"Keeweechic's Rotorua" Rotorua by keeweechic


Rotorua Travel Guide: 545 reviews and 1,148 photos

Rotorua is in the heart of New Zealand's most active thermal region and sits on the Volcanic Plateau 300 metres above sea level. From the moment you arrive, you know you are somewhere different just from the strong smell of sulphur in the air.

Most attractions are based around its two greatest assets - geothermal features and the 16 lakes in the area.

The many volcanic based attractions include:

Whakarewarewa, Waimangu, Waiotapu, Kuirau Park, Hells Gate Thermal Reserves
Rainbow Springs, Paradise Valley Springs, Hamurana and Golden Springs, Waikite Hot Pools and the Buried Village.
Mount Tarawera, Mount Ngongotaha and Rainbow Mountain.

The eleven major lakes:

Rotorua, Rotoiti, Rotoehu, Rotoma, Okataina, Okareka, Blue (Tikitapu), Green (Rotokakahi), Tarawera, Rotomahana, and Rerewhakaaitu; and a host of minor ones.

Rotorua is the heart of Maori Culture Rotorua is also one of the countries best fishing areas. It has been twice voted the most beautiful city in New Zealand (2000 & 2001).

My family used to visit Rotorua regularly when I was young. An uncle of mine owned a motel just out of Rotorua at Ngongataha. My earliest recollection of the area was the strong smell of sulphur, I used to walk around holding my nose for the first hour until I got used to it. It was was far stronger back then than it is today. The other thing I remember is of Whakarewarewa (Thermal Park) and of the young Maori boys jumping into the river to retrieve the coins visitors would throw... they still do that today.

More in my Travelogues

Location in the North Island

Photos which are taken by myself and all headings are copyright and digitally marked. Please do not use them without permission. Thanks.© keeweechic 2001 -2006 (copyright)

Pros and Cons
  • Pros:Rich in Culture
  • Cons:'Smelly'
  • Last visit to Rotorua: Feb 2000
  • Intro Updated Aug 1, 2006
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Reviews (24)

Comments (23)

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  • chewy3326's Profile Photo
    chewy3326 Feb 26, 2006 at 3:04 PM Report Abuse

    The geysers and hot springs look impressive! Nice page and description of the Maori... Rotorua sounds like a great place

  • ATXtraveler's Profile Photo
    ATXtraveler Aug 10, 2005 at 4:46 AM Report Abuse

    I did want to jump in the mud pools! It must be the rugger in me!

  • DaDrifter's Profile Photo
    DaDrifter Jul 5, 2005 at 9:26 AM Report Abuse

    Wonderful insight into the Maori world ... this place looks quite unreal. Corn cooked in a steaming pool and the Maori Hangi sound simply divine.

  • Toyin's Profile Photo
    Toyin Apr 5, 2005 at 2:21 PM Report Abuse

    Now I know why you adopt that name,..this primitive birds are so lovely. It is amazing to know they lay such a huge egg, relative to their body weight!Thanks for sharing.

  • frankcanfly's Profile Photo
    frankcanfly Feb 11, 2005 at 10:00 AM Report Abuse

    Yep! that's it! I just can't see it all! But I had to ZORB! I'm sure I'll get back for a better look....

  • hunterV's Profile Photo
    hunterV Oct 20, 2004 at 10:01 AM Report Abuse

    It is a great dish indeed! A cooking masterpiece! Greetings from the faraway Ukraine!

  • urban4est's Profile Photo
    urban4est Oct 9, 2004 at 9:45 AM Report Abuse

    mmmm... this sounds delicious. Similar to the Hawaiian Imu. I am looking for info on Maori massage, any clues?

  • gkitzmil's Profile Photo
    gkitzmil Mar 25, 2004 at 5:14 AM Report Abuse

    This is part of my dream trip, Kiwi! Thanks for the great pics!! -- Greg

  • belgianchocolate's Profile Photo
    belgianchocolate Feb 27, 2004 at 11:39 AM Report Abuse

    The Kiwi House where you can really see a kiwi must be great. For almost 10 years I'm walking by the one in the Antwerp zoo and didn't even saw a glimpse. :-)

  • Robertvp's Profile Photo
    Robertvp Nov 25, 2003 at 4:08 AM Report Abuse

    Geysers and peka's - a whole new vocabulary !

keeweechic

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