Zorb

OGO Rotorua is the largest ball rolling park in the world and is operated by the inventors of this iconic New Zealand experience.

The experience of rolling down a hill inside a giant inflatable ball has been an iconic NZ bucket list adventure experience since Andrew and David Akers invented and developed the first operation in the world back in 1995 on this very site! With FOUR different tracks to choose from, wet or dry ride styles, OGO Rotorua is the perfect opportunity to let your inner child come out to play. Think of it like a giant water slide, 40 litres of (warm) water, slipping and sliding - there is no tumbling involved just full on belly laughs from top to bottom.

Hot Water Beach

Naturally heated mineral water bubbles up from deep within the earth to emerge through golden sand at the appropriately named Hot Water Beach.

Near the rocks at the southern end of the beach you can dig your own spa pool in the sand. Dig up to two hours either side of low tide – that's when the tide is low enough to expose the area of sand with hot water underneath. It's a strange but very pleasant feeling to be lying in a pool of hot water just metres from the refreshing sea.

From the hot water area, the long sandy beach stretches north and curves east under a headland. Here you'll find sheltered and secluded spots for quiet, sleepy sunbathing.

Tongariro Alpine Crossing

This amazing walk encircles Mount Ngauruhoe, an active volcano in Tongariro National Park. You'll see craters, explosion pits, lava flows and more.

The Tongariro Northern Circuit encircles the cone of Mount Ngauruhoe - the most perfectly-shaped volcanic cone within the Tongariro National Park. Although it’s resting at the moment, this mountain is New Zealand's most active volcano with 61 eruptions since 1839. The first day of the circuit follows the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing, which is probably New Zealand’s best-known day hike. So if you don’t have time to do the full circuit, you can opt to do a single day.

Doubtful Sound

Sometimes called the 'Sound of Silence' Doubtful Sound is the deepest (421 metres) and second longest (40 kilometres) of the South Island's fiords. The powerful serenity of the fiord, named Doubtful Harbour by Captain James Cook, who didn't sail into the inlet because it looked a bit tight, contrasts with the nearby Milford Sound.

Doubtful Sound has some splendid waterfalls, particularly during the wetter seasons. In the Hall Arm, the Browne Falls cascades 619 metres; Helena Falls at Deep Cove tumbles 220 metres. Wildlife is another reason to visit this fiord - keep an eye out for bottlenose dolphins, fur seals and penguins.

Glow worms

New Zealand's caves, grottos and native forests form the perfect home for glow worms, a type of insect that glows in the dark.

Glow worms can be found throughout the country, and are often spotted in damp, overgrown places – the banks of lakes, rivers and forest undergrowth are prime places to spot their glowing blue-green lights. Guided night time kayaking, hiking or boating trips are great ways to get to the right places to see them.