Overview
Rotorua takes pride in making visitors feel welcome, and you ll often be greeted by a friendly Kia Ora or wave from the locals. For generations local Rotorua Maori have been hosting and entertaining, and for many it is an everyday part of life. You'll be entertained, enjoy hangi feasts, interact and learn, giving you an insight into the rich tapestry of Maori history, and enjoying time with the Maori people of today.
You'll be fascinated by bubbling mud and geysers. The city of Rotorua has been built amongst the thermal activity, still used by locals for heating, cooking and bathing. You have to see the colours and formations created by the thermal activity to believe them, amidst the eerie tranquillity created by the rising steam. The thermal areas are known for their distinctive, and unforgettable, sulphur smell, but don't worry it s very localised and easy to escape within a few minutes drive.
The perfect place for some luxury and pampering, Rotorua uses its geothermal mud and waters to provide spa therapies and bathing. Choose from central city mineral bathing, in pools overlooking the steaming lake edges of Lake Rotorua, or explore a little further to secluded hot springs amongst natural bush.
From the thrills of white water rafting down, to mountainbiking on trails through the forests, Rotorua makes the most of its wonderful features provided by nature. Home to a wide range of activities for challenging yourself, from ZORBing, or a four-wheel drive safari, to horseriding or luging down the mountainside.
Numerous lakes within the region become a fisherman s paradise, abundant with rainbow and brown trout. Much of the lake edge is surrounded by native New Zealand bush, perfect to explore on foot for short walks or day hikes, or take a lake cruise across the crystal clear waters. Redwoods thrive and there are walking tracks amongst the forests.
