What to do
Rotorua is perfectly situated in the central North Island only a 3 hour drive South of Auckland. With regular daily scheduled bus services from all North Island regional centers and direct air services from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, Rotorua is incredibly accessible.
So come and discover why visitors have been coming here for over 150 years and explore this most diverse and unique New Zealand region. Visit www.rotoruaNZ.com to discover more about Rotorua
Lakes & forest
No one should visit Rotorua without discovering the beauty of the surrounding lakes and forests. With 11 pristine freshwater lakes to choose from in close vicinity to the city there are options galore for all visitors. Weather it be water sports, lake cruising, sailing, fishing for the renown trout or even something as simple as swimming in the beautiful clear waters over the summer months, no visit to Rotorua would be complete without a lakes experience. Surrounding many of the lakes lies untouched native forests with abundant walking trails to discover the beauty of New Zealand’s unique flora and fauna. A highlight for many visitors is visiting the 100 year old redwood forest on the city’s boundaries which house a diverse network of mountain bike and walking trails.
Adventure activities
Rotorua’s diverse range of adventure activities has really put it on the map as a adventure destination. Birthplace to many world firsts including the Zorb, the Luge, and the Shweeb and the worlds highest commercially rafted waterfall the list of adventure and excitement in Rotorua is endless. From jet boating to whitewater sledging, skydiving to bungy jumping, 4 wheel driving to horse trekking, quad biking to mountain biking, Rotorua really has something adventurous, whether passive or heart-stopping for everyone!
Maori culture
Rotorua has long been the home of Maori culture for visitors to New Zealand. The Arawa people of Rotorua were New Zealand’s first visitor guides, leading the way to the natural wonders of the region that have been part of their home for more than 600 years. Today, opportunities to come face to face with the descendants of these people abound in Rotorua in varied performances and guided tours where you can live and breath this fantastic cultural heartland. There are some amazing experiences to be had that will remain with you long after you depart New Zealand.
Geo-thermal activity
With steam rising up through vents in the earth, mud bubbling in central city parks and the distinctive smell of sulphur in the air Rotorua’s welcome to visitors is certainly unique. Geo-thermal parks are located around the region with magnificent geysers, stunning mineral enriched steaming pools and exploding mud craters all displaying there beauty as you walk amongst these unique environments. From the air explore the beauty and thrill of landing on an active island volcano or a birds eyes view into the crater of Mt Tarawera, cause of so much destruction in the region in 1886.
Wellness and Spa
Rotorua’s natural waters and mud treatments have long been a drawcard to the region by those looking for a relaxing break or an alternative treatment for their achy bodies.
The mineral enriched and thermally heated waters provide an ideal environment for those looking to take time out and relax here in Rotorua. With ample massage treatments and spa options it is hard to look past a wellness or spa treatment in Rotorua.