Travelling Rotorua
Before You Travel
Rotorua is one place where the turbulent forces that formed New Zealand are most evident. This city, on the Volcanic Plateau, has one of the world’s most lively fields of geothermal activity. Skyrocketing geysers, hot springs and boiling mud pools all tell you that this place sits squarely on the Pacific Rim of Fire.
Rotorua is also the ancestral home of the TeArawa people who settled here more than 600 years ago and their presence offers the visitor numerous cultural experiences. Try a hangi feast – cooked in the steaming ground, take a tour of an authentic pre-European Maori village or treat yourself to an indulgent spa therapy. If adventure is your thing, Rotorua has many attractions to get the adrenalin flowing; everything from skydiving and luging to zorbing and one of New Zealand’s best mountain bike circuits.
It’s also a big trout fishing area with fishing on the lakes and tributary rivers and if you’re unlucky there you can sight some of the huge trout (but, alas, not catch them) at Rainbow and Fairy Springs.
The geothermal city of Rotorua is a magnet for travellers, who come to discover volcanic phenomena and learn about New Zealand’s Maori culture.
With its unique volcanic landscape, living Maoriculture, natural hot springs and plenty of options for adventure, Rotorua is one of New Zealand's most famous destinations.
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 TeArawa 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 geothermal phenomena and special cultural experiences. Geysers, boiling mud pools, marae stays, hangi feasts, an authentic pre-European Maori village and indulgent spa therapies will provide plenty of content for your emails home. Rotorua also has a well-developed adventure culture – everything from sky diving to zorbing.
Dare to be adventurous
Roll downhill inside a zorb, try some 360-degree spins in a jet boat or race your friends on a luge cart. Rafting, kayaking and sledging are also popular - trips on the Kaituna, Rangitaiki or Wairoa Rivers are a blast!
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.
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.
Rotorua Tours
