What to do and see in Bay of Plenty Region, North Island: The Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day

From June 2020, Bibleworld is open by appointment only. Visit our website to book an appointment - www.bibleworld.org.nz Bibleworld Museum and Discovery Centre is an enjoyable and interactive museum for adults and children to learn about the ancient world in which the Biblical events took place. We have a great range of scale models, ancient artefacts, replicas and hands on activities for all ages.

After more than 130 years away, Mataatua Wharenui - New Zealand's only repatriated and most travelled Maori meeting house - stands once again as the unifying soul of the Ngati Awa (one of the Maori tribes of the Bay of Plenty) New Zealand. Built in 1875, it travelled to Sydney, Melbourne, Victoria & Albert Museum and South Kensington Museum (London), Dunedin and Otago (South Island) before being rebuilt back in its place of origin, Whakatane, in 2011. Your journey at Mataatua (The Face of God) will Ignite the Soul within, as you discover the extraordinary story of the house that has travelled through time. Mataatua is a living and breathing being and our experience provides an opportunity for intimate engagement with the people of Ngati Awa. Be enthralled as the carvings and legends of Ngati Awa are brought to life through world-class digital technology. A spine tingling experience, HIKO; Legends Carved in Light, is the 2011 GOLD Nga Aho award winner from the New Zealand Designers Institute.

Rotorua has a unique wine experience in its tourism repertoire with Volcanic Hills Winery. The winery where we make the wine is at the base of Skyline Rotorua, however you will need to take the Skyline Gondola up to the Volcanic Hills Tasting Room. Currently only open Friday and Saturdays from 12pm to 6pm and Sundays from noon until 5pm. Do arrive at the gondola terminal an hour before closing to ensure you have time to enjoy the Gondola ride and your tasting before we close. Come up and drink the view overlooking Lake Rotorua. Please note we are closed Christmas Day, Good Friday and Easter Sunday each year. We open at 1pm on 25th April each year.

Are you looking for a broad range of antiques near Rotorua? We sell antiques and collectibles - typical New Zealand Antiques, jewellery, paintings, pottery, porcelain, Kiwiana, oriental, retro, scientific instruments, clocks and watches, small furniture, crown lynn, lladro, moorcroft, ivory, jade, coral, bronzes, antique bottles, vintage toys, pounamu, tools, musical instruments, art glass,...

A unique record of the military history of Rhodesia (now called Zimbabwe) from 1890 to 1980. Displays include and Alouette III helicopter, medals, badges, weapons, uniforms, equipment, shop, souvenirs, library and Memorial Garden. Personal service for every visitor. PLEASE NOTE: 1) We are closed on Public Holidays 2)With sufficient notice we will try and accommodate requests to open by appointment outside normal times/days of operation. Please call the mobile phone number above with your request.

Located outside the entrance to the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve, this Institute trains young carvers in the skills of their elders with demonstrations of weaving techniques.

Waikite Valley Thermal Pools provides the opportunity to relax and experience the pure natural geothermal waters from the Te Manaroa Spring. Facilities include The Pukeko in the Ponga Tree Cafe, a splash pool with adjoining toddlers play area, passive bathing pools, private spas, nature trail and separate changing, toilet and shower area for families. Waikite Valley Thermal Pools also offers powered and non powered campground sites.