About Rotorua
Rotorua is an attractive city in the central North Island, just three hours' drive south of Auckland. It has been voted NZ's most beautiful city five times, in 1999, 2000, 2002, 2006 and 2009.
With regular daily scheduled bus services from all North Island regional centres and direct air services from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, Rotorua is very accessible.
We will also have direct trans-tasman flights to Sydney starting December 12, 2009. You can book all your tickets to or from Rotorua with Air New Zealand here.
So come and explore this diverse and unique region, and discover why people have been drawn
here for more than 150 years.
Visit www.rotoruaNZ.com
to find out more.
Introduction
The city of Rotorua is nestled on the shores of Lake Rotorua. With a local population of 67,000 the city is the gateway to a 2,700 sq km region packed with some of the most unique, diverse and exciting landscapes and activities in the world.
With a well established tourism industry Rotorua has every amenity to suit travellers from all corners of the globe. Choose from world-class luxury lodges, spacious hotels, quality motels & apartments and clean and comfortable budget accommodation. The region is a year-round destination with something to keep every visitor happy.
Lakes & forest
No one should visit Rotorua without discovering the beauty of the surrounding lakes and forests. With 11 pristine freshwater lakes close to the city to, there are aquatic options galore for all visitors. Whether it be water sports, lake cruising, sailing, fishing for trout or simply swimming in crystal-clear water during summer, no visit to Rotorua would be complete without a lakes experience. Untouched native forests surround many of the lakes, offering plenty of walking trails on which visitors can discover the beauty of New Zealand's unique flora and fauna. A highlight for many visitors is the 100-year-old Redwood forest on the city's boundary that houses a diverse network of mountain bike and walking trails.
Adventure activities
Rotorua's diverse range of adventure activities has put it on the map as a adventure destination. It is home to many world firsts including the Zorb, luge and Shweeb, as well as the world's highest commercially rafted waterfall. The list of adventure and excitement in Rotorua is endless.
From jet boating to whitewater sledging, skydiving to bungy jumping, four-wheel driving to horse trekking, quad biking to mountain biking, Rotorua really has something adventurous for everyone.
Maori culture
Rotorua has long been the home of Maori culture. The Arawa people of Rotorua were New Zealand's first visitor guides, leading the way to the natural wonders of the region that have been part of their home for more than 600 years.
Today, opportunities to come face to face with the descendants of these people abound in Rotorua. Enjoy cultural performances, taste indigenous flavours and experience guided tours on which you can immerse yourself in the fascinating Maori culture. There are some amazing experiences to be had that will remain with you long after you leave the region.
Geo-thermal activity
With steam rising up through vents in the earth, mud bubbling in central city parks and the distinctive smell of sulphur in the air, Rotorua's welcome to visitors is certainly unique.
Geo-thermal parks are located around the region, boasting magnificent geysers, stunning mineral-enriched steaming pools and exploding mud craters. View this unique environment on foot or from the air. Feel the thrill of landing on an active marine volcano or get a bird's eye view of the crater of Mt Tarawera, the eruption of which devastated the region in 1886.
Wellness and Spa
Rotorua's natural waters and mud treatments have long been a draw card for people looking for a relaxing break or an alternative treatment for aching bodies.
The thermally heated mineral pools provide an ideal environment for people wanting time out to relax. There are ample spa and massage therapies on offer, so it's hard to go past Rotorua.
Rotorua DVD
Our destinational videos showcase the Rotorua region's vast array of natural assets, including geothermal activity, spa facilities, Maori culture, 16 lakes and pristine wilderness areas. Add to this a huge range of man-made attractions, activities and adventure options, and it's easy to see why Rotorua offers the essence of New Zealand all in one place. « First
