One of New Zealand’s most popular visitor destinations, Rotorua offers a fascinating blend of Maori and European cultures in a playground of lakes and geothermal areas.
Approaching Rotorua from the east, see steam billowing overhead and smell the sulphur the city is famous for. From the north, Lake Rotorua appears as if by magic, sparkling in the distance. Nestled in the centre of the North Island and renowned worldwide for its geothermal activity, Rotorua is a city with spirit. Whether you’re interested in outdoor activities, geothermal attractions or Maori culture, Rotorua turns it on, year round.
Rotorua has fourteen publicly accessible lakes and is the perfect place to free your spirit. The lakes stand guard over a network of walking tracks for all fitness levels; a whole world waiting to be discovered. Whakarewarewa Forest, five minutes’ drive from the city, also offers plenty of walking and mountain biking options.
Rotorua is known – with good reason – as Nature’s Spa of the South Pacific. It is the ideal place to rejuvenate your spirit. Soak in the healing waters of various hot springs, unwind with a therapeutic spa or massage, or ease aches and pains with a mud wrap. Hot mineral springs can ease ailments and provide relief for rheumatic sufferers. Known for its geothermal activity, Rotorua gives visitors the chance to see nature’s power firsthand. The main thermal areas are Whakarewarewa, Waimangu Valley, Wai-o-Tapu and Hells Gate. Most places also offer Maori cultural shows so visitors can immerse themselves in New Zealand’s indigenous traditions. With all this on offer, Rotorua has something to suit everyone.
Regional Highlights
Unforgettable Sights
Rotorua lakes Sparkling lakes nestled amongst rolling hills, forest and farmland. Mt Tarawera crater Head to the top of this local landmark for amazing vistas and to see the dormant crater. Redwoods in Whakarewarewa Forest Mountain bike or walk amongst towering stands of Californian Coastal Redwoods. Thermal activity in Kuirau Park Unique geothermal features include geysers, hot springs, mud pools, silica terraces and flats.
Adrenaline rush
Skydiving (Rotorua) Experience the thrill of skydiving with NZONE. www.nzone.biz Agroventures (Rotorua) Test your limits with bungy jumping, jet boating or a skydive simulator. www.agroventures.co.nz Zorbing (Rotorua) Roll downhill inside a giant inflatable sphere. www.zorb.co.nz Kawarau Jet (Rotorua) Travel at high speed across Lake Rotorua and experience exciting 360-degree spins. www.nzjetboat.co.nz
Relax & Indulge
Polynesian Spa (Rotorua) Voted by Condé Nast as one of the world’s top 10 spas. www.polynesianspa.co.nz Hells Gate and Wai Ora Spa (Rotorua) New Zealand’s only geothermal mud bath and spa facility. www.hellsgate.co.nz Spa at QE (Rotorua) Unwind in a thermal mineral pool or mud bath, or enjoy a soothing massage. www.qehealth.co.nz
Luxury
Volcanic Air Safaris (Rotorua) Take a helicopter or float plane scenic tour around this geothermal area. www.volcanicair.co.nz Clearwater Cruises (Lake Tarawera) Enjoy a tranquil cruise on Lake Tarawera. www.clearwater.co.nz Solitaire Lodge (Lake Tarawera) Internationally renowned for its exquisite standard of luxury in a picturesque setting. www.solitairelodge.com
Culture
Take in a hangi and concert Sample traditional foods cooked in an earth oven and enjoy cultural songs and dances. Visit a replica Maori village (Rotorua) Experience a gateway to life in pre-European times. www.maoriculture.co.nz or www.whakarewarewa.com Maori crafts (Rotorua) Watch skilled craftspeople carving and weaving. www.tepuia.com
Natural New Zealand
Hiking Rotorua’s hills are perfect for walking; try the Western Okataina Track or Rainbow Mountain. Rainbow Springs Kiwi Wildlife Park (Rotorua) Encounter native species in a forest setting. www.rainbowsprings.co.nz Kiwi Encounter (Rotorua) Hatchery and nursery where visitors can see New Zealand’s Kiwi. www.kiwiencounter.co.nz
On a Budget
Kuirau Park (Rotorua) Geothermal area with mud pools, crater lakes and sulphur vents. www.rotoruanz.com Exploring the lakes (Rotorua) Hire a pedal boat or kayak. www.manaadventures.co.nz Whakarewarewa Forest (Rotorua) Walk or mountain bike on a network of trails.
The Iconic Experience
Te Puia encompasses geothermal activity and Maori culture: watch Maori artists at work, experience Maori culture and explore a geothermal valley.
Dining & Shopping
Exclusive Dining
Bistro 1284 (Rotorua) Judged Rotorua’s best restaurant in 2008. www.bistro1284.co.nz
Casual Dining
Abracadabra (Rotorua) A Moroccan-influenced café/bar/restaurant that offers tasty meals and a wine list with a European flavour. Dine on the balcony, in the main restaurant or in a private dining room. www.abracadabracafe.com
Café
Freo’s Café (Rotorua) Casual café with outdoor dining, phone +64 7 346 0976.
Stylish Bar
Seismic Gastrobar (Rotorua) Relax with a drink or dance the night away at this modern bar opposite the village green in Rotorua. www.seismicgastrobar.co.nz
Cosy Pub
The Pig & Whistle (Rotorua) Great atmosphere in an old police station. www.pigandwhistle.co.nz
Culinary Experience
Charles Royal (Rotorua) Join this renowned chef to sample dishes prepared with indigenous herbs. www.maorifood.com
Shop or Gallery
The Jade Factory (Rotorua) Nephrite jade products, from jewellery to sculptures. www.jadefactory.com
Suggested Itineraries
2 days in Rotorua
Start Rotorua I Finish Rotorua
On Day 1, head to Wai-o-Tapu Thermal Wonderland. Afterwards, visit Waikite Valley Hot Pools. Back in Rotorua, go jet boating on Lake Rotorua. Visit Kiwi Encounter and the Redwood Forest. In the evening, sample a Maori cultural experience. On Day 2, visit Hells Gate and Wai Ora Spa. Head to Off Road NZ for an off-road adventure and then roll downhill in a plastic ball at Zorb Rotorua. In the afternoon, catch the sheep show at The Agrodome then head across the road to Agroventures. After dinner, enjoy a soak at Polynesian Spa.
5 days in Rotorua
Start Rotorua I Finish Rotorua
Visit Rotorua Museum then explore the lakes with Rotorua Duck Tours and take a flightseeing tour. Visit Paradise Valley Springs before riding the gondola. In the evening, relax at Polynesian Spa. On Day 2, head to Waimangu Thermal Valley before a jet boat adventure. Visit Whakarewarewa Thermal Village and enjoy a Maori cultural experience. On Day 3, take a cruise on the Lakeland Queen, then head to Off Road NZ or Zorb Rotorua for an adrenaline rush. Visit Agroventures then catch the sheep show at The Agrodome. On Day 4, experience white-water rafting with River Rats Raft and Kayak Adventure. Visit Buried Village (Te Wairoa). Continue to Lake Tarawera for a luxury cruise and visit Te Puia and Tamaki Heritage Experiences Maori Village. On Day 5, visit Hells Gate and Wai Ora Spa. See Kiwi Encounter and take a 4WD trip up Mt Tarawera.
Road Trip
The 90 km drive from Rotorua to Whakatane is one of the most scenically rewarding trips in the Central North Island.
Transport
Airports
Rotorua Regional Airport operates several domestic flights to and from New Zealand destinations. Rotorua is a 45-minute flight from Auckland. The airport is 10 minutes’ drive from the city centre.
Road
Rotorua is situated on the Thermal Explorer Highway, a themed touring route between Auckland and Hawke’s Bay. With a central location in the North Island, Rotorua is easily accessible from Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Waikato, Taupo and Hawke’s Bay. Rotorua is three hours’ drive from Auckland and coaches provide regular services to and from the region. Within Rotorua there are taxis, shuttles and a city bus service.
Further Information
Destination Rotorua Tourism Marketing
Trade contact James Fitzgerald
Phone +64 7 348 4133 Fax +64 7 349 4133
Email info@rotoruanz.com
www.rotoruanz.com
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