of Guanacaste
Discover the Hidden Gems
Break away from touristy Tamarindo and explore the more wild side of Guanacaste! You’ll find enough practical tips and highlights of the areas of La Fortuna and Playa Grande below to get started planning your own trip. For deeper guidance, links and pricing, full travel plans, and even more local insights, purchase the complete Travel Guide! (coming soon)
COSTA RICA
La Fortuna
Sky Tower
Standing at a total height of 328 meters, Sky Tower is NZ’s tallest structure and an iconic part of Auckland’s skyline. Enjoy calm, breathtaking views from the observation decks, dine with a panoramic backdrop, or take the ultimate leap with a “SkyJump” - a smooth, controlled base-jump-by-wire - from the 192-meter tall platform. Whether you’re after thrills or scenery, Auckland’s Sky Tower delivers an unforgettable high!
Mount Eden
Just minutes from Auckland’s city center, Mount Eden (Maungawhau) offers one of the best panoramic views in the region. This dormant volcanic cone features a stunning grassy crater and walking trails that lead to a 360-degree lookout over the city and harbor. Rich in Māori history and natural beauty, it’s a peaceful escape with a view like nowhere else!
Pro Tip #1: Taking an Uber to and from the CBD is the most convenient option when visiting Mt. Eden as it takes you all the way to the base of the cone (especially nice in rainy weather), but the bus is also a reliable option. It will drop off at the bottom of a paved road that leads up to the base of the cone. The walk up/down is only about 10 minutes each way.
Pro Tip #2: Stop in at the Friend & Whau Cafe during your visit for some delicious lunch, pastries, and coffee/tea! Also learn more about the volcano’s rich history at the adjacent museum.
North Fields Coffee & Chocolate
If you love coffee, chocolate, or both, then you will love the North Fields tour.
River Safari Float
An amazing wildlife experience.
Pro Tip:
There is
Diamante Eco Adventure Park
Diamante is a wild adventure, with activities suitable for the entire family! Ziplining and a wildlife sanctuary.
Pro Tip:
Bring a GoPro and a helmet attachment for the Zipline! You are not allowed to hold anything in your hands while ziplining and the views are too beautiful not to capture.
Mitai Maori Village Culture Experience
Immerse yourself in Rotorua’s living Māori heritage! Over a three-hour evening, this family-owned venue offers a warm welcome ceremony, a thrilling war canoe display on the Wai-o-Whiro stream, and one hell of a cultural performance! You’ll enjoy a hearty traditional buffet, slow-cooked underground and infused with earthy, smoky flavors. Mitai is an amazing opportunity to learn about and experience authentic Māori culture!
Redwoods Tree Walk
Walking high above the forest floor, surrounded by towering redwoods, is a wild perspective you must consider! The Redwoods Treewalk offers a beautiful stroll through the lush Rotorua redwood forest via suspended bridges. During the day, the experience is peaceful and scenic, giving you a closer look at the natural beauty and scale of these majestic trees. At night, the entire forest canopy becomes illuminated by a magical light display! It feels more like walking through a dream than a forest. The glow of the lanterns, the hush of the forest, and the gentle sway of the walkway create a surreal, unforgettable atmosphere that’s hard to describe
Pro Tip: If you only go once, go at night!
Float Plane Experience
You won’t truly see Rotorua unless you view it from the sky - that’s my humble opinion! Fly over its geothermal valleys, crater lakes, and volcanic landscapes in a floatplane that takes off right from Lake Rotorua. The ride feels smooth and the scenery is breathtaking. It’s a splurge, but one of those rare experiences that sticks with you long after you’re back on the ground.
Pro Tip: There is also a helicopter option where you land on the volcano, Mt. Tarawera!
Skyline Rotorua
At Skyline Rotorua, most visitors come for the luge - a gravity-powered ride that winds down the mountainside with sweeping views of Lake Rotorua - but they quickly discover there’s much more to explore. With multiple tracks of varying speed and difficulty, the luge is fun for both first-timers and thrill-seekers. What makes Skyline stand out is how it bundles excitement with scenery: you start with a scenic gondola ride to the top, and from there, you can choose between ziplining, mountain biking, or relaxing with a drink at the Stratosfare Restaurant or Volcanic Hills Winery. The vibe is laid-back, family-friendly, and versatile for just about everyone!
Rotorua Night Market
Every Thursday evening, just off Eat Streat, the Rotorua Night Market brings the heart of the city to life! It’s a lively and laid-back spot where locals and visitors from all over mingle amongst street food, handmade crafts, and live music. You’ll find everything from dumplings and churros to locally made art, jewelry, and clothing. It’s such a wonderful hang out and a great way to get a very real taste of the culture.
Pro Tip:
Check out their Facebook page for announcements about cancellations, updates, and other helpful info about the market.