Words: Véronique Musumeci
Photos: Paddle Board Rotorua
Véronique Musumeci
Bio
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.
Discovering the wonders of the Rotorua region, New Zealand
Many images come to mind when you think of New Zealand and its two islands in the Pacific Ocean. With its unique nature and wildlife, unspoiled, spectacular landscapes, the Maori culture, the geothermal phenomena and the famous kiwi birds, it’s no wonder there are some exceptional SUP spots to explore! In Maoriland, you can observe dolphins, whales, kiwis, glow worms, seals, penguins, and so much more.
Not only is the wildlife incredible, but the landscapes are truly unique. You may find beaches, volcanos, transparent lakes, lush forests, glaciers, fjords and the rising steam and bubbling mud of the geothermal areas. Volcanic and geothermal forces have been shaping the horizon for thousands of years. You find some popular geothermal areas in Rotorua and Taupō. One of the most popular geothermal zones is on North Island, Rotorua.
Spouting geysers, bubbling mud pools, natural hot springs, boiling lakes, and colourful scenery are just about everywhere in and around Rotorua! Mountains, rivers, native forests, and 18 freshwater lakes characterise the region. For this first Kiwi spot, we’re heading to Lake Okareka, a stone’s throw from Rotorua.
What about paddling surrounded by thousands of tiny creatures lighting up the cave roof above you? This unique and magical experience is possible when you paddle on Lake Okareka, within the Rotorua Lakes District, a 15-minute drive from Rotorua. Lake Okareka is one of Rotorua’s smaller lakes, nestled between scenic hills, native bush and wetland reserves. This excellent SUP spot offers you the opportunity to paddle on a beautiful New Zealand lake and immerse yourself in the beauty of unique small glowing caverns.
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 self-guided 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 world.
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.
