Most travellers will already have Rotorua on their North Island itinerary; if you don't, you should add it immediately! This city is the geothermal capital of Aotearoa, New Zealand and is like stepping into another world with bubbling mud pools, steaming geysers, walking trails and natural hot springs. 

It's also a place to immerse yourself in Māori culture. Villages like Te Puia and Whakarewarewa - The Living Village offer incredible cultural experiences and allow you to better understand the history of Aotearoa.

If you love the outdoors, Rotorua has some of the best mountain biking trails in the country, and the hiking tracks through Whakarewarewa Forest, around Lake Tarawera and up Rainbow Mountain - a track I should have done looooong before I did!!!