natural stalactite and stalagmite formations are worth exploring in their own right - with the glowworms the icing on the proverbial cake.
Even if you have visited other cave systems elsewhere in the world, Waitomo's natural light show makes it a must-do experience that's within manageable distance from Rotorua. Getting there: Waitomo Caves lie around 2 hours' drive from Rotorua proper, travelling along a state highway before splitting off along regional roads, with a route that is quite manageable for self-drivers and relatively easy to access. The Caves' high level of popularity has also resulted in the creation of guided tours with transfers to and from Rotorua with companies such as GreatSights , conducted on board luxury coaches that offer some informative commentary on highlights along the way.
Once at Waitomo, guided tours of the caves are offered on an every-half-hour basis, every day of the week; as a result, you'll likely be able to get a spot when ensuring making a booking sufficiently in advance. The tour of the caves is conducted in two separate "segments" - a guided overview of the caves themselves with a Maori guide, followed by a serene boat trip on the underground lake that passes under the Glow Worm Grotto to cap things off.
The tour itself takes around 45 minutes in total, after which self-drivers can take extra time to explore the area's highlights, or those on an itinerary will be returned to Rotorua. If you're making the return trip to Waitomo, given that the actual glow worm portion of the trip only takes around 1 hour, you're looking at a 4-hour return journey in return for the time investment. Possibilities to maximise your time while in the region include making the 30km drive to the gorgeous, cascading Marokopa Falls ; doing the short Mangapohue Natural Bridge walk 25km from town; or exploring further cave networks at Piripiri , depending on how full a day you're willing to devote.
The Ruakuri can also be done as a "dry cave" experience that is entirely wheelchair-accessible, too, making for a great all-around tour to augment a trip to the region. The Lord of the Rings and Hobbit series of films have gone a long way to putting New Zealand more prominently on the international map in recent years, and the greatest standing bastion of the movies for travellers to experience is the Hobbiton Movie Set at Matamata.
It's an impeccably crafted emulation of a fantasy world that shows remarkable attention to detail, and as a result, Hobbiton is an attraction that Lord of the Rings fanatics will fawn over, while non-fans can still appreciate due to its atmosphere and sheer skill. The set is dotted with Hobbit holes engraved into the rolling New Zealand hillside that is set up to look exactly like their furry-footed residents have only just left; knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides take visitors on the set to visit each and explain both their mechanics and involvement. It's an insight into both the movie-making and regional history that couples with the whimsical atmosphere of the place to make for an enjoyable all-around experience - one that's capped off with a complimentary mug of ale in the Green Dragon Inn.
Getting there: Matamata and the set itself are just under a one-hour drive from Rotorua; those planning to visit can either self-drive to Matamata and then pay for a set tour, or book one of two daily tours with transfers with Hobbiton Movie Set Tours that depart in the morning am or afternoon pm , respectively. These group tours will see you joining a group of fellow interested visitors accompanied by a guide that takes you on a short bus and then on to view individual highlights around the village.
Participants have ample time throughout to pause and pose for photos as well as admire the view; expect to spend around 2 hours in total exploring the highlights of Hobbiton itself. While the Hobbit holes are only viewed externally, the Green Dragon Inn makes for a wonderfully-detailed and atmospheric space in which to enjoy a drink at the conclusion of the tours.
Private tours with smaller groups are also available for booking, albeit at a more expensive price. Matamata itself is small and set up to cater to all-things-Hobbiton; as a result, the movie set is the singular aim of most visitors to the area. Those looking to spend some additional time here can peruse the medieval style Firth Tower Museum , play a round of golf at one of its golf clubs, or take a stroll down one of a handful of local walking tracks to admire some local nature before returning to Rotorua.
Standout multi-day destinations that provide extended potential for fun and experiences near Rotorua include:. Sunny, scenic and downright picturesque, the Coromandel Peninsula on the north-eastern face of the North Island strikes one of the country's balances between green and gold environments. It's home to some of New Zealand's best beaches dotted throughout its roughly km-long coast - from popular tourist spots to more secluded offerings complete with stunning rock formations - and its seasonally warm environment allows visitors to enjoy their golden sands nearly all year round.
The region also has a lush inland area that's blanketed by native rainforest for those who enjoy a ride or a hike, while it also offers a handful of quality family-oriented attractions and activities to keep those travelling with little ones occupied, as well. As a result, it's an ideal getaway destination within reasonable distance for those in search of some sunshine, water activities and general coastal relaxation that can be experienced over 2 or 3 days. Getting there: Getting from Rotorua to The Coromandel will likely depend on which "part" of the peninsula you're most looking to explore, with its eastern side all about the beaches and aquatic experiences, while its western portion is more oriented around greenery and cultural highlights.
As a result, it's possible to have two very different itineraries, particularly if you should only have two or three days before returning to Rotorua or heading further onwards. Regardless, expect to spend between 3 and 3. To fill out a multi-day itinerary in The Coromandel is an easy proposition, with numerous natural highlights and activities in which to participate, including:. For a full range of additional tours and activities in The Coromandel and surrounds, check out our experiences catalogue at the link below.
The area derives its name from the glorious Lake Taupo — a massive body of water that is roughly the size of Singapore. The region also has something of a reputation for adrenaline-oriented experiences, with the likes of skydiving and bungy jumping also immensely popular for those in search of a rush. Getting there: One of the shorter trip destinations from Rotorua in terms of distance, all it takes is roughly an hour drive to reach Taupo - however it's a drive you'll likely want to extend, as it contains several noteworthy potential stops and highlights along the way.
This route between the two cities is renowned for its geothermal attractions, with several of these popular "geothermal parks" offering some of the country's finest examples of accessible bubbling and steaming activity for travellers. The bright and powerful waters of Huka Falls and its associated lookout are also a must-visit along this route, with its vivid blue colour and well thought out lookout points offering one of the unique panoramas New Zealand has to offer.
Explore a range of career opportunities at the Employment Connections day on Tuesday 22 September. Suitable for Year 12 and 13 students. Help with CVs will be available in Week 8. Game 1. St Johns Hastings Score: loss. The Boys … More hung in there with a really tough loss. Kevin and Kemp held their position well creating some good play across the pitch. Game 2.
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St Johns Hamilton Score: loss. However Corbin and Byron played a beautiful defensive game, which kept the boys in the game. Game 3. Horowhenua Score: Draw With a real dominant first and second half the boys played really well, creating good shape and many opportunities. Reef goal keep nearly scored from our goal, with an unlucky miss hitting the cross bar.
Game 4. Francis Douglas Score: loss The boys had a really good second half, going out there with some desire to win. A few close misses, Callum had a free kick just outside the box, unfortunately again hitting the cross bar. Overall the boys are in good spirits, the FOOD is amazing!!! You set the frequency at the start of the month, to a level which is achievable and realistic. This could be:. Our school will be closing early today, Tuesday the 1st of September at 1. If you would like to book a last minute appointment for this afternoons Parent Teach Meetings between 2pm Buses will be running as normal at 3pm.
If you would like to book a last minute appointment, between 2pm Final results.
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Nail biting game, they ended in a tie and had to play another end. They played amazingly. Some of the action was televised on Sky sport next. Great game at home. Top of the table clash. Enrolments for are open which you have the option of completing your enrolment online or via a hard copy enrolment form which can be obtained from the Whakatane High School office.
Once you have completed your application for enrolment please visit www. We welcome your inquiries at admin whakatanehigh. Check out our video and see what some of our current students have to say about their high school experience.
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To prove or disprove that people are concerned about Coastal Erosion. If your child has action items, from … More Student Mentoring, that require a Meet The Teacher follow-up appointment, please phone the school office on to make a booking. There is emerging international evidence that the use of masks and face coverings can reduce the risk of infected people spreading COVID Masks and face coverings can be particularly useful if there is a risk of undetected community transmission and people are in close proximity to each other, … More or are unable to physically distance.
Face coverings will be required on public transport buses, trains and commuter ferries from School transport is not included in this requirement.
We know who is on school transport and have good systems in place to identify potential close contacts, should there be a case. Children… More. School Trustee Nominations are now open. Students can nominate a school rep by using the nomination forms at the Student Office, and posting in the voting box.
You will have fun, learn new skills and gain real life experience. Check out what some of our current student trustees have to say about their experiences of being on their school's Board and how it is helping them towards their goals for the future. Bailey Irwin was the runner up. We have a couple of job vacancies listed on our website, for a Term 1 start.