by Justine Southwick

Created on: June 22, 2009

It's a clear day in Rotorua and, driving into town from the northwest, Lake Rotorua glitters as the winter sun hits it. It's good to be home.

Winter brings many such days to Rotorua, and it's a great time to visit. It's cold but, with steam rising from the Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley contrasting sharply against the blue sky, the city has never looked so pretty. The lakes are like glass and frost blankets the surrounding hills, turning the region into a wonderland resembling something out of a fairytale.

Mt Tarawera lends its surrounding area an air of mystery, and it looks more forbidding than ever in winter. Fishing isn't permitted on this lake from June 30-September 30, but there are plenty of other options. Getting to know the local birdlife from a kayak as it slices through the water is a magical experience. Sunrise at Tarawera never fails to move visitors and such a trip makes people feel alive in a way few other things do.

Hot Water Beach, on the eastern side of the lake, is a secluded spot perfect for warming up in after a chilly kayak trip.This mineral pool, surrounded by native bush in the shadow of Mt Tarawera, is one of Rotorua's best-kept secrets. It is only accessible by boat and also boasts a Department of Conservation campsite.

The Rotorua region has 14 lakes and each of them is spectacular in its own way. Rotoiti, to the east of the city, is also great for boating, swimming and so on. Weave in and out of hidden bays on board a luxury catamaran, watching the occasional swan swimming past, its feathers ruffling in the gentle breeze; it's a magical tip. Guests cantake up the offer to play skipper, or just sit back, put their feet up and enjoy the stunning scenery.

The lakes district also has a network of fantastic walking trails: the Eastern Okataina track and Okareka walkway, to name two. Winding through native bush alongside Lake Okataina, roughly 22km northeast of Rotorua, the six-hour return Eastern Okataina track runs between Tauranganui and Humphries Bays. There is a picnic area and basic campsite at Humphries Bay, and plenty of good swimming spots en route.

The Okareka walkway is a 5.5km return walk starting at Acacia Rd and following the lake edge to Okareka Outlet. The walk bypasses farmland, beach, lake and wetland scenery, views and wildlife.

Rotorua has a way of getting under people's skin and no wonder, with all this on offer. Give it a few days here and you'll never want to leave. Thousands don't.

For more information visit www.rotoruaNZ.com

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