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Glow worms , or Arachnocampa Luminosa in Latin , are insects that glow in the dark . Fireflies can be found all over the country and are often seen in grassy , damp areas . The best places to find them are lakes , river banks , and forest undergrowth .
To make the best of this experience , soak in the evening light and explore the shoreline of Lake Okareka just before sunset – the perfect moment to enjoy the colours of the sky . When night falls , and it gets dark , it ’ s time to discover the small hidden caves home to galaxies of tiny living lights illuminating the cave roof overhead like a star-studded sky . A fairy tale atmosphere ! Relax and enjoy magical moments in the small secret caves before returning to your route in the dark . On a clear night , the magic continues until the stars appear and the cloudy Milky Way fills the sky .
READY FOR ANOTHER EPIC EXPERIENCE , WHICH IS ALSO A SHORT DRIVE FROM ROTORUA ?
Now , head up to the Waimangu Volcanic Rift Valley and , more precisely , to Lake Rotomahana . This spot is exclusively accessible via Paddle Board Rotorua through a partnership with Waimangu Volcanic Valley . To discover this unique location you have to combine walking and kayaking . A little more than four hours of time is needed at the location if you opt for a selfguided walk of which 90 minutes is on the water to discover the site from the kayak . The company doesn ’ t organize SUP trips at the steaming cliffs but only kayaks tours as the weather restricts accessibility and would be too dangerous for anyone without SUP experience . There is also a possibility to take a bus , saving one hour to reach the lake . The Waimangu Volcanic Rift Valley is the world ’ s youngest geothermal system . In this valley , you encounter spectacular volcanic craters , enormous hot water springs , beautiful geothermal features , rare and unusual plant life , and a wide array of birds .
Exploring this spot gives you the rare opportunity to explore the Rotorua Geyser Park on foot and be surrounded by geothermal features from your kayak . An interesting and rare fact , is this natural environment has been unaltered by man since its creation in 1886 .
ROTORUA ’ S GEOTHERMAL MARVELS
When arriving on Lake Rotomahana and accessing the water , you are at a short distance from the steaming cliffs and the colourful landscapes . It almost feels like being in a Jurassic-type world ! You are here immersed in the heart of Rotorua ’ s geothermal marvels , watching the steam rise from the steamy rocks . Mount Tarawera is watching over you , whilst beneath you , the Pink and White terraces buried in the 19th century . This tour is limited to eight people , so you can enjoy this unique place ’ s magic .
Another 15-minute drive from Rotorua , you can also explore Lake Tarawera ’ s wonders . This lake ’ s picturesque setting also offers stunning views of Mount Tarawera . The history of this mountain is fascinating . Long ago , the area was home to several Maori villages and missionary settlements . It was also the birthplace of tourism in New Zealand . People used to travel to Mount Tarawera to admire the Pink and White Terraces . Made from silica deposit formations , these geothermal lakes were named the eighth natural wonder of the w orld .
Unfortunately , the volcano erupted in 1886 , destroying the villages and the surrounding land and killing many inhabitants . During the eruption , the famous Pink and White terraces were buried . Today , the tradition of guiding in the valley subsists . Stories of yesteryear are still told to visitors , who imagine the Pink and White Terraces and surroundings before the eruption . Paddling along the natural hot springs along the lake ’ s edge immerses you in its history .
I hope these few lines on the wonders of the Rotorua region have inspired you and allowed you to escape for a few moments .
If you ’ re lucky enough to get there and would like to explore these spots by SUP or kayak , please don ’ t hesitate to contact Paddle Board Rotorua . They are specialists in the region and will happily show you all the hidden nooks and crannies . For the more adventurous among you , the spots presented in this article are also open to the public and can be visited independently .
VÉRONIQUE MUSUMECI
Véronique , aka SupandSee , was born with a backpack on her shoulders , a camera around her neck and a compass in her pocket . Passionate about travel and discovery , having explored over 118 countries to date , it ' s in the great outdoors that she feels most at home . Since 2018 , SUP is her sport of choice and in her various books and articles she shows you the world from a different angle .
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