Situated over the Taupo Volcanic Zone, the Rotorua region is a geothermal hot spot. In fact, the city of Rotorua was built in the crater of a collapsed volcano, and Lake Rotorua is composed of rainwater collected in the caldera. The distinctly unpleasant scent of sulfur impregnates the air, but that hasn’t stopped tourists from enjoying the area’s fascinating features: lively geysers, silica terraces, hot springs, and boiling mud pools.
Rotorua is also a stronghold of the Maori, New Zealand's indigenous culture. Unfortunately, for all its geological and cultural delights, Rotorua is unabashedly touristy and expensive, bordering on exploitative. But for travelers with more money than time, Rotorua delivers New Zealand’s best – stunning nature, Maori culture, and adventure tourism - in one overpriced package.
Rotorua’s Geothermal Attractions
Perhaps nowhere else is the region’s beauty easier to appreciate than at Wai-O-Tapu ('Sacred Waters' in Maori). The self-proclaimed Thermal Wonderland contains craters, steam vents, and multi-colored mineral pools with names like Artist’s Palette and Champagne Pool. A well-marked walkway accompanied by a descriptive map leads visitors around the park. (Open daily, 8:30am-5:00pm, last entry 3:45pm; 30-75 minutes; $30.) * A trip to Wai-O-Tapu typically includes a stop at the Lady Knox Geyser, which is set off daily at 10:15am.
Another way to soak up the area’s thermal treasures is by relaxing in the therapeutic Polynesian Spas, voted a World Top Ten Spa by readers of Condé Nast Traveller magazine. Overlooking Lake Rotorua, the complex offers spa therapies and has 26 hot mineral spring pools. (Lakefront, Hinemoa St.; open daily, 8am-11pm, last entry 10:15pm; Spa therapies 9am-8pm; $13-40.)
Maori Culture and Tradition in Rotorua
Ancestors of the Maori people first settled in the Rotorua region in the 14th century. Today, about a third of Rotorua’s population is Maori. Here their history and customs are preserved, practiced, and put on display for tourists.
Learn about the Maori way of life by taking an informative, guided tour of Whakarewarewa, a living thermal village. There are also twice daily cultural performances featuring traditional and modern songs and dance (11:15am, 2pm). Two geysers, Pohutu and Prince of Wales’ Feathers, erupt naturally throughout the day. (Open daily 8:30am-5pm; $25 tour & concert.) Another popular Maori cultural experience is an evening concert with full hangi (earth oven) dinner.
Other Rotorua Activities and Attractions
Not to be missed is the Rotorua Museum of Art and History, which occupies the former Bath House (an Edwardian building opened in 1908) and is situated in the lovely Government Gardens (built in the 1890s). Highlights include a collection of sculptures by Australian artist Charles Francis Summers, as well as exhibits on the Rotorua spa, the Maori heritage, and the June 10, 1886 eruption of Mt. Tarawera. The roof provides wonderful views of the city and lake. (Open daily 9am-5pm/8pm, winter/summer; $12.)
Comparing Rotorua to Queenstown is inevitable, as both are tourist magnets that specialize in extreme sports. Skyline Skyrides (gondola and luge) and NZONE (tandem skydive) operate in both cities. However, unique to Rotorua is the Agrodome, a 160-hectare working sheep and cattle farm, which caters to thrill-seekers (9.5 km from the Rotorua city center; open daily 8:30am-5pm). Bungy, Freefall Xtreme, and Zorbing (a Kiwi invention involving rolling downhill in an 11-foot high inflatable, transparent sphere) are all available. For the budget conscious, there are also a number of free things to do in Rotorua.
For additional information, transportation, and bookings, visit the Rotorua i-SITE (1167 Fenton St., open daily 8am-6pm).
* All prices listed in New Zealand dollars
** Prices and schedules subject to change
Amy Goldstein - Amy was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan but her current hometown is Wellington, New Zealand. After earning a B.A. in Economics and ...
