It is truly magical to get outside after a dark, cold winter and the Rotorua region is a walking paradise where getting close to nature comes with a variety of ''extras'' like lakes, geothermal activity, waterfalls, native bush, towering trees, rare birds and views galore.
The latest New Zealand ecotourism venture in the outdoors is Rotorua Canopy Tours.
The wildernessadventure is within beautiful virgin native forest on an incredible network of walking trails, treetop platforms, six thrilling ziplines (flying foxes) and two spectacular canopy swingbridges up to 22 metres high above the forest floor. Among 500-year-old giant trees, native birds, monster tree ferns and perching plants, the forest is aweinspiring and has evolved in isolation from the rest of the world. If you prefer to have your feet on the ground, you can explore one of the World's premier rainforests - Whirinaki Forest with Foris Eco-Tours.
The Whirinaki Forest has barely changed since dinosaurs roamed under the stunning canopy. The walk in the Whirinaki Forest can also be joined with a fun, gentle grade 2 river rafting trip on the clear waters of the Rangitaiki River, a superb jewel that flows through the forest.
There are many fascinating trails in Rotorua and one of the best to see some action is the walk along the Kaituna River to see Okere Falls where daredevil kayakers and rafters make their way over the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world at 7 metres high. There's also a cave, parts of Rotorua's first power station and a trout pool along the way to explore. Everyone who meanders to Hamurana Springs feels awe afterward from its tranquil beauty. The icy water spring you come across is crystal clear, shot through with stunning turquoise, greens and blues.