"Keeweechic's Rotorua" a Rotorua Travel Page by keeweechic

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