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In a city awash with world-class hiking and biking trails, plus geothermal spectacles, it doesn’t take long to work up an appetite amid the sizzle of Rotorua. There are dining temptations aplenty, but here’s some tried-and-true belly-pleasers that I’d strongly suggest you reserve some stomach room for. 

At the southern end of Eat Streat, the Pig and Whistle Historic Pub, which was formerly the city’s police station remains a firm favourite. I ventured there for lunch, which happened to coincide with the NFL Super Bowl, beaming live on the big screen TVs. It was stunning to see so many American diners proudly stand and clasp their chests as the US Anthem rang out. Many devotees passionately claim the Pig and Whistle serves up New Zealand’s best pigtail fries. I pleasingly put that to the test, accompanied with some scrumptious chicken tacos. Bonus points for their Kiwiana cocktails like the Kiwi Bach. Hello, holiday in a glass.  

Pig & Whistle Pub exterior. Photo / Mike Yardley 

I had the pleasure of savouring the culinary excellence and homely hospitality of Ani’s Gin Bar & Tapas, for the first time. This Amohau Street venue is a charmer – a Māori-owned eatery that exclusively showcases New Zealand-based produce and beverages. Lorisse Vincent-Amor founded the restaurant in honour of her late mother, Annette. The contemporary Aotearoa cuisine is inspired by a touch of nostalgia, with nods to the kai of her childhood, blended with the culinary flair she has cultivated over decades as a chef.  

The flavourful tapas-based menu is all-embracing, whether you’re wishing to snack or feast. My picks include Cream Paua and Pancetta Raviolo; and the Smoked Kahawai Croquettes served with wakame seaweed and house-made tartare sauce.  Set aside room for dessert and sink into Ani’s Caramello Mousse, topped with fresh berries and chantilly cream. The cocktail menu is a celebratory hymn to New Zealand craft distillers. Whistle up a Passionfruit Gin Mojito. Ani’s is a masterclass in manaakitanga and lovingly-crafted kai.  

Tapas and drinks at Ani's Gin Bar & Tapas. Photo / Mike Yardley 

No matter the time of day, a central city mainstay is Capers Café & Store. Sitting pretty in flower-draped Eruera St, the salivating all-day menu bursts into life at 7am, whether you’re after a full cooked breakfast, smashed avocado bagels or grazing on their gourmet salads. Lunch? The pork belly bao buns and fish tacos are hot-sellers, while the store shelves at Capers are also loaded with gourmet take-home goodies. It’s playful dining-hall atmos and perky staff make this is a winning venue. 

Ever since Rotorua stamped its mark as the heartland of Māori tourism, a cultural dinner and performance experience has been a staple on the tourist check-list. Raising the bar is Rotorua's Te Pā Tū, which occupies the woodland Pa site, formerly known as the Tamaki Māori Village. Without question, Te Pā Tū is the most absorbing and authentic Māori cultural performance & feasting experience I have ever encountered. Spanning four hours of celebration and kai, this artfully presented and immersive cultural experience may well be the highlight of your holiday. The local, seasonal kai is plentiful and delicious, from the canapes on arrival to the sumptuous three-course dinner. Kai horotai (appetisers) include pork and apple wrapped in kawakawa leaves, abalone, pickled pikopiko (native fern frond), smoked salmon, ceviche, and cold kawakawa tea. Within the forest-formed amphitheatre, story-telling is theatrically shared through haka, music, and drama, before lanterns light the way to the three-course outdoor feast. Hāngi is the hero, alongside lesser known Māori delicacies, prepared fusion style, like watercress chimichurri, taro grain and even kumara ice-cream! It’s a lavish evening of cultural and culinary excellence. 

Te Pā Tū dining. Photo / Rotorua NZ

Where to stay? My Rotorua basecamp was the Sudima Lake Rotorua, which has all the facilities and features you’d expect from a Qualmark 4-star hotel, including a geothermally-heated pool and kid zone, plus a particularly lavish buffet breakfast. It’s the lakefront location that really impressed me, just east of the Polynesian Spa, so it’s in a quiet lakefront enclave, but still just five minutes’ walk away from the CBD. It’s the best of both worlds. Right across the road, the milky and steamy expanse of Sulphur Bay. I would welcome the new day by stepping out on the boardwalk, following the trail around the lakeshore, where you’ll notice how starkly milky the water becomes.  

This unique ecological zone is where plant and bird life has adapted to the harsh sulphur-laden environment. Because of this, there is little food for birds so they leave the area each day to feed, before returning to roost and nest around the bay. Sometimes the acidic water dissolves the webs between birds’ toes! Back in the welcoming embrace of the hotel, the Sudima staff are so outgoing, cheerfully greeting you and always willing to help you with every whim.  Well-appointed with a home-away-from-home vibe and ample off-street parking, guest accommodations come in a variety of configurations, whether you’re travelling alone, as a couple or bringing the whole family – all with ensuites. 

Joggers at Sulphur Bay. Photo / RotoruaNZ

My spacious Deluxe Suite was luxuriously furnished and generously equipped with a cloud-comfortable bed, separate lounge and dining area, work desk, individually controlled air conditioning & heating, tea and coffee-making facilities, TV, free WiFi and fridge. Set yourself up for the day with Ōkāreka Restaurant’s excellent breakfast buffet from 6am. A delectable all-day menu is available from 10am, ahead of the nightly dinner service. Ōkāreka is also a great spot to kick back and drink in the view, with a convivial bar. As the sun sets over Lake Rotorua and Sulphur Bay, it would be rude not to raise your glass!  If you’re looking for a stylish, comfortable, good-value hotel stay and a peaceful night’s sleep, Sudima Lake Rotorua handsomely delivers.   

From geothermal wonders, hot pools and Māori culture to world-beating mountain biking, historic draws and creative dining, Rotorua is power-packed with memorable adventures. For more trip inspiration and destination insights, jump to  

I rocked my way around wonderful Rotorua in a trusty hybrid Ford Puma, courtesy of Ezi Car Rental. I thoroughly enjoyed the Ezi experience, where excellent vehicles, super sharp prices and fast & friendly service are all part of the package. Ezi Car Rental operates an extensive network from 24 locations across the country. They’re everywhere you want to be with vehicles to suit your specific needs. Head to   

Mike Yardley is ��һ�ǿ�����talk ZB’s resident traveller and can be heard every week on Jack Tame Saturday Mornings.