Crankworx Combo alert! Visit SO Bar on Rotorua’s Eat Street during Crankworx to receive a Beef & Blue Cheese burger with fries for only $15
Show bar staff this blog page on your phone to redeem combo. Dine in and enjoy drink specials & live music.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Coming to New Zealand for Crankworx Rotorua 2017? Consider this high energy Rotorua Crankworx Itinerary featuring crazy thrills, soaring geysers, bubbling mud pools, flowing MTB trails and an epic day walk.
March 24
Kick off your Crankworks Itinerary by exploring the Waitomo Caves
Heading south from Auckland to Rotorua, stop at Waitomo Caves for a journey into the underworld. The subterranean splendour of Waitomo features ancient limestone cave systems with stalactites, stalagmites and glow-worms. You can take a guided walk or boat tour into the caves. Or challenge yourself with some extreme caving adventures, including abseiling, zip-lining and black water rafting (floating through the caves on tyre inner tubes!).
Rotorua lies two hours east of Waitomo.
March 25
Sitting squarely on the Pacific Ring of Fire, Rotorua features evidence of volcanic activity everywhere you look. Spend the morning exploring one of the many geothermal parks (Te Puia, Hell’s Gate, Wai-o-Tapu or Waimangu). You’ll see stunning geothermal activity, including spouting geysers, bubbling mud and sinter terraces.
Getting up close to geothermal activity in Rotorua
Then head to Whakarewarewa Forest (five minutes drive from Rotorua central) to catch some Crankworx Rotorua action with the Enduro Challenge on today.
Spend the evening at Tamaki Maori Village, enjoying their Evening Experience (last tour at 7.30pm). It is a great way to discover the unique culture of New Zealand’s Maori people, eat traditional hangi food and even learn the haka.
March 26
Rotorua is renowned for its weird and wonderful adventure activities. Ogo being one – rolling downhill in giant plastic balls, with or without soapy water, is more fun than you can imagine. When you’ve had your fill, head back to Whakarewarewa Forest where professionals and amateurs continue showing off their skills on day two of the Enduro Challenge at Crankworx Rotorua.
In the evening, unwind with a mud bath and soak in a natural mineral hot pool at Polynesian Spa.
March 27
Would you like to walk on an active volcano? That’s what today is about; getting on a boat and cruising 49km offshore to explore New Zealand’s only marine volcano – White Island. Get up close to steaming vents and volcanic streams. The vivid hues of yellow and orange from the abundant sulphur make it a photographer’s dream.
This is a full day trip with transfers available from Rotorua.
March 28
Another gap in the Crankworx Rotorua schedule gives you the opportunity for yet another thrilling day – literally!
You’ll learn about the mountain’s myths and legends from your local guide as you hike
The day begins early with the guided Mount Tarawera Crater Walk. Revered by the Maori, the mountain is infamous for its eruption in 1886, creating the world’s youngest geothermal valley (Waimangu) and destroying the legendary Pink and White Terraces. Plus the views from the top are pretty amazing.
Next up, raft the Kaituna river, featuring 14 rapids and three waterfalls (Including the 7-metre Tutea Falls – the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall!), to round off an epic day of adventures.
March 29
The adventure continues, only this time you’ll be 22 metres high in the canopy of Rotorua’s ancient native forest. 6 ziplines, swingbridges and treetop platforms – you’ll love Rotorua Canopy Tours.
After this three-hour tour make your way to the Skyline Rotorua for Crankworx Rotorua Air DX (2pm to 4.30pm). While here try the luge (something like go-carting, except you will be going downhill on a zig-zag path) or the SkySwing.
March 30
Get some riding action yourself on the trails of the much-loved Redwoods (Whakarewarewa Forest) before heading back to Skyline to see the pros in action. The Mons Royal Dual Speed & Style (5pm to 7pm) is the main event for the day along with training for Rotorua Slopestyle in Memory of McGazza.
March 31-April 2
The last three days of Crankworx Rotorua are packed with events you shouldn’t miss. However, if you can fit it in, a dip in Kerosene Creek, a natural hot spring amidst thick bush is a free and popular activity to enjoy before you leave Rotorua.
There you have it – the ultimate Rotorua Crankworx itinerary!
