Rotorua

The geothermal city of Rotorua is a magnet for travellers, who come to discover volcanic phenomena and learn about New Zealand’s Maori culture.

Rotorua sits squarely on the Pacific Ring of Fire, so volcanic activity is part of the city’s past and present. The city is also the tribal home of the Te Arawa people, who settled in lakeside geothermal areas more than 600 years ago. Entertaining in any weather, and at any time of the year, Rotorua promises to keep you captivated with its shooting geysers, intriguing Maori villages and thrilling adventure activities.

Geothermal attractions galore

There are plenty of geothermal attractions to choose from, so get your camera ready...

• Brilliant colours are a feature of Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland's Artist's Palette and Champagne Pool. Lady Knox Geyser plays every day.
• Visit the amazing Waimangu Volcanic Valley, formed during the eruption of Mount Tarawera in 1886.
• Watch the famed Pohutu Geyser at Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve. Scalding water shoots 30 metres into the sky as the geyser plays almost constantly.
• Hell's Gate is another fascinating thermal park. It features the only hot waterfall in the Southern Hemisphere.
• Take a flightseeing excursion to White Island (New Zealand's only active marine volcano) or over the gaping red crater of Mount Tarawera (now dormant).

Cultural heartland

Rotorua is the heartland of New Zealand’s Maori culture. Learn carving or weaving from master artists, sample contemporary food cooked using traditional methods or participate in Maori singing and dancing shows.

• Take a journey back in time at a Maori village. In the depths of the forest, you will gain a clear picture of Maori lifestyle and traditions - with singing, dancing and a traditional hangi feast to enjoy.
• View, appreciate and learn about the traditional Maori arts preserved at the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute. Speak with expert carvers and weavers and learn the history and processes involved with each art form.
• Visitors looking for a 'real slice of New Zealand' should seek out a marae stay, hosted by an extended Maori family (whanau).
• The famous Maori love story of Hinemoa and Tutanekai is brought to life with a day trip to Mokoia Island.

Dare to be adventurous

Roll downhill inside a zorb, or race your friends on a luge cart. Rafting, kayaking and sledging are also a popular - Rotorua's rapids are a blast!

• Skim across the Waikato River in a jet boat (invented by a New Zealander) and discover the hidden geothermal valley of Orakei Korako.
• Get a taste for white water rafting. Brave the thrilling rapids of the Rangitaiki River or New Zealand's highest commercially rafted waterfall on the Kaituna River. 
• Go mountain biking or horse trekking in the giant Californian redwoods in Whakarewarewa Forest.
• Take a half-day 4WD tour to the summit of Mount Tarawera, then take a hike around the crater's edge. A scree run down into the crater is the grand finale.
• Fly-fish the rivers and lakes - hiring a guide almost guarantees a catch. Rotorua has 15 fishable lakes, a myriad of crystal clear streams and four different species of trout.

Family fun

There's plenty of fun for all ages in Rotorua. Try some of these activities with your whanau (family). 

• Experience an action-packed farm show featuring trained rams, sheep dogs, sheep shearing, cow milking and lamb feeding.
• See the lions, trout, giant eels, waterfowl, deer and other interesting residents at Paradise Valley Springs.
• Luge down the side of Mount Ngongotaha or scream your heart out on the Sky Swing.
• Climb inside a giant inflated ball and roll 150 metres down the side of a hill - it's called zorbing.

Indulge yourself

Rotorua is known as ‘Nature’s Spa of the South Pacific’ and offers visitors many opportunities to rejuvenate their spirit. Soak in the healing waters of hot springs or unwind with a therapeutic massage or mud wrap.