Rotorua's central location means it's a great spot for a getaway and with so much to see and do here it's no wonder this is a favourite destination for Kiwis and international travellers alike. This is New Zealand's own geothermal paradise where you can stand on active volcanoes, peer into massive craters and see boiling mud and erupting geysers.
Once you have arrived in Rotorua, the number and variety of activities on offer is astonishing. From hurtling down the side of Mt Ngongotaha in a luge to riding a flying fox through the ancient treetops on a magical eco journey, thrill-seekers will get their fill here.
Family-friendly tours and scenic activities range from geothermal parks to the Agrodome with its award-winning sheep show and live sheep-shearing demonstrations. Then explore the region's phenomenal scenery by getting your walking shoes on and heading out on the Rotorua City Walkway, a 26km path that takes in historical and cultural sites along with geothermal landscapes and wildlife.
Take the opportunity to learn more about Maori culture and history while in Rotorua. The Te Arawa tribe embodies the spirit of manaakitanga - a promise of hospitality where all visitors can experience the rich culture and history of the region. See living history with a visit to a village, a thermal resort or cultural show.
Rotorua is also the ideal destination to relax at a day spa or on a golf course. As there are 16 lakes in the region you will want to pack a picnic and lounge beside at least one of them - the Blue Lake is a serene family spot perfect for good old Kiwi water fun. You could also bring your bike and hit the recently opened Thermal by Bike national cycle trail, a track that takes riders through no less than four significant geothermal fields.
Pohutu Geyser, Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley, Rotorua © Destination Rotorua Tourism Marketing
New Zealand's own geothermal paradise really does know how to get hot and steamy. This unusual city, with its raw beauty, has enchanted people from around the world for over 160 years. Here you can stand on active volcanoes, peer into massive craters and see boiling mud and erupting geysers. It's an awesome sight!
But geothermal gems aside, Rotorua is a great spot for a holiday. With spectacular scenery and exciting things to see and do that engage all your senses, there is plenty on offer here. You can go blazing down world-renowned mountain biking trails, have an adrenalin pumping adventure, immerse yourself in Maori culture, relax at a day spa or on a golf course, go trout fishing, check out the wildlife parks or just lounge beside a lake - after all, there are 16 of them in the region.
It's easy to see why Kiwis love Rotorua so much. This good-looking city is big on Maori culture and hospitality, hence the city's catch-cry: "Rotorua - feel the spirit - Manaakitanga". It's a promise to look after visitors and help them experience the culture, history and attractions of the region.
Attractions
- Explore Rotorua's geothermal hotspots, a vast array of scenic attractions ranging from the famed Pohutu Geyser at Te Puia, to the silica terraces of Waimangu Valley and the Champagne Pool at Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland.
- Visit Skyline Skyrides, one of Rotorua's most popular attractions, to ride the luge, a Rotorua-designed three-wheeled cart. Catch the gondola to the top of Mt Ngongotaha to enjoy amazing panoramic views before zooming down the hill.
- Experience living history and delve into the Maori culture at a Maori village, such as the Buried Village, Mitai Maori Village, Whakarewarewa - the Living Thermal Village or Tamaki Maori Village.
- Tracks and trails for all ages show off Rotorua's incredible landscape. Try the Rotorua City Walkway, the Blue Lake Track, or the Crater Lake Walk.
- At Zorb Rotorua you can get your adrenalin fix by hurtling head over heels down a hill in a giant bubble!
- Ride a flying fox through ancient treetops in a magical eco journey under the guidance of Rotorua Canopy Tours.
- Watch the award-winning sheep show at the Agrodome, with live sheep shearing demonstrations and an interactive organic farm tour.
- Witness an outdoor flight show at Wingspan Birds of Prey Centre, New Zealand's leading conservation centre for birds of prey
- Check out Rainbow Springs Kiwi Wildlife Park where you can combine learning with fun on the Big Splash, a 430m long water ride that showcases New Zealand's ecological evolution.
- At Paradise Valley Springs you can have an up-close and personal encounter with some exquisite creatures.
- Visiting Rotorua Museum is a great way to learn about the history of the city. From here it is only a short walk to the lakefront, where there is a playground and ducks to feed.
© Destination Rotorua Tourism Marketing