Rotorua: A Jewel of New Zealand Tourism
Rotorua is a real Jewel in New Zealand’s tourist crown.
Not only was it the first government sponsored tourist destination in New Zealand, but it also stands out as a must see by world standards.
Rotorua is in the central North Island, beside Lake Rotorua and built over a very active geothermal area.
Geothermal Wonders and History
In the mid eighteen hundreds the Government of New Zealand considered Rotorua as the biggest tourist attraction New Zealand could offer, with the then – famous Pink and White Terraces considered the eighth wonder of the world.
With the natural Geothermal activity offering the therapeutic relaxation natural hot water springs provided and the growing use of spas completing the perfect attraction for visitors to our scenic country.
With the eruption of Mount Tawera in 1886 and the subsequent loss of those famous Pink and White Terraces, the then Government chose to invest more money into spa facilities and in 1909 the Rotorua bath house was opened.
Over the years since that early investment, Rotorua has developed to provide a smorgasbord of activities to fulfil everybody’s need for a memorable experience.
It is not uncommon to see natural steam escaping from the ground and is often used for home heating in the town’s homes.
Rotorua offers the natural beauty and the huge power that can only be offered up by nature and being there is something very special.
Māori Heritage and Culture
Without doubt it is one of the best locations to view New Zealand’s proud Māori heritage.
Our Māori heritage is understood to have started as early as 1200 AD when the Māori first discovered our Land.
The first Māori arrived in Rotorua in the 1400 AD and were the Te Arawa Iwi, who set up their home beside Lake Rotorua.
Māori history and culture in Rotorua are some of the oldest in New Zealand and is presented to the visitor in many ways including cultural shows, traditional Hangi, village tours and museums.
For the very best way to experience some of this history, the likes of Te Puia Māori Cultural Centre offers not only geysers, Māori culture and carvings but also it is one of the few locations to view our native Kiwi bird that is the national symbol of New Zealand.
The Kiwi bird is a very private nocturnal creature that even some New Zealanders have not been able to see.
Adventure and Family-Friendly Attractions
Of course, Rotorua also offers the adventurist the opportunity to explore some of the 18 lakes, the many walking and hiking tracks and mountain biking tracks.
For a more leisurely experience visit the Sheep World attraction with a guided tour for a farm experience including a display of trained sheep or maybe a scenic helicopter / seaplane flight.
A visit to the outstanding non-native Redwood Tree Walk, which is a truly amazing experience.
For the more adventurous traveler, a trip to the Rotorua Skyline Gondola taking you up to the outstanding view over Rotorua and the Lake.
While you are there you can experience the Zip Line or Luge that is for the adrenalin junky.
Of course, a visit to these classic experiences that New Zealand invented, bungy jumping, jet boating, river rafting and the Zorb, all these activities will test all your nerves.
Planning Your Visit
Rotorua offers the perfect one-day travel experience, not forgetting the cross-country travel to get there, where you will have the chance to view some of the most beautiful and diverse scenery in the world along the way.
The journey itself is a memorable part of your trip, filled with stunning landscapes that showcase New Zealand’s natural beauty. Once you arrive, whether you prefer thrilling adventures, peaceful relaxation, or immersing yourself in rich cultural experiences, Rotorua has it all.
