DOWNTOWN ROTORUA
Since Treetops is so close to downtown Rotorua, it would be silly not to at least check it out. I know it's smelly (from the geothermal activity) and cheesy (there is one motel after another, interspersed with American chains like Burger King, Sizzler and Blockbuster). But there are a few worthwhile places to visit. The Rotorua Government Gardens includes a beautiful Victorian building that houses the Rotorua Museum. The 50-plus acre property features the Blue Baths, lawn bowling, even golf. Rotorua is also the place to learn about native Maori culture (here's a helpful link). I didn't go to a Maori show because Didi (the horse whisperer from Treetops) took me to a wharenui (Maori "meeting house"). There I learned all about traditions like the one in which women (not men) have to take their shoes off before entering the wharenui and "the share of hongi" (pressing noses to signify exchange of "the breath of life").

HOKEY POKEY
Before leaving downtown Rotorua, stop by Lady Jane's Ice Cream Parlour to try the "Hokey Pokey ice cream." It's the second most popular flavor (after vanilla) in New Zealand. Made with vanilla ice cream and bits of crunchy toffee, it's so good it might make you "put your right hand in�".

MANUKA HONEY
If you want to bring a great yet inexpensive gift home, stop by a Pak N' Save (grocery store) for some manuka honey. It has exceptional antibacterial and healing powers, and is used to successfully treat many ailments, including ulcers and sore throats. It costs $15.50 NZD ($10 USD) -- just one-third of what you'd pay at the airport. Pak N' Save.

KIWI ENCOUNTER
Those interested in seeing a real life kiwi (New Zealand's national symbol, a flightless bird on the brink of extinction) should hop on over to Kiwi Encounter for a 45-minute guided tour. You'll pass by a working hatchery and nursery. Go to the nocturnal area to see these eccentric birds come out and look for food, and view a "Kiwi Culture Exhibit." Tours depart every hour, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Admission prices: adult $26.50 NZD ($17 USD), children 5 to 15 years $16.50 NZD ($11 USD), children under 4 free. Family pack (2 adults, 2 children): $79 NZD ($50 USD). Kiwi Encounter, Fairy Springs Rd, Rotorua, New Zealand; tel.: 64-7-350-0440. For more click HERE.