UNO Staycation: Rotorua
We wanted a weekend away with our children; an antidote to screen time: adventure, laughing, and fun. And we didn’t want to spend ages travelling. So we took a staycation in Rotorua! The money we saved on travel (just an hour down the road) and accommodation (we didn't need any, we slept at home!), we spent on experiences. It was a decision well made.
There must be something in that Vegas air, everyone working in this booming tourist industry was friendly and knowledgeable, and they all genuinely love their jobs.
We were a fairly big group: Mat, his mum (love you, Susie!) and I, our five children and a young nephew. The children ranged from four up to 13, so adrenaline was the order of the day. And that's what we got!
Saturday am: Up the Skyline Gondola and down the luge. I'm a wimp so doubled up with my daughter and took the slower of the three routes down through the trees.
Saturday lunch: A hearty lunch at the iconic Pig & Whistle refuelled the whole team, ready to go again.
Saturday pm: Agroventures is home to six adrenaline-fuelled rides. Our big children found soaking the youngsters on the Agrojet he most amusing activity!
We drove back home to The Mount, had a huge dinner and fell asleep almost immediately. Up early on Sunday morning and a short drive back to the Rotorua thanks to that brilliant toll road round Te Puke.
Sunday am: This was my favourite: sloshing around in warm water inside an inflatable rolling ball at OGO. Our stomach muscles ached from giggling.
Sunday afternoon: After all that action, the Polynesian Spa was a great choice. We loved the new Priest Spring acidic mineral hot pool overlooking the steamy lake.
A debrief and afternoon tea at the country's café of the year, Capers, rounded off our weekend just perfectly.
#UNOLovesRotorua
The itinerary:
Saturday
Morning: Up the Skyline gondola and down the luge
Lunch: Pig & Whistle
Afternoon: Agroventures
Sunday
Morning: OGO
Lunch: I took a picnic
Afternoon: Polynesian Spa, followed by afternoon tea at Capers