This region is centred on the geothermal resort city of
Rotorua.
Rotorua is one of the original tourist destinations in New Zealand - it has been welcoming visitors for more than 200 years. From the moment people arrive in Rotorua they
know they're somewhere quite different. There is a scent of sulphur in the air. At nearby geothermal hotspots, there are spouting geysers, boiling mud pools and warm geothermal
springs. Silica terraces are naturally decorated with a kaleidoscope of colours.
Rotorua is the heartland of New Zealand Maori culture, and visitors have the opportunity to experience the warm spirit of Te Maori. Although most of the Maori population
live in the urban areas, there are about 35 marae (meeting grounds) in the Rotorua district. You may be lucky to enough to stay as a guest on a marae - an unforgettable experience.
Or you could catch a Maori cultural performance, where stories are relayed through beautiful song and dance. You can also indulge in a traditional hangi feast - the food is
cooked below the ground in earthen ovens.
The Rotorua region is also one of New Zealand’s prime trout fishing spots - you’re practically guaranteed a catch, especially if a local professional guide is
hired. Many of the volcanic crater lakes are home to a plentiful stock of trophy-sized rainbow trout.
Rotorua is fast becoming known as Nature's Spa of the South Pacific. After a hard day's sightseeing or strenuous activity, visitors can relax with a soak in the healing waters
of the geothermal hot springs, or totally unwind by choosing from a selection of therapeutic spa and massage therapies.
Rotorua Highlights!!
Extraordinary Geothermal Sights
Rotorua is a geothermal city - bubbling, steaming and hissing with the heat of the inner earth.
Refreshing Walks and Panoramic Views
Forests, lakes and volcanic cones make Rotorua a natural place for hikes.
- Visit the giant Californian redwood trees in Whakarewarewa Forest - walk, ride a horse or mountain bike along the trails.
- Hike to the top of the majestic Mount Tarawera (a day trip). The more adventurous can enjoy a scree run down into the crater!
- Choose from a variety of lake and river excursions - cruise, kayak, raft or white water sledge
- The Rotorua region has eleven main lakes, a myriad of crystal clear streams and four different species of trout.
- Fly-fish the rivers or lakes - hire a guide if you want a sure thing
- Cruise on the Lakeland Queen, a traditionally styled paddlewheel vessel
- Get aboard the 50ft catamaran that cruises Lake Tarawera
- Jet boat through a breathtaking wonderland
- Get a taste for white water rafting - the thrilling rapids of the Rangitaiki River and New Zealand’s highest commercially rafted waterfall on the Kaituna River.
- Join a 4WD (four-wheel drive) tour to the dormant volcano of Mount Tarawera. Guided walks in and around craters, spectacular views of surrounding lakes and mountains
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- The famous Maori love story of Hinemoa and Tutanekai is brought to life with the day trip on Lake Rotorua out to Mokoia Island
Fascinating History and Culture
As well as an amazing landscape, Rotorua has a rich cultural history.
- Discover the customs of the Maori people at a meticulously staged song and dance performanc
- Watch a film show at the Rotorua Museum of Art & History which brings alive the 1886 Mount Tarawera eruption
- Bathe in a crystal clear hot spa at the Blue Baths. A museum in the old changing rooms showcases the building’s colourful past. Dine upstairs in the elegant 1930s
tearooms, with views over the beautifully manicured Government Gardens
- Visit the excavated sites at Te Wairoa, the village that was buried by the 1886 Mount Tarawera eruption
Unique Shows and Tours
Rotorua is a place to expect the unexpected. There’s always something more to do.
- Experience an action packed live farm stage show featuring trained rams, sheep shearing, sheep dogs, milking cows and baby lambs
- View springs and streams with wild trout, see the native kiwi bird and observe the tuatara, a unique prehistoric lizard
- Enjoy a scenic gondola ride to the top of Mount Ngongotaha. Luge down the side of the mountain on a purpose built track
- Climb inside a giant inflated ball and roll 150 metres down the side of a mountain. Zorbing is unique to Rotorua
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