"Roto" means lake & "rua" is two, Rotorua thus meaning 'Second lake'. One third of New Zealand's population is Maori, and Rotorua is a strong hold of Maori culture, arts and crafts. Maori people considered it an honour to share their culture with visitors. See a Maori song & dance performance, enjoy a traditional hangi feast, with food is cooked below the ground, or visit a Maori village to view a wide range of traditionally crafted arts.

Nature's What?
The Rotorua region is fast becoming known as "Nature's Spa" of the South Pacific. Relax with a soak in the healing waters of the geothermal hot springs, indulge in a selection of therapeutic spa and health-massage therapies, or a rejuvenating dip in a natural mud bath. Rotorua also has a nickname "Sulphur City", because of the hydrogen sulphide emissions, which gives the city a "rotten eggs" smell.

Rotorua's Record Breaking

• With 17 lakes, the Rotorua region is an aquatic paradise. Fishing, water skiing, swimming and other water activities are popular in summer. The lakes are also great event venues; Rotorua hosted the 2007 World Water Ski Championships and the World Blind Sailing Championships in March 2009. Lake Rotorua is also used as a departure and landing point for float planes.
• Rotorua had the world's first luge ride.
• Tuteas Falls is the worlds largest/highest commercially rafted fall; with a 7m drop, on average every fourth boat flips! If you don't want to get wet there is a pleasant 6km walk though the forest where you can see the activities at close hand.
• Jean Batten who broke the England to Australia flight record in 1933, was born in Rotorua (1909).
• Rotorua was a prominent site of skirmishes during the New Zealand Wars of the 1860s. A "special town district" was created in the 1883, in order to promote Rotorua's potential as a spa.

Local Knowledge

The especially pungent smell in the central-east 'Te Ngae' area is due to the dense sulphur deposits located next to the southern boundary of the Government Gardens, in the area known as 'Sulphur Point'.

A cheaper alternative to taking a scenic flight is to take the Amphibious truck from Fenton Street, which does a 90 minute tour of several of the main lakes in the area. All the lakes are stocked with trout and fishing is very popular.

Getting Around

There is an functional but rather limited, bus service. They are lime green in colour and branded "CityRide". The main terminus is on Pukuatua Street and buses visit Ngongotaha (handy for accessing the Skyline, Rainbow Springs and Agrodome attractions), the 'Polytech' and the airport. Most bus services seem to stop operating at about 6pm. There are several taxi companies.

Regional Attractions Accessible From Rotorua

• Rotorua is in the middle of the Taupo Volcanic Zone, which is named after Lake Taupo, the largest volcano in the area. There are four major volcanic calderas, which now contain lakes, and several more recognisable volcanoes in the surrounding area.
• Okere Falls ( and the worlds highest rafted falls at Tuteas) are approximately 20km out of the city. Most of the 14 lakes flow into Rotoiti, which itself heads off to the Bay of Plenty, descending nearly 1000 feet in less than 30km. For this reason it boasts some of the most spectacular white water challenges available.

Best Views

Best Months

The best time to visit Rotorua is definitely summer to take advantage of the water activities.

Clothing

Rotorua has many fascinating, geothermal walks so pack comfortable walking shoes. The other essential is bathers (or "togs" as the locals call them), for soaking in the thermal pools.

Shopping

Maori arts and crafts are for sale in the city centre and at the various attractions. The quality varies from extremely professional contemporary artwork to cheap "nick-nacks". Popular items include puonamu/greenstone (similar to jade) or bone jewellery, traditional weapons and statues. This selection is accompanied by sheepskins and the normal tourist gift ware of t-shirts, caps, mugs and pens plastered with "Rotorua", other words and pictures. More attractive and practical gifts can be found such as simple clothing (jackets, shirts, ties, caps) with abstract maori designs on them.

Other Facts

Telephone Area Code: 07
Population: 67,600 (2005)
Summer Average Maximum Temperature: 24°
Winter Average Maximum Temperature: 13°
Local emergency contact number for all Police, Fire and St John Ambulances: 111

Activities

Day Tours in Rotorua

Rotorua can offer the visitor some great holiday experiences as outlined below:

	Zorbing Zorbing involves people going down a hill inside a giant plastic ball. "Zorbonauts"(6 years & up) roll down the side of a mountain at a maximum speed of 31 mph. There are two ways to Zorb. One is the dry way, where you pretty much roll end over end with the ball. The other is wet "hydro-zorbing."
	The Agrodome The Agrodome is an agricultural park with farm animals and shows describing rural life in New Zealand, past and present. The sheep show and the farm tour are both exceptional! It is also home to the Free fall Experience simulator, the north islands highest bungee jump, a jet boat ride and the ubiquitous Zorb (above). Book with us.
	Te Puia In the Whakarewarewa Valley this includes bubbling mud pools and geysers. Inside there are guided tours of the geothermal areas, the marae, and the kiwi house. A Maori cultural experience with traditional dances and meals are available for an additional charge. Now under construction to become an even more mega attraction. Book with us.
	Whakarewarewa Thermal Village The main competitor to Te Puia is probably less developed and maybe more "authentic" than the next door Te Puia. Set amidst a landscape of erupting geothermal activity, hot thermal springs and hot bubbling mud pools is the Living Maori village of Whakarewarewa situated in Rotorua, the heart of the North Island.
	Rainbow Springs Nature Park Rainbow Springs has beautifully landscaped nature park featuring sculptured ponds with trout fish and gardens including Kiwi birds and other native New Zealand animals and many tours from Relaxing Journeys visit the park.
	The Buried Village The Buried Village is a self-descriptive, the village was swamped with ash by the nearby Mt. Tarawera in the massive 1886 eruption which killed 153 people.
	Polynesian Spa New Zealand's leading international spa, providing a unique thermal spa experience on the shore of Lake Rotorua. In a tranquil setting overlooking Lake Rotorua, visitors can enjoy a wonderful fusion of relaxing hot mineral spring bathing, sumptuous spa therapies, and picturesque lake views.
	The Lakeland Queen The Lakeland Queen is a genuine stern wheel driven paddle steamer designed with the famous Mississippi River Cruisers in mind. We gladly welcome you on board for a scenic cruise, complimented with an international range of mouth-watering cuisine and a fine selection of beverages.
	Mitai An evening at Mitai will give you an authentic introduction to Maori culture leaving you amazed and in awe. Be enthralled by the natural bush setting, see warriors in traditional dress paddle an ancient warrior canoe (waka) down the Wai-o-whiro stream, and don’t miss your only opportunity in the Rotorua area to see glow worms in their natural habitat.
	Maori Concert and Hangi Feast Our nightly Maori Concert is an event not to be missed. After two warriors perform a formal Powhiri (welcome), you will savour a superb feast – an array of genuine Hangi (traditional Maori) dishes, all cooked underground with geothermal steam.

Things to do in Rotorua

This list will assist you in accessing all the natural and man-made visitor attractions and activities that Rotorua has to offer.

	Government Gardens Government Gardens is an immaculate park near the CBD, where there is also the city museum (small entry charge) and the famous Blue Baths. Nearby is the Sportsdrome and one of the many golf courses.
	Motutara (Sulpher Bay) Fantastic walkway starting just beyond the government gardens. The walkway passes through several geothermal hot springs and sulpher vents (the posted warnings to stay on the pathway at all times are no joke.) The bay itself hosts many water birds and other wildlife.
	Whakarewarewa Forest AKA The Redwoods In about 1900 New Zealand began a program of planting imported trees here to see which species grows best in NZ. A 6 hectare grove of majestic redwoods is surrounded by forest with other types of trees. Spectacular walks, mountain bike tracks (over 60km in total) and riding trails. Bikes can be hired from bike shops.
	Gondola & Luge Rides Take the gondola up the mountain, then ride your very own luge down again. Located on the outskirts of town, this gondola ride up Mt. Ngongotaha offers a panoramic view of Rotorua and the surrounding mountains.
	Rotorua Walkway A 26km scenic walkway around Rotorua incorporating most of the above as well as several other parks and sights. Pick up a brochure for a map and explanations from the district council web site.

Activities Outside Rotorua

Rotorua can be used as a base to explore the south of the south island.

	Lake Taupo Taupo is home of Huka Falls with its jetboat rides to the thunderous falls. There is also rapids and bungy jumping to be had. The 'Craters of the Moon' is a walk through an ever changing thermal area.
	Wai-o-tapu Thermal Reserve (Māori for "Sacred Waters") is an active geothermal area 27 kilometres (20 minutes drive) south of Rotorua. The hot springs are noted for their colourful appearance (Champagne Pool), in addition to the impressive Lady Knox Geyser.
	Waitomo Glowworm Caves West leads to Waitomo where the underground caves have long galleries and lofty chambers to view stalactites formed over thousands of years by the constant dripping of water. Take a boat ride through the glowworm grotto that is illuminated by thousands of tiny lights emitted by the glowworms, suspended from the cave ceiling.
	Rangitaiki River White Water Rafting Suitable for anyone who is physically active the trip has mostly grade 3 rapids. Bouncy rapids run through a beautiful river valley with stunning views of native forest. Around 15 minutes of flat water at about the mid point on the trip allows time to relax and even have a swim if you wish.
	Paradise Valley Springs Paradise Valley Springs is a superbly presented wildlife park. Enjoy New Zealand wildlife, Rainbow and Brown Trout, New Zealand birds, friendly farm animals, pure spring water and an elevated Treetops Walk over native New Zealand Bush. Discover The Pride of Paradise - our Lion Pride. Their specially designed enclosure allows visitors to get very close to these wild animals

Diary of Events

Coach Tours Which Include Rotorua

The following fully escorted coach tours are our top 3 which include Rotorua.

Ultimate North Island 10 days in New Zealand's North Island from Auckland to Wellington, via the Bay of Islands, gives varied activities such as a cruise to famous rocky coastal formations, a day with renowned naturalist Kiwi Dundee or his 3 protégées for a walk through fern groves and glow-worm studded gold mine, the thrill of sailing on a 12m yacht on Auckland Harbour, the sights and smells of Rotorua's thermal wonderland, Rainbow Springs Trout Farm, a Maori Hangi, the thunderous Huka Falls, and New Zealand's capital city, Wellington.

Best of New Zealand Fully escorted coach touring to see New Zealand's many seasons from cruising the rugged rocky coastline, Bay of Islands beaches, Maori native culture, glow-worm caves, Rotorua's geysers & hot mud pools, NZ's capital city, Interislander Cruise, fur seals & optional whale watching flight, touring past NZ's highest mountain, alpine scenic lakes, ski capital Rotorua, a tour of an historic castle, cruising on Fiordland past waterfalls & rock seals in Milford Sound, staying near icy glaciers and garden city Bay of Islands- all in 17 days.

Scenic Explorer Tour Comments like 'What a comprehensive tour' are used to describe this 2 week Christchurch to Auckland, guided coach tour with train trips on the TranzAlpine & TranzCoastal trains. All the best activities are included- City tours of Christchurch, Dunedin, Wellington & Auckland, food like the Rotorua Maori Hangi & concert, the Scottish Haggis, the Rotorua cruise/ historic homestead dinner and the Montana Winery visit. Cruise on Milford Sound, the Interislander and underground boat to see the glow-worms. There is a visit to Rotorua's Thermal Reserve, sheep shearing demo, Maori culture show, trip up Auckland's Sky Tower and a Jade Stone Factory. Regions include the West Coast Glaciers, Huka Falls and Mt Cook.

Films Made in this Region

The following films were made in the Rotorua area: Without a Paddle 2004, Crush 1992, White Water Summer 1987, Savage Islands (aka Nate and Hayes) 1983, and Solo 1978.

Eating & Sleeping

Cuisine

In the last decade Rotorua has slowly acquired some nice cafes. Rotorua is sometimes referred to as Roto-Vegas because of the many neon-lit hotels along the main street, the numerous venues for gambling and the few brothels. Strangely though, there isn't much night life to speak of.

Regional Specialties

Rotorua is one of the most common places to try the traditional maori feast, the Hangi. This "earthen oven" technique is similar to the Hawaiian Umu and results in a very distinctive smoky earthy flavour - well worth trying. There are numerous places to try a Hangi around Rotorua.

Accommodation

The following is a selection of the hotels Relaxing Journeys use in our escorted coach tours.

Hotel Ibis Hotel Ibis is a three star property offering 145 fully air-conditioned rooms, in-room safes and commanding lake and hinterland views. The 'i' Restaurant and bar is open for breakfast, lunch and all day refreshments. Dinner guests can utilise the Grab and it Go menu to dine in their room or the restaurant.

Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua Location, location, location best describes Rotorua's largest Hotel, Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua. Set on the shores of beautiful Lake Rotorua, adjacent to the famous Polynesian Spa complex, Government Gardens and only a five-minute stroll to the city centre.

Premium

Millennium Hotel The warm style of the impressive Millennium Hotel invites guests to linger and enjoy timeless surroundings in a world-class environment. Rotorua’s largest 4 star deluxe hotel is perfectly situated in the heart of the city, by the lake front, and adjacent to the famous Polynesian Spa.

Heritage Rotorua The Heritage Rotorua overlooks the renowned Te Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve and Historical Village, which makes it the perfect base for anyone wanting to experience the natural and cultural excitement of this very unique location.