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Rotorua Information

Rotorua - Thermal Activity & Spas

Nestled beside the lake of the same name, Rotorua is popular with those who wish to sample the sulphuric delights of the city's geothermal activity. Geysers and mud pools form the foundations of tourism here, thanks to the Caldera (dormant volcano) upon which Rotorua sits. Don't be put off by the pungent aroma that permeates the air here –  a result of the hydrogen sulphide emanating from the tightly-packed sulphur deposits inherent in the area. 

Situated in the heart of the North Island, 230km southeast of Auckland, Rotorua revels in its status as 'spa capital' of New Zealand; people come from far and wide just to take a dip in the waters in one of the many 'wellness centres'. 

It's not all lazing about, though. Lake Rotorua is the epicentre of a hive of aquatic activity, and often hosts major championships in sports such as sailing and windsurfing. Nearby Whakarewarewa Forest gives mountain bikers and walkers the chance to explore some of the best trails in New Zealand, whilst Rotorua city itself, is rich in history, with the architecture of the main streets warranting a closer look. Some of the hotels here are even powered by the thermal energy harnessed from the hot springs and geysers – and don't be surprised if, during a relaxing round of golf, your drive is disturbed by walls of steam rising from the ground.

 

Geothermal Activity

The most popular reason for coming to Rotorua, is to witness first-hand the extraordinary, natural phenomenon of geothermal activity. Steaming geysers, bubbling mud pools and ledges of colourful silica litter the landscape surrounding the city.  Recommended visits include: 
 
- Pohutu Geyser in Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley - where scalding water shoots 30 metres into the sky 
- Tikitere (or 'Hell's Gate') – site of the Southern Hemisphere's largest hot waterfall. 
- Wai-O-Tapu – home to technicolour hot springs and the Lady Knox Geyser 
- The Waimangu Geyser – the most powerful geyser in the world 
 
Adventure Activities
 
Rotorua has a well-developed sense of adventure. You’ll love the chance to roll downhill in a Zorb (giant, inflatable ball) or ride the luge. Maybe speed across the lake in a jet boat, or go racing on the Schweeb monorail track – the first in New Zealand. Very fit thrill-seekers can 'enjoy' a scree run down into the crater of Mount Tarawera, or go one better with a skydive over the city, for views of Mount Ruapehu and White Island that you just won't get anywhere else.
 
River & Lake Activities
 
On the water, there are plenty of ways to get the most out of Rotorua; ranging from sedate, pleasant river excursions, to real edge-of-the-seat stuff:
  • Rafting on the Grade 5 Kaituna River, where the dizzy heights of the Tutea Falls await you (if you're brave enough....).  
  • Speed along the Waikato River in a Hamilton jet boat, exploring the geothermal valley of Orakei Korako.
  • Hire a guide to take you fly-fishing; Rotorua has 15 lakes, countless streams, and four different species of trout to catch for dinner. 
  • Cruise Lake Rotorua on the 'Lakeland Queen' - a traditional paddle-boat, and enjoy dinner on deck. 
  • Take a 50-ft catamaran out on Lake Tarawera. 
Wellness & Spa
 
After all that activity, you'll be wanting to take an indulgent soak in a thermal pool, treat your skin to a mud wrap, or get a massage to rub away the day. Whatever your body is crying out for, Rotorua's spas will be happy to provide it. Mud treatments are sourced from the local mud pools, and well-trained Maori masseurs will have you feeling rejuvenated in no time. Take pampering to the max, and make the most of the area's natural assets – most Rotorua hotels offer amazing packages to make sure your time in Rotorua is as relaxing as possible. 
 
Maori Cultural Experience
 
Rotorua is the place to experience a live Maori show. Most hotels and a number of smaller, family operators, will treat you to an evening of song, dance, haka, hangi (cooking) and humour, all in the traditional Maori way of 'Maoritanga'. 
 
Highlights include:
  • A visit to the Tamaki Maori Village, where you will gain a better understanding of Maori lifestyle and traditions, from pre-European times to the present.
  • Spending a few hours at the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, where many ancient artefacts are preserved. 
  • Taking a trip out to the excavated village of Te Wairoa where you can see what life might have been like before the eruption of Mount Tarawera buried the settlement in 1886.
  • Being entertained at a Maori concert on Mokoia Island in Lake Rotorua. 

Five Things To Do

1. Witness the 30-metre water spouts at the Pohutu Geyser 
2. Relax in a rejuvenating thermal pool
3. Throw yourself down a hill in a giant, inflatable Zorb
4. Marvel at the stunning colours of Champagne Pool in Wai-O-Tapu. 
5. Brave the thrilling rapids of the Kaituna River  
 
Rotorua Virtual Tour and Video

Click on 'Select View' to view the different Virtual Tours. Click on 'Select Video' to view our guide video.

 

Getting There

Rotorua is a leisurely 3-hour drive from Auckland and 6 hours from Wellington. Regular coach services also operate from both these cities. 
 
Air passengers can jet in on one of the daily services from Auckland, Wellington, Queenstown or Christchurch, and there are also twice-weekly flights from Sydney. Departing passengers on domestic flights are required to pay an Airport Development Levy of NZ$5 prior to boarding their flights. For those flying to Sydney, the charge is NZ$25 (as of March 2011).

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