On the edge of the Otanewainuku Forest, with its giant Rimu trees is a very special place with three walks to choose from. My favourite walk is to the Whataroa waterfall for an invigorating swim, or sometimes up to the Trig for a panoramic view of the Bay of Plenty.
We are a great base for visiting beautiful Tauranga and Mt Maunganui, the geothermal parks in Rotorua, the Hobbiton Movie Set in Matamata and black river rafting and glow worm boating in the Waitomo Caves.
Enjoy a hot pool soak in the Oropi Hot Pools, a hidden oasis set amongst lush gardens just 10 minutes down the road.
Enjoy a wide selection of top restaurants on The Strand in downtown Tauranga, as well as Mt Maunganui.
Must do's:
Mt Maunganui - walk around the base, or up for a great view - free
Otanewainuku Forest - imagine Lord of the Rings forest scenery and swim at the Whataroa waterfall - free
Hamurana Springs - just before Rotorua, a 30 min walk to see the huge uprising of spring water and crystal clear stream with trout - free
Canopy Tours - zip lining in virgin forest, Rotorua (Trip Advisor rated #1 activity)
The Secret Spot - a natural hot pool in the bush at Waiotapu, south of Rotorua
Situated on the doorstep of beautiful Otanewainuku Forest, 25 minutes' drive from downtown Tauranga, guests staying at Rolling Hills Country Stay B&B can wake up in the country and enjoy their rural New Zealand surroundings.
A delicious breakfast is served of fruit salad with homemade toasted muesli and yoghurt, followed by bacon and eggs, toast, croissants and jams, tea and coffee. You can see cows grazing nearby and listen to birds singing or check-out what is growing in the vegetable garden and hot house.
Set separate from the main house, the studio offers its own entrance, an en suite bathroom and a kitchenette with a selection of teas/coffee.
You can walk among the giant Rimu trees in Otanewainuku Forest, walk to the waterfall or up to the Trig for a panoramic view of the Bay of Plenty. There are a range of Rotorua geothermal parks to explore in the surrounding areas as well as restaurants of Tauranga and beaches of Mt Maunganui. Hobbiton, Lord of the Rings movie set in Matamata is a 50-minute drive away.
