Into the Woods: Rotorua's Creative Retreats and Eats

Secret Spot has become one of Rotorua’s worst kept secrets, but for good reason. Tucked into the edges of the Whakarewarewa Forest, Secret Spot is a forest bathing retreat where cedar hot tubs brim with pure spring water sourced from the nearby Puarenga Stream. Whether you're soaking sore muscles after a ride or unwinding with craft beer delivered to your tub at the push of a button, it's a serene escape that fuses wild nature with creature comforts. Just steps away, BaseCamp brings safari vibes under a canopy tent, serving up smash burgers, chicken satay roti, and locally brewed beer alongside a roaring bonfire. With live music echoing through the forest each weekend, it’s a laid-back social spot that pairs perfectly with Rotorua’s woody wonderland.

Slightly off the beaten track (just behind the canopy of Rotorua’s towering Redwoods), Eastwood Café is a light-filled sanctuary on the ground floor of Scion’s Research Centre, offering a delightfully warm and earthy charm. The perfect prelude (or wind-down) to the nearby forest, it’s the perfect place to fuel up before walking amongst giants. With its clean-cut lines, wooden beams, and a menu that champions wood-fired pizza (hello, Notorious P.I.G.), Eastwood is where forest vibes meet feel-good food. Expect hearty brunch bowls and top-tier coffee during the day, and frozen cocktails and wood-fired pizza sessions later on. Trust us, it’s a forest-inspired feast worth the detour!

The Redwoods | Whakarewarewa are Rotorua’s natural playground, offering over 5,600 hectares of forest to explore. Whether you're walking the dog, biking, horse riding, or simply soaking in the fresh forest air, this place is built for movement and connection with nature. The forest is best known for its extensive network of mountain biking and walking tracks, winding through towering Californian Coast Redwoods and native undergrowth, never far from local lakes and panoramic views. Trails range from gentle loops to technical rides, making it a versatile base for both casual outings and full-day adventures.

Photo supplied by Tourism New Zealand.

Offering a unique perspective of the forest itself is the Redwoods Treewalk, elevated off the forest floor and providing a birds-eye view of the canopy around. Whether you're planning a daytime stroll or a nighttime wander under twinkling lights, this eco-suspended walkway lets you move gently through the 120-year-old redwoods, surrounded by native flora and the hush of the forest. If you’re after more of a thrill, Redwoods Altitude heads even higher (25 metres up) with guided crossings and ziplines that add a dose of adrenaline to the serenity. It’s a special way to learn about the forest’s history and wildlife while suspended in the treetops.

Perfectly located for those visiting the Whakarewarewa Forest, Kārearea Nest is a secluded cabin retreat blending comfort with the wild beauty of the Bay of Plenty. Just minutes from town but worlds away in atmosphere, it’s surrounded by native bush and overlooks sweeping views of local lakes and mountains. Inside, the cabin is compact and cosy, with a wood burner, a well-equipped kitchen, and an outdoor bath that’s perfect for soaking in the view after a day on the trails. The deck and hammock offer space to unwind while native birds call from the trees and fog drifts across the hills. Better yet, your doggy friends are welcome too.

For anyone heading out for a day of adventuring, Ciabatta Café and Bakery is a solid choice to grab and go. Early mornings see a steady stream of explorers grabbing coffee and a pastry before venturing into the nearby Redwoods or towards one of the many local lakes. The menu leans practical: fresh-baked croissants, filled tarts, and as its name suggests, ciabatta sandwiches that hold up particularly well on the trail, not to mention hitting the spot! While the café itself offers a warm, communal atmosphere with numerous tables and quiet corners, it’s just as welcoming to those passing through with boots on and backpacks loaded. No fuss, just good food that travels well. Perfect for a day spent outside.

Okere Falls Store and Craft Beer Garden is tucked along State Highway 33, where an old petrol station has since been converted into a popular pit-stop. Featuring eco-forward initiatives like Boomerang Cups and a compostable loo, to a menu packed with gluten-free and plant-based options, Okere Falls Store champions a low-impact lifestyle without compromising flavour. Signature dishes like Chilli Scramble and Smoked Fish Toast pair beautifully with their smoothies or organic sodas, and the garden bar out back is a craft beer lover’s dream: expect dozens of Kiwi-brewed options and plenty of space to spread out and relax.

Kanuka is a glamping retreat designed for those who want to immerse themselves in nature without sacrificing comfort. Accessible only by boat (it’s situated on the edge of Lake Tarawera), it’s remote enough to feel like your own private island, yet equipped with everything you need for a restful escape. An ideal setup for adventurers: paddle out in the provided kayaks to explore hidden bays, hike the Tarawera Trail to Hot Water Beach, or simply unwind in the hammock with the lake breeze at your back. The tent is steps from the beach and is tastefully designed: featuring elements of Maori design, beautiful natural materials and traditional flax weaving. For those who prefer to travel light, Kanuka offers generous breakfast and dinner hampers featuring local produce, homemade muesli, fresh bread, and even Kawakawa Beer. The camp kitchen is well-stocked for self-catering too, with everything from a BBQ to eco-friendly detergents. Relaxing couldn’t be made any easier.