Rotorua, a place where Māori culture and a unique geothermal landscape thrive, is one of New Zealand’s most famous and long-standing tourist destinations.
From as early as the 19th century, tourists have flocked to Rotorua’s active gysers, natural hot springs and bubbling mud pools - considered by many as spectacular thermal wonders on the ‘Pacific rim of fire’.
The north island's Rotorua is highly influenced by Māori culture and history. The town is home to the Te Arawa iwi - one of New Zealand’s larger Māori tribes who were considered New Zealand's first tour guides having hosted visitors since the 1800's.
It is said that Rotorua was discovered around 600 years ago by a Māori leader called Ihenga. According to Māori legend, Ihenga was hunting for his family when one of his dogs chased after a kiwi. When the dog returned with a wet coat, throwing up a half-digested fish, Ihenga realised that water was nearby, after exploring the area he discovered Lake Rotorua and Lake Rotoiti.
A long time attraction of Rotorua is the natural spas and rejuvenating benefits of the thermal waters, here you'll unwind and indulge in the warmth and health benefits they give. While in Rotorua it is recommended to indulge in one of the resorts available for that total experience of Rotorua luxury.
Rotorua offers a volcanic landscape which provides dynamic backdrops to some of New Zealand’s best outdoor & adventure activities.
As New Zealand's leading mountain biking destination, Rotorua offers more than 70km of tracks just minutes from the city centre. For a scenic wonderland Whakarewarewa forest offers tracks awash in thick forest with views of beautiful lakes, Mt Tarawera and geothermal action.
"A long time attraction of Rotorua is the natural spas and rejuvenating benefits of the thermal waters"
ROTORUA LAKE FORSHORE - Rotorua
The foreshore is a place for that bit of rest and relaxation on a beautiful summers day.
Sit on one of the many park benches and enjoy the sunshine whist looking out upon lake Rotorua. If the feeling gets you there are jet boat rides available as well as helicopter rides and pedal bikes you can hire enabling you to have a bit of fun on the lake.
The foreshore area can be quite picturesque, there are walkways you can wander along which enhance the flora and fauna, lake and its surroundings.
Location: Memorial Drive, Lake Rotorua
Price: free
Hours: 24
HORSE TREKS - Rotorua
There are a variety of scenic Horse treking options available throughout Rotorua. Enjoy your day meandering through Rotorua's beautiful native bush.
Treks can range from half an hour to 4 days and pricing can vary between $35 to $195.
Photo courtesy of Ian Trafford
GEOTHERMAL SIGHTSEEING - Rotorua
Rotorua is renowned worldwide for its geothermal activity.
Charged with an ambience that impacts the senses, here you'll find forces of nature erupting from the earth - geysers, hot pools and mud pools which captivate. Definitely an enjoyable experience.
There are five main geothermal areas from which you can experience these forces of nature up close - Whakarewarewa, Tikitere (Hell's Gate), Waimangu, Waiotapu & Orakei Korako - The Hidden Valley. For those on a budget Kuirau Park is worth a look.
Prices: Vary from $30.00 to $60.00 Adults, $15.00 to $25.00 Child.
Photo courtesy of Jane Billows
VINEYARDS
There are a selection of vineyards throughout the Rotorua region where you can taste their selections of wines.
Always an enjoyable day out, spend your day relaxing in the rotorua climate whilst sipping many a delectable option of wine, just be sure to either choose a tour guide or find an alternative option to driving.
The best way to find winery tour service providers is to visit the local information centre.
THE BLUE BATHS - Rotorua
The blue baths are set in a gorgeous Spanish Mission–style building which opened in 1933. The baths house a museum which recalls the baths history, restaurant and cabaret shows, the baths also cater for conference facilities, venues, weddings and general functions.
An enjoyable afternoon out, take a dip in the heated pool or enjoy a dinner-and-cabaret show. The blue baths were the first baths in NZ to have multi sex bathing.
Location: Government Gardens, Lake front, Hinemanu Street, Rotorua.
Price: Baths - $11 Adults, $6 Child, $30 Family. Dinner & Show - Starts at $125.00.
Hours: Summer 10am - varies / Winter 12pm till varies
Photo courtesy of the Blue Baths
MOKOIA ISLAND - Rotorua
Famous for its love story. Mokoia Island is sacred to the local Maori, the Arawa iwi who limit access to the island to small boat tour groups only.
The island, of particular interest to geographers, was formed some 200,000 years ago after an eruption from the lake, because of this the island's foreshores have geothermal springs such as the Hinemoa pool (known to locals as Waikimihia).
There are a variety of tour operators to cater for your trip to Mokoia Island, please visit the local information centre for more information.
Things to do:
Bird watching, Boat cruises, Bush walks, Hot Pool, Experience maori culture.
Location: Middle of Lake Rotorua.
Price: $75 to $125, varies on tour operator.
ROTORUA MUSEUM - Rotorua
Located on the grounds of the government gardens, the Rotorua Museum exists in the building formally known as the bath house which was constructed in 1908 as a international spa attraction.
Here you'll discover the region’s rich Māori culture, volatile volcanic landscape and dramatic history. All of this coming to life vividly through multi-media exhibitions.
Displays, cinema experiences and guided tours help you discover the Rotorua region. There are also five altering exhibition galleries and varied events ensuring there's always something new on show.
Location: MIddle of the Government Gardens, Lake Front, Rotorua.
Price: $20.00 Adults, Children (5-18) $8.00
Hours: Summer 9am - 8pm - Winter 9am - 5pm
Photo courtesy of Andy Davison
GOVERNMENT GARDENS - Rotorua
Originally known as Paepaekumana, the government gardens is a public park which partly consists of gardens.
Of historical significance to the local Maori people due to historic battles, the land was eventually given to the British Crown in the late 1800s as a gift to the people of the world. Consisting of scrub land and several therapeutic pools, the land was eventually cleared and gardens laid.
Location: Lake front, Hinemanu St. Lake Rotorua.
Price: free
Hours: 24
Photo courtesy of Tom Fields
KUIRAU PARK - Rotorua
Kuirau Park is situated at the northern end of Rotorua, the park is public and free of charge. There are a variety of walking tracks available which lead to numerous geothermal activity areas. It is advised to stay behind the fences, pools can reach boiling point so its not advisable to enter them.
On occasion new eruptions do occur so always be cautious.
Location: Take state highway 5 north through the centre of Rotorua and turn left at Pukuatua St, Kuirau Park is straight ahead at the bend in to Amohau Street.
Price: Free
Hours: 24.
Photo courtesy of Alamy
REDWOODS WHAKAREWAREWA FOREST - Rotorua
Originally planned as a timber forest, over 170 species of tree were planted from 1899 to see which ones would be viable, out of these Radiata pine proved successful.
What gives the park its grandeur though is the mighty Californian redwoods.
There are clearly signposted walking tracks that range from a half-hour wander through the Redwood Grove to a whole-day route to the Blue and Green Lakes. You'll find that most walks start from the Redwoods Gift Shop & Visitor Centre, here you'll find maps and be able to view displays about the forest.
The park is renowned for camping, picnics, walking, and acclaimed for its mountain biking. Mountain Bikes are also available for hire, across the park off Waipa State Mill Rd.
Location: 5km southeast of Rotorua on Tarawera Rd.
Gate Hours: Summer 8.30am - 5.30pm Mon-Fri / Weekends 10am - 5pm, Winter 8.30am - 4.30pm Mon-Fri / Weekends 10am - 4pm.
Price: free
Rotorua Sights
Rotorua, Kawerau.
