Sign in with Facebook"Rotorua!" Top 5 Page for this destination Rotorua by allikat
Rotorua Travel Guide: 474 reviews and 1,182 photos
Rotorua ~ what a great place! I have visited a couple of times now, only managing to spend a couple of days here each time, and with so much to see, do and experience here, it is going to take me several more visits to fit it all in (so I have a great excuse to keep going back!). My advice is to plan your visit well, and make the most of your time ~ you wont regret it.
Located about 3 hours or so by car from Auckland, Rotorua is the geothermal heart of New Zealands North Island. Famous for its naturally occuring hot springs, bubbling mud pools and geysers, as well as its beautiful lakes and rich Maori heritage ~ the Maori culture here is very much alive and kicking and ready to be experienced.
Of course, the other thing that Rotorua is known for is the strong smell of sulphur that hangs in the air ~ if you have never experienced this smell, think of rotten eggs and you will have a fairly good idea! This is a result of all the geothermal activity in the area, Lake Rotorua is, after all, a massive volcanic crater!
New Zealanders will sometimes refer to Rotorua as 'Rottenrua" because of the eggy whiffs! Don't, please, let the smell put you off. After a short while, you will be unlikely to still be noticing it, and it is not as unpleasant as you might imagine. Go on ~ deep breaths!
In addition to the culture and the geothermal attractions, Rotorua is also big on adventure activities.
The Agrodome, as well as farm tours and sheep shearing shows, has an adventure park where you can bungee, swoop, jet boat, experience a simulated skydive, or go Zorbing (the picture here shows a zorb rolling down hill, with someone sloshing around inside!). Zorbing is brilliant fun!
Several companies offer scenic helicopter flights, not just over the Rotorua area, but going as far afield as White Island, an active marine volcano out in the Bay of Plenty.
There are lots of opportunities for activities out on the lake itself, including water skiing, fishing charters, dinner cruises or maybe you fancy a real skydive?
The town itself has a great selection of shops, bars and cafes.
If it's a quieter time that you're after, no problem, go enjoy a soak at one of the superb local spas, enjoy some trout fishing,or enjoy a walk in the nearby Redwood forest.
- Pros:Heaps to do, see and experience, some beautiful scenery!
- Cons:Very popular place, hence it can get very busy - they don't call it Rotovegas for nothing!
- In a nutshell:An essential part of your New Zealand experience!
Reviews (19)
Kuirau Park
Things to Do
(8)
It makes sense that if Rotoruas main attraction is its natural geothermal wonders, then to see the steam and geysers and... more travel advice
The Agrodome Sheep Show and Farm Tour
Things to Do
(8)
What a great day we had at the Agrodome! We arrived in time for their 9.30am World Famous Sheep Show and followed that... more travel advice
Stunning views from Aorangi Peak
Restaurants
(5)
Aorangi Peak is perched on the side of Rotoruas Mount Ngonotaha, and at 2,000 feet above sea level it gives you enjoy... more travel advice
Allicanzorb!!!!!
Things to Do
(8)
Next to Rotoruas Agrodome, is an adventure park where you can bungee, jet boat and swoop your day away. You can also go... more travel advice
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Rotorua Travel Guide
Member Travel Pages
- "Rotorua"
- "Rotorua!"
- "Welcome to Roto-Vegas!"
- "Clean Steam - Smell Hell - Culture Capital"
- "Rotorua, main tourist attraction in North Island."
- "Maori Culture"
- "Rotorua: between sulphur smell and maori culture"
- See All...
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- 19 Reviews
- 41 Photos
- 3 Forum posts
- 27 Comments
- 9,122PageViews
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BeachesLatest Rotorua hotel reviews
- Holiday Inn Rotorua
- 157 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Jun 18, 2013 - Duxton Hotel Okawa Bay Rotorua
- 48 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Nov 5, 2012 - Ventura Inn and Suites Rotorua
- 95 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Jun 2, 2013 - Golden Glow Motel
- 23 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Apr 21, 2013 - Silver Fern Resort Rotorua
- 315 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Jun 18, 2013 - Regal Palms 5 Star City Resort Rotorua
- 169 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Jun 15, 2013 - Heywoods Motor Lodge Rotorua
- 148 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Jun 12, 2013 - Novotel Royal Lakeside Rotorua
- 756 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Jun 17, 2013 - YHA Treks Backpackers
- 104 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Jun 18, 2013 - Princes Gate Hotel Rotorua
- 239 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Jun 4, 2013 - Pineland Motor Lodge Rotorua
- 4 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Aug 12, 2011 - Hotel Ibis Rotorua
- 341 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Jun 17, 2013 - Wyndham Rotorua
- 34 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Jun 5, 2013 - Malfroy Motor Lodge
- 291 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Jun 10, 2013
Comments (24)
I learned about this area from our TV wherethey featured luxury stay and many things to see. What a great cover picture you have, and the comments are in such detail that I understand more that the TV show.
zorbing ? are you barking mad woman ?
Woah - who said NZ in MAY? Sorry - 4 weeks fully occupied by Australia. I DO however have an NZ trip in mind for late January/February 2009. Early planning stages though. Gillybob greetings
Very few people know, but New Zealand is one of the most beautiful countries on Earth!:)
Sshhh! I am working at the local Burger King but lets keep this under raps. You think the Spears/Hiton stories were boring and big..You ain't seen nuthin yet..For those about to rock!!
Rotorua looks so relaxing! Great restaurant tips also.
Wairoa reminds me of Liard Hotsprings in B.C. Lush growth all around. I'll put it on my itinerary. As for Zorbing....I plan to try it! :o))
I've discovered that I'm completely obsessed with ZORB!
your pages are really helping me to make my mind about NZ I will try the "New ZORBing"
ZORB!!!!! YESS!!!!! Next time the Zorbmeister visits we'll have a VT Meet there - I'll be the photographer hahahahha xoxoxoxox