Rotorua

Where is it? 45 minutes flight from Auckland or 3.0 hours driving. Helicopter transfers from Auckland and all other centres.

Whats there? Rotorua an exciting city, with an exciting history, tradition and culture. Its popular tourist attractions and adventure activities provide endless fun and satisfaction for the tourist visiting this thermal heartland. Surrounded by bubbling mud and whispy smoking geyers Rotorua is unmistakably different and forever memorable.

Maori History speaks of the discovery of Rotorua in the 14th century, the founder being a Maori explorer named Ihenga. Arrivals of the first Maori inhabitants came shortly after, transported by canoe from Hawaiki (the legendary home of all Maori in Eastern Polynesia).

The settlers had a great involvement in the initial construction of villages and made use of the natural resources provided by thermal boiling water. This aided in the use of cooking and heating for houses. Modern Rotorua is set around these natural sites.

The four main thermal areas are: Whakarewarewa, Waimangu, Wai-o-tapu and Hell’s gate. The lively Pohutu geyser at Whakarewarewa offers spectacular views with frequent eruptions while the Waimangu Volcanic Valley is renowned for its stunning blue steaming waters and famous walls of the Inferno Crater.

The most colourful of the volcanic areas is Waiotapu, featuring ochre-coloured waters. Popular highlights of the area include the daily eruption of Lady Knox Geyser and the largest remarkably formed terraces of the Southern Hemisphere, the Primrose Terraces. Hells Gate, the last of the main thermal areas, offers rest and relaxation with the convenient location of soothing thermal hot pools.

Food and Cuisine - Rotorua specialises in a wide range of cuisine to cater for all foodies. Options include a range of inexpensive bar meals and snacks, ethnic cuisine, popular takeaway outlets, fine restaurant dining and the traditional Maori feast (hangi).

Activities - Trout fishing, boating, kayaking, tramping, climbing, bungy jumping, Golf courses,, gondola rides, luge riding. Forest walks, mountain biking, 4WD driving, Thermal mud spa’s, archery, white water rafting, mini golf, corporate entertainment.