| Page Views: 5,349 Last Visit to Rotorua: February, 2000 | Keeweechic's Rotorua by keeweechic - last update: Aug 1, 2006 |
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) |
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| Pros: | "Rich in Culture" | | Cons: | "'Smelly'" |
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Comments for keeweechic about Rotorua | | | | |
chewy3326 Sun Feb 26, 2006 23:04 UTC The geysers and hot springs look impressive! Nice page and description of the Maori... Rotorua sounds like a great place | ATXtraveler Wed Aug 10, 2005 12:46 UTC I did want to jump in the mud pools! It must be the rugger in me! | DaDrifter Tue Jul 5, 2005 17:26 UTC 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 Tue Apr 5, 2005 22:21 UTC 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. |
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