Voted New Zealand’s Most Beautiful City in 1999, 2000 and 2002, Rotorua’s striking gardens, cobbled streets and fascinating mix of Maori and English Tudor architecture give the city a significant point of difference. The beautiful tudor style Museum above is a focal point, so close to the lake.

Beyond the urban centre, a backdrop of geothermal steam, volcanic mountains and huge crater lakes remind you that this region rests immediately above the Pacific Ring of Fire.

Beneath Rotorua, the forces that have shaped the landscape are still at work. Over millions of years, volcanic action has created mountains, lakes and large areas of geothermal activity.

Geothermal phenomena

From the moment you arrive, the scent of sulphur tells you that Rotorua is different.

Steam escapes from crevices in the ground, gardens bloom alongside bubbling craters and geysers shoot for the sky.

There are several thermal parks in Rotorua, like Wai-o-tapu with the Champagne Pools & Artists Palette, and Te Puia with the grand geysers.

Spa therapy

160 years after the first Europeans arrived to ‘spa’ in Rotorua, visitors are still enjoying the therapeutic properties of the geothermal resources.

Mineral pools, mud wraps and massage will leave you feeling rejuvenated.

Maori spirit

In Rotorua’s geothermal villages, the tradition of guiding and sharing cultural heritage has been passed down through the generations. You'll find it expressed with true warmth and energy.

“Rotorua - feel the spirit – Manaakitanga”. It’s our catchcry ...and it holds a pretty powerful promise as well as an invitation to experience the essence of our extraordinary slice of New Zealand.

A deep-rooted Maori cultural shows in the many cultural shows on offer, either in the thermal parks or even at the hotel. Haunting songs and stiring warior dances are unique in the world.

Attractions

Besides the thermal parks other attractions include:

Rainbow Springs showcases giant Rainbow Trout in a rainforest environment. Paradise Valley is a wildlife & nature park.

Agrodome Farm presents sheep sheering in an entertaining, if even comical, but scientific light.

The Gondola takes you up the hill, and the Luge takes you down again.

Then there's white water rafting, jet boating and Monster Jeeps...

But the newest attraction is "Zorbing"'; or the art of rolling downhill inside a giant, plastic ball.