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| Bay of Plenty, North Island, New Zealand |
Historically known as a spa town, the world famous city of Rotorua stands on the southern shores of Lake Rotorua and is part of the centrally located Bay of Plenty Region of New Zealand’s North Island. It is a busy, cosmopolitan tourist destination and is known as the heartland of the Maori culture and is home to several Maori ‘living’ villages. The city, which is nicknamed ‘Sulphur City’ due to the all pervading smell of hydrogen sulphide, is one of New Zealand’s iconic tourist centres. Thousands of local and international visitors are attracted here for the large amount of thermal activity in the area which can be seen through hot thermal springs, bubbling geysers, waterfalls and boiling mud pools, plus its cultural attractions, huge number of outdoor adventure activities, excellent trout fishing opportunities, forest walking tracks and events such as the UCI World Cup Trials.
Rotorua is a beautiful city that overlooks the tranquil Lake Rotorua. It is home to an estimated 55,000 residents and offers an excellent range of accommodation and shopping outlets from busy cafes and restaurants to clothing boutiques, chemists, banks, ice cream parlours, sporting goods and the ubiquitous souvenir and craft shops. The town revolves almost totally around tourism and has several worthwhile attractions such as the city’s landmark, the Rotorua Museum which is located in the historic 1906 Bath House, the ornate and beautifully carved Maori meeting house of the Ohinemutu Village that stands on the shores of the lake, the Government Gardens and the Old Post Office which is now used at the Tourist Information Centre. It is however the Maori culture and the volcanic activity that mainly attracts visitors and both of these can be seen at the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute which is located at Te Puia. Here visitors can see carvers and weavers making traditional works of art or experience a Maori cultural performance of storytelling through song and dance. Located within the Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley, Te Puia is also well known for the famous Pohutu Geyser which is the main geyser in the area and spurts two or three times every hour, and can reach up to 100 metres. Other tourist villages include the Tamaki Village and the Mitai Village, which is well known for its glow-worm grotto, and the indoor Pohutu Cultural Theatre.
Rotorua stands within the Taupo Volcanic Zone that forms part of the ‘Pacific Rim of Fire’, and is one of the world’s major volcanic zones. The areas around the city and the lake continually show signs of volcanic activity which can be seen by the many random uprisings of steam from the ground and can be better viewed for free at Kuirau Park, or Sulphur Point which lies within the Government Gardens. There are several thermal tourist parks which surround the township of Rotorua and highlight the more spectacular thermal attractions in the area, such as those at Waimangu Volcanic Valley, Tikitere or Hells Gate Geothermal Reserve and Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland. Another attraction which may be worth seeing is located approximately 15 kilometres away from Rotorua. It is the buried village of Te Wairoa which was destroyed by volcanic activity in 1886 when Mount Tarawera erupted. This same eruption covered the famous Pink and White Terraces, which were considered to be the eighth wonder of the world and were at the time New Zealand’s most famous tourist attraction.
Rotorua has diversified its tourist attractions with the addition of several outdoor activities such as the Skyline Gondola and Luge, and the Agrodome Leisure Park which includes sheep shearing, an organic working farm tour, plus its adrenalin activities of bungy jumping, Zorbing, Shweebing, Swooping, Agrojeting or Freefall Xtreme. For outdoor enthusiasts the surrounding area offers many water based activities such as trout fishing, waterskiing, swimming and sailing, plus for walkers, runners or bikers there is, located just five minutes from the city centre the well known Whakarewarewa Forest. This area is famous for its magnificent stands of Californian Coastal Redwoods which are covered by a network of well signposted and well maintained trails and tracks. This forest of Redwoods contains one of the oldest trail systems in the country which is also considered to be one of the best. If walking is your thing take a look at the 2.5 kilometre Okareka Walkway which follows the lake edge to the Okareka Outlet passing farmland, beach, lake and wetland scenery, and the 26 kilometre Rotorua Walkway which is divided into 8 sections and passes geothermal, scenic and historic sites.
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| Accommodation | Activities | Tours |  |
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Novotel Rotorua Lakeside
Rotorua
 |  The Novotel Rotorua Lakeside is located on the pictuesque shores of Lake Rotorua and set in park surroundings. It is only minutes from the city centre, cafes, restaurants and major tourist attractions including the thermal reserves. It is a lovely hotel set in a beautiful location and perfect for ... |
Peppers on the Point
Rotorua
 |  Surrounded by the sparkling waters of Lake Rotorua, Peppers on the Point is an intimate luxury retreat featuring spectacular views to the historic Mokoia Island. This historic property was a family home right until 2004 and is perfect for a serene and tranquil escape.
Accommodation within the re... |
Hotel Ibis Rotorua
Rotorua
 |  Hotel Ibis is excellently located, right on the shores of Lake Rotorua and just a few minutes walking distance to the shopping, cafes and restaurants of the CBD. Conference rooms and other facilities at the neighbouring Novotel Rotorua Lakeside are also available to guests.
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Treetops Lodge
Rotorua
|  New Zealand, or Aotearoa, is a mythical land steeped in legend and mystery. The diverse landscape of Rotorua is where adventure abounds. Treetops Lodge offers the ultimate in world class luxury accommodation and is located in the heart of the trout fishing capital of the world and famed therapeutic ... |
Heritage Rotorua
Rotorua
|  Heritage Rotorua is centrally located overlooking the renowned Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve and Historical Village. It is a little way from the centre of town however they do run a shuttle service from the hotel. The hotel has a geothermal swimming pool and spa pools, good to relax in after a day... |
Millennium Hotel Rotorua
Rotorua
|  Millennium Hotel Rotorua is perfectly located on the edge of the CBD overlooking mystical Lake Rotorua. Just a brief stroll to the Rotorua town centre, Polynesian Spa and other key tourist activities. They are proud to be a founding member of the Rotorua Sustainable Tourism Charter, supporting sus... |
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Te Po Indigenous Evening Experience
Sightseeing
Rotorua |  The Evening Experience begins with an exclusive guided tour of the valley with one of Te Puia’s world renowned guides. As part of the tour you will visit New Zealand’s national carving and weaving schools and witness these disciplines in practice, under the guidance of our full-time master carvers a... |
Active Volcano Helicopter Landings from Rotorua
Helicopter
Rotorua |  A helicopter trip is always an amazing experience and what better way to see an active volcano. This tour takes in a sightseeing tour of Rotorua by helicopter and then out to White Island and if you chose Mount Tarawera as well. Your flight takes you east over views of lakes, forest and the volcan... |
Active Volcano Helicopter Landing from Rotorua
Helicopter
Rotorua | A helicopter trip is always an amazing experience and what better way to see an active volcano. This tour takes in a sightseeing tour of Rotorua by helicopter and then out to White Island and if you chose Mount Tarawera as well. Your flight takes you east over views of lakes, forest and the volcan... |
Kaituna Rafting - Grade 5
White Water Rafting
Rotorua |  Experience the thrill of Whitewater rafting on the Kaituna River only 15 minutes from central Rotorua.
Join River Rats in an adrenalin rush that takes you down the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world. Fast and furious, this exhilarating ride moves you through foamy water and over th... |
Rangitaiki Scenic Rafting - Grade 2
White Water Rafting
Rotorua |  Enjoy spectacular scenery with cascading waterfalls tumbling into the river, beautiful forest views and sheer rock gorges clad in native bush. Ideal for families or those looking for a more relaxed rafting adventure, the Lower Rangitaiki Scenic trip offers gentle rolling rapids that never rise abov... |
Rotorua Maori Hangi Dinner and Performance
Sightseeing
Rotorua |  When visiting New Zealand you should experience at least one Maori Performance and together with the tradional Hangi dinner this is a good choice. You will travel by coach to Tamaki Maori Village where your local guide will escort you on a cultural journey to the 'marae' (Maori village). He will i... |
White Island Volcano Adventure
Helicopter
Rotorua | Upon your arrival at their office located at the Whakatane Airport, you will be greeted by their friendly team of staff and pilots who will provide you with the information needed to ensure your flight and experience with Vulcan Helicopters is unforgettable and a highlight of your visit to New Zeala... |
Rangitaiki Rafting - Grade 3 - 4
White Water Rafting
Rotorua |  Combine spectacular scenery and great rapids for an awesome whitewater rafting adventure. From the buzz of 'Geoff's Joy', a torrent of Whitewater, to stunning native and plantation forest, the Rangitaiki River has it all!
The Rangitaiki Whitewater rafting experience is a great way to spend the day,... |
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Northern Explorer
12 days |  The Northern Explorer tour introduces travellers to the major attractions and scenery in the North Island, and with 12 days and two and three night stops there is plenty of time to enjoy this trip at a relaxing pace. After arriving in Auckland and your first night, you travel to Omapere to see the ... |
Best of New Zealand
17 days |  On arrival in Auckland you will meet your Tour director and fellow travellers for a welcome drink. From there you will travel to the beautiful Bay of Islands for two nights. Take a scenic cruise through game fishing waters to Cape Brett and weather permitting, through the famous ‘Hole in the Rock’... |
Great Northerner
8 days |  After arriving in Auckland you will be met and tranferred to your hotel, where you will meet your fellow travellers and Tour Director. Have a wander around this 'city of sails' and maybe choose a harbourside restaurant for dinner. Next you are off to the beautiful Bay of Islands for two days in th... |
Northern Highlights
8 days |  This is a good introduction to the Northern Island of New Zealand and with two, two night stays you won't be feeling rushed. Firstly to Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand and what a delightful city. A sightseeing tour will show you the major attractions and the panoramic view from Mt. Vic... |
Northern Discovery
8 days |  This is a good introduction to the North Island of New Zealand and with two, two night stays you won't feel that you are rushing! Auckland is 'the city of sails' and there is much to see and do here, wander around the harbour and sample some fine seafood or visit the Sky Tower and see it from high ... |
Wonders of New Zealand
17 days |  From the moment you arrive in Christchurch to your departure from Auckland this tour is sure to impress. This tour certainly introduces you to some of the best attractions and sights that New Zealand has to offer. After arriving in Christchurch you travel across the Southern Alps to Punakaiki to s... |
Scenic Sights
12 days |  On this tour of New Zealand there are two, two night stays and one three night stay, therefore travellers will have the feeling of a more leisurely pace. After arriving in Auckland there is time for an afternoon activity, whether you may want to climb the Auckland Bridge, or cruise on Waitemata Har... |
New Zealand Encounter
18 days | This great tour of New Zealand starts in the pretty city of Christchurch where you will meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers. Next day you will catch the TranzAlpine train to Arthu's Pass and cross the amazing Southern Alps. Experience the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes before spending the n... |
Royal New Zealand - 20 Day
20 days |  This is a great tour for those who would like to see the major attractions in New Zealand. After arriving in Auckland and exploring this lovely city you will travel to the beautiful Hokianga and Bay of Island regions before returning and travelling to Rotorua and experiencing the hot pools and the... |
Royal Tourer
18 days | This tour certainly does tick all the boxes for seeing the most well-known attractions in New Zealand and with five two night stays it is more relaxed than other tours. From Auckland to the Bay of Islands, Rotorua to Wellington taking in the geothermal area, the Waitomo Glow-worm caves and the Wait... |
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