Since the early 19th century, tourists have flocked to Rotorua to experience the natural hot springs, hot water beaches, bubbling mud pools and explosive geysers – thermal wonders presented thanks to New Zealand’s location in the “Pacific Ring of Fire”. More than 3 million tourists visit annually for these experiences and it’s clear why!
Yet it’s not just the geothermal wonders that bring tourists here. Māori culture and history infuse Rotorua life. The city, on the shores of Lake Rotorua, is home to Te Arawa iwi, one of New Zealand’s largest Māori tribes, and over a third of Rotorua’s population is Māori. Cultural attractions are bountiful and there’s no other place in New Zealand where you can visit a living Māori village – displaying traditions that have been long-standing for centuries.
Combine this with the endless adventure tourism offerings and you’ve got the ultimate destination. But where to start? What if you’ve only got 24 hours, or are looking for activities for the family? We’ve got you covered. Visit our blogs to learn more about the attractions on offer in Rotorua.
Rotorua for first-timers: No first-time visit to Rotorua would be complete without sampling the smorgasbord of activities on offer. Visit our living Maori village to learn the local history, culture and customs from a locale guide. Get your adrenaline fix by tackling the highest commercially raftable waterfall in the world or exploring 1200m of ziplines with Rotorua Canopy Tours. Spend sunny afternoons walking the lakeside trail of Tikitapu (Blue Lake), or dig your own hot water spa pool at Tarawera. Read more…
Our unique Whakarewarewa history: The Whakarewarewa Valley is an active geothermal area with hot pools, boiling mud and geysers. Maori have lived in the valley for centuries, co-existing with the geothermal forces that lay beneath their feet. Harnessing the energy of the earth for cooking, heating and bathing, they’ve created a unique history that is unlike anywhere else in the world. Learn more about the history of Whakarewarewa.
Natural wonders and rich culture – your Rotorua Bucket List: The warmth of welcome and manaakitanga (hospitality) is something that Maori have been providing visitors to the Rotorua region for well over 150 years. Be welcomed to Rotorua in true local style by experiencing a traditional mihi, witness kapa haka performances and share a hangi (earth-cooked meal). Be mesmerized by the geological forces that have shaped surrounding landscapes, and experience the volcanic craters and lakes that make Rotorua such a special place to visit. This bucket list will ensure you experience the best Rotorua has to offer.
24 hours in Rotorua – The Ultimate Day: We know it’s difficult to fit everything into just a day, but let us show you how to make the most out of 24 hours in Rotorua. Soak up the heat of natural hot springs, immerse yourself in geothermal pools, walk the stunning nature trails before getting a shot of adrenaline with one of the adventure tourism operators.
