Rotorua - Regional
Information
Rotorua is arguably the home of tourism in New Zealand.
Sitting on the edge of the North island Volcanic Plateau,
the area is sizzling with thermal activity. Thermal lakes,
street-side miniature geysers, craters, forests and many
miles of walking tracks are here to be explored.
The area is rich in Maori history, and as the original
settlers, Maori were attracted to the hot thermal waters
for bathing and cooking.
Around Rotorua, the upheavals of old have left craters
transformed into shimmering lakes surrounded by native
bush, large ferns and farmland. These lakes provide an
abundance of trout for keen fishermen, walking tracks in
the surrounding bush and the opportunity for many water
sports.
What To See
The Maori people have long been settled in Rotorua
and is one of the best places in New Zealand to see
aspects of their culture. View wood carvers and flax
weavers at work at the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute,
traditional buildings, maraes and regular concerts and
hangis (traditionally cooked Maori
feast).
Bubbling, boiling mud pools, beautiful coloured lakes,
sulphur cliffs and magnificent spouting geysers are
readily accessible to visitors at Waiotapu, Waimangu and
Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserves. A visit to the massive
crater of Mt Tarawera and the nearby excavated Maori
village are also fascinating excursions.
Generations of visitors have enjoyed the healing,
soothing waters in the thermal pools. The Polynesian Spa
featuring thermal waters is a popular bathing spot and
many hotels also have their own pools. The Grand Tudor
style Bathhouse near Lake Rotorua had its heyday early
this century and now houses the local museum and art
gallery. It is situated in the pretty Government Gardens.
Attractions and Activities
A world of ancient Maori and proud warriors at
Tamaki Maori village, voted New Zealand's leading supreme
Maori Cultural attraction and four times winner of the
national heritage and cultural tourism awards. Cultural
performances are performed nightly, followed by feasting (hangi).
Daytime village guided tours are available, including
Tribal Arts and Crafts, Marketplace exhibitions and sales
and a
rebuilt pre-European Maori village. Located just 15
minutes south of Rotorua or 20 minutes north of Taupo.
Conveniently located on Fairy Springs Road, Rainbow
Springs features New Zealand's wildlife within a natural
bush setting and Rainbow Farm Show presents a fun and
interactive insight into New Zealand's farming history.
Tour around the natural freshwater springs teeming with
thousands of Rainbow trout and see the living 'dinosaur',
the tuatara.
Many native birds are on display in the free flight
aviary but the highlight is viewing New Zealand's
endangered national icon - the Kiwi. At Rainbow Farm don't
miss the only honey bee display in Rotorua or take in one
of the five Farm Shows held each and every day.
World-renowned Whakarewarewa Thermal Village is a
unique mix of Maori culture, art and thermal wonderland. A
tour around the village takes visitors among bubbling mud
pools and thermal takes, View the famous Pohutu geyser,
meander amongst the art and crafts on offer and enjoy
Maori song and dance at daily concerts.
Touring Information
Rotorua is a 'must see' and is included in most of our
tours that include the North Island, whether it be a group
motorcoach tour or one of our independent Resort
Connection or Discovery Tour packages.
|
