Summer in Rotorua…

… And there’s no better time to experience the exciting attractions and natural wonders that make Rotorua one of New Zealand’s top tourist spots. Lazing at the Lakes Spa PoolImagine drifting lazily around a sparkling lake in a boat or kayak, the sun warm on your face and birds calling from the native bush that lines the lakeshore. Rotorua’s beautiful lakes district has 16 stunning lakes that offer cruising, swimming, waterskiing, kayaking and fishing galore. There are myriad walking tracks, playgrounds for the kids, and secluded beaches where visitors can soak in natural hot water pools. Camping sites are dotted around the lakes, and visitors can make use of the public barbecues. It’s an easy 20-minute drive from Rotorua’s city centre to the lakes and there’s plenty of room for everyone. In summer, when the beaches are crowded, you can find your own piece of solitude here.

… And there’s no better time to experience the exciting attractions and natural wonders that make Rotorua one of New Zealand’s top tourist spots.

Lazing at the Lakes
Spa Pool Imagine drifting lazily around a sparkling lake in a boat or kayak, the sun warm on your face and birds calling from the native bush that lines the lakeshore. Rotorua’s beautiful lakes district has 16 stunning lakes that offer cruising, swimming, waterskiing, kayaking and fishing galore. There are myriad walking tracks, playgrounds for the kids, and secluded beaches where visitors can soak in natural hot water pools. Camping sites are dotted around the lakes, and visitors can make use of the public barbecues.

It’s an easy 20-minute drive from Rotorua’s city centre to the lakes and there’s plenty of room for everyone. In summer, when the beaches are crowded, you can find your own piece of solitude here.

Adrenalin Fix
Looking for something more adventurous? Part of familiarising yourself with a city is trying everything it has to offer, including things you might not do at home. Rotorua has something to tempt every type of adrenalin junkie.

Skydiving is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and floating downwards from 15,000 feet gives you a vista over Rotorua that you won’t get any other way. Views over Rotorua’s lakes, Mt Ruapehu and White Island make the jump worth braving.

Shweeb Tumble downhill in the world-famous zorb, race your friends on the shweeb - a human monorail ride that’s the first of its kind in the world, take a 360-degree spin in a jet boat, go dirtbiking and horse trekking or race your friends downhill on a luge cart. Rafting and kayaking are popular, and trips on the Kaituna, Rangitaiki and Wairoa Rivers are some of the most exciting anywhere. If rafting doesn’t provide enough of a thrill, try sledging or heli-sledging. First attempted in the 1980s, sledging involves manoeuvring your way down rapids and past rocks on a boogie board-style sledge. You must be an experienced swimmer to take part, though.

Natural Highs
Trout fishing at Lake Tarawera Mount Tarawera, a dormant volcano looming moodily over Lake Tarawera, is an iconic part of Rotorua’s landscape. Its eruption in 1886 transformed the region and is one of the most important events in Rotorua’s history. Now, the mountain behaves itself better and you can try a range of activities from scenic helicopter flights to 4WD trips. Enjoy a scree slide into the crater or hike to the summit, followed by a death-defying ride down the slopes on a mountain bike, or visit The Buried Village and see the evidence of Mount Tarawera’s violent 1886 eruption.

If you like walking but want something tamer, the walks around the lakes district are a great way to see the region. Lake Okataina Wander down little-walked bush tracks or mingle with other walkers on better-known lakeside trails. The choice is yours.

Whirinaki Forest and Te Urewera National Park are great for hiking and bird watching. This area is home to some of New Zealand's most magnificent rainforest that is rich in native birdlife. Whakarewarewa Forest is another beautiful spot, and renowned the world over for its mountain biking tracks. Tracks wind past stunning lake and thermal views beneath native and exotic trees, drawing thousands of visitors every year.

Thermal Wonders
Wai-o-Tapu Billowing clouds of steam and the city’s famous sulphur smell are the first thing to greet visitors. The region’s bubbling mud pools and spectacular geysers give testimony to the awesome volcanic forces that have shaped the region, and you can see them for yourself at Whakarewarewa, Waimangu Volcanic Valley, Wai-o-Tapu and Hell's Gate.

A soak in the healing waters of a thermal pool is the perfect way to end a busy day’s sightseeing, and there are plenty of these to be found in Rotorua. Unwind with a therapeutic spa or massage, or ease your aches and pains with a mud wrap. Hot mineral springs can ease ailments and provide relief for rheumatic sufferers.

Family Fun
Blue Lake Travelling with the kids? Whatever the weather, there is plenty here to keep them entertained. You can watch the lions being fed at Paradise Valley Springs, encounter a kiwi at Rainbow Springs, or take in the world-renowned Agrodome sheep show.

For family adventure, ride a gondola up Mt Ngongotaha at Skyline Skyrides and luge down the mountainside. The luge, designed and built in Rotorua, is a gravity ride on a three-wheel cart. Sealed tracks wind down through the Redwood trees. Skyline Skyrides has recently installed a second chairlift system, so you can enjoy more rides in less time.

For more laidback family fun, take a ride on The Lakeland Queen and enjoy the beautiful scenery as you cruise Lake Rotorua, or hire a pedal boat or kayak from the lakefront kiosk.

Rotorua Museum is the place to learn all about the people, culture and volatile landscape of Rotorua, or take the kids to Te Puia, Tamaki Maori Village or Mitai Maori Village for a traditional hangi and cultural experience.