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Plan the Ultimate Hen or Stag Do in Rotorua

Rotorua, known for its geothermal wonders and rich Māori culture, is also a top destination for unforgettable hen and stag dos. Whether you’re a bride or groom-to-be, or a friend tasked with planning the festivities, a hen or stag do is all about balancing fun, adventure, and relaxation, combined with excellent food and great accommodation. Here’s our guide to the best experiences in Rotorua to make your pre-wedding celebration truly legendary.

 

For the Hens

Book in for the Restorative Journey at Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa, located right on the Lakefront. Allow 2 hours for this experience, moving through saunas, thermal pools, waterfall showers, a mud lounge and steam rooms.

Check out Island View Pottery for a private hand building pottery workshop, learning the craft of slab building, shaping, and decorating techniques. The award-winning tutor offers your group a chance to relax, bond with friends, and tap into your creativity.

Book a private yoga and wellness session at Polynesian Spa. Combined with a thermal pool soak, this makes for the ultimate relaxing afternoon. The spa offers a number of packages catering to different needs and budgets, plus there’s the option of treating the bride to additional massage therapy too.

Kanuka Florist offers private group sessions in their specially designed workroom, hosting a workshop dedicated to making glass terrariums or bouquets of dried flowers.

Juniper, an arts, home and plant store offers workshops on crafting home goods, including polymer clay jewellery and candles. With lunch included, their workshops are a fun and collaborative way of learning a new skill, with the bonus of getting to take home your special creation.

The Volcanic Hills Tasting Room, situated at the top of Skyline Gondola, offers group wine tasting sessions with fun and entertaining hosts. Their location is the perfect spot to sip away and soak up the magnificent views overlooking Rotorua town and lake.

If you’re looking for a top food and drink experience, then head to Poco, Rotorua’s only listed restaurant on Cuisine Magazine’s Top 100. Here you’ll discover cuisine inspired by the tapas culture of Spain, accompanied by a hand-picked wine list. With a menu designed to be shared, Poco makes for the perfect spot to celebrate with a group.

Rotorua offers an abundance of group accommodation options, from Airbnb properties to individual hotel stays, the choice is yours. Here you’ll find numerous Airbnb properties catering to large groups, or if hotels are more your preference, Pullman Hotel is the newest, Regent Hotel is boutique with amazing décor, and Millennium Hotel is perfectly located close to Polynesian Spa and the centre of town.

For the Stags

It wouldn’t be a ZORB blog without featuring our own epic product! Here you can roll your mates down the hill, challenge them to a race or simply sign up the groom for the MEGA track, the highest and most thrilling ride available.

Head to Whakarewarea Forest Park and check in with Mountain Bike Rotorua. Hire bikes and hit the trails, from easy grades to the more experienced. After you’ve pumped the tracks, reward your group with delicious burgers and beers, before soaking in the Secret Spot Hot Tubs. If you’re there on a Saturday, you’ll be treated to live music too.

Off Road NZ is an absolute favourite with all-terrain, action-packed adventures in the stunning volcanic landscape of Makau Plateau. Jump into the driver’s seat for an exhilarating go karting experience, racing grand prix style in individual or team events, whilst hitting up to 100kmph! There is also a self-drive 4WD adventure course or go big on a 4×4 Monster Truck for the ultimate hang on, crazy ride.

Paintball is also located out at Zombieland in the same area as Off Road NZ – but be mindful of paintball bruises if your nuptials are near!

Velocity Valley offers a number of adventure activities including its latest ride, the Vertigo. This ultimate adrenaline rush will see you freefall from over 40m before dropping safely into an over-river net below. This is sure to push any Groom to the limits of their fears, before taking the biggest leap of faith at the altar.

For dinner, head to the Fainting Goat located in the city centre, offering foot long pizzas and a great range of craft beers. Just down the road is the Pig & Whistle Pub, which often plays sport during big games, has a comfortable outdoor fireplace and seating area, and serves up quality food and live music on the weekend.

For places to stay, check out the centrally located Haka Lodge, offering group accommodation with shared lounge, kitchen and dining facilities. The Urban Sleepery is another great option at a friendly price, offering a thermal pool onsite and the ability to dine next door at Black Label BBQ, a low and slow American style restaurant.

Whether your group is looking for adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, it’s clear this stunning destination has something to offer everyone.