New Zealand is home to some of the world's most interesting creatures, and there are several places in Rotorua where you can get up close and personal with them.
Rainbow Springs Nature Park
See Rainbow, Brown and Tiger Trout cruising the fern-fringed pools at Rainbow Springs - one of the country's favourite tourist attractions. Meet many of New Zealand's native birds and discover the Tuatara - a real dinosaur of the past and a rare sight indeed. Kiwi Encounter at Rainbow Springs invites you to get right up close to New Zealand's endangered national icon, the Kiwi Bird. Kiwi eggs from the wild are incubated, hatched and raised right here at Rainbow Springs before being released back into the wild! By visiting Rainbow Springs you are also helping to protect the Kiwi.
Paradise Valley Springs Wildlife Park
Paradise Valley Springs is a picturesque Trout, Bird and Wildlife sanctuary nestled in lush native bush. There are freshwater springs, and a beautiful stream that teems with fat wild Trout. You can hand-feed most of the animals! Paradise Valley Springs also boasts a pride of wild Lions (make sure you're there for feeding time in the afternoon). You can also pat beautiful Lion cubs at certain times of the year, and have your photo taken with them.