Rotorua

Rotorua is a unique blend of Maori culture and geothermal activity, making the city one of the most unique places that you will ever visit.

The first inhabitants to the region, the Te Arawa tribe, helped to establish New Zealand’s first tourist destination when they began showing visitors to the Pink and White Terraces, at the time considered the Eighth Wonder of the World, more than 160 years ago. Sadly these were destroyed during a volcano eruption, but there are still many geothermal areas to visit, such as Wai O Tapu, which features the amazing Lady Knox Geyser.

The Maori culture is proudly on show in a number of ways within Rotorua, and the opportunity to learn more about traditional Maori customs as well as being entertained by local history at the Tamaki Maori Village is not to be missed.

Rotorua has lots of opportunities for adventure – it is one of the best places in New Zealand to mountain bike, there is some fantastic horse trekking, skydiving, and a chance to get airborne whilst hurtling down the hill on a luge. If you want to try something different, try bouncing down a hill in a rubber ball (wet or dry) with the Zorb at the Agrodome – it’s guaranteed to make you smile!

While you are in the area, don’t miss the chance to try out some of New Zealand’s best rivers on one of the many rafting adventures nearby – there are a few different levels of excitement to choose from depending on how daring you feel!

For some more sedate pursuits, Rotorua has become a centre for pampering – the Polynesian spa offers massages, body care and even a luxurious mud bath to relax in, refreshing you for your next adventure…