Discover an unforgettable place where geothermal activity is the backdrop for some of New Zealand’s most accessible Maori cultural experiences.
Leave the ordinary world behind and explore a town on a geothermal field, a place where the hazards on the local golf course are bubbling mud pools. As soon as you arrive in Rotorua, it’s clear that this place is very different – the smell of sulphur pervades the downtown area. Watch a geyser erupt, pick your way around bubbling mud pools, or visit one of several geothermal spa complexes for a relaxing soak. When you’re fully restored, take in one of Rotorua’s many cultural experiences, from an enthralling forest walk with a Maori guide to a stirring powhiri followed by dinner cooked in a traditional Maori hangi. Surrounding it all, the landscape offers a mix of lakes and forest.
DESTINATION-NZ.COM HIGHLIGHTS
Explore a geothermal field and catch your breath as a ferocious geyser spits steaming water high into the air. Peer into the multi-coloured crater of Mount Tarawera with a little trepidation as you wonder whether today could be the day that this sleeping volcano wakes up. Hold on tight and take a moment to contemplate the plastic ball you’re strapped into – then start screaming as the zorb hurtles downhill, spinning you head over heels.
NOTABLE CULTURE
Since the nineteenth century local Maori have played a central role as tour guides for visitors. Today Rotorua offers an unparalleled range of cultural experiences – taste a hangi, watch a cultural performance and try your hand at Maori crafts.
MOMENT IN HISTORY
On 10 June 1886, the Rotorua landscape was changed forever when Mount Tarawera erupted, dumping ash and mud on the surrounding area. Learn about that fateful day at the Buried Village.
THE ICONIC EXPERIENCE
Feel your muscles relax in the warmth of a hot mineral pool – Rotorua has been a popular spa retreat since the late 19th Century.
Plan your trip with a detailed map of this region and peruse our suggested travel itinerary. Read More
Sights, activities and top picks to make planning easier. Read More
Rotorua Regional Airport operates several domestic flights to and from New Zealand destinations. Rotorua is a 45-minute flight from Auckland. The airport is 10 minutes’ drive from the city centre.
By Road
Rotorua is situated on the Thermal Explorer Highway, a themed touring route between Auckland and Hawke’s Bay. With a central location in the upper North Island, Rotorua is easily accessible from Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Waikato, Taupo and Hawke’s Bay. Rotorua is three hours’ drive from Auckland and coaches provide regular services to and from the region. Within Rotorua there are taxis, shuttles and a city bus service.
UNFORGETTABLE EVENTS
Rotorua is a mecca for mountain bikers and plays host to a wealth of top national and international events. In April, the Whakatane-Rotorua-Taupo Odyssey climbs the hills south of Whakatane and Kawerau, the Rotorua lakes, and dozens of kilometres of bush trails. During May, the Cateye Moonride carves up the Whakarewarewa Forest – it’s open to all cyclists and broken into 12- and 24-hour team event options.
