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Spectacular, yet budget-friendly destination!
Resorts in Rotorua
Action-packed destination full of Maori culture!
About Rotorua
Situated just 140 miles southeast of Auckland, Rotorua takes its name from the Lakes of Rotorua, a collection of several lakes surrounding Rotorua. The town attracts both domestic and international travellers – as many as 3.3 billion every year. Thanks to its geological location, Rotorua has been one of the most unique tourist destinations in the world for the last two centuries. It is situated on a volcanic plateau that covers a large part of the Central North Island in the country. Geothermal activities lead to a variety of landscapes including hot springs, bubbly cauldron-like mud pools, and mineral-water pools. As many as 15 lakes surrounding Rotorua are famous for trout fishing.
The volcanic-shaped wonderland also offers spectacular Redwood forests, an array of beautiful lakes, abundant native flora and fauna, and rich cultural experiences. Getting around in Rotorua is easy as it has a comprehensive public transport system. Visitors can walk or rent a bike as the region has a mild temperate climate. The maximum average temperature ranges between 54 in July and 73 in January-February and the minimum average temperature ranges between 38 in July and 58 in January-February. The town is well connected to the rest of the country through a network of road, rail and air links. The city is only about three hours’ drive from Auckland and four hours’ drive from Wellington. To move around in the city, take a bus, hire a car or buy an all-day pass of the city shuttle service.
Culture & History
Rotorua has been a home of the Te Arawa, one of New Zealand’s largest Māori tribes, who settled along the geothermal areas over 650 years ago. One of the popular stories about the discovery of Rotorua is that the place was discovered when Ihenga, a Māori leader, was hunting food for his pregnant wife and his dog followed a kiwi bird. As the dog came back with mud on his coat and a fish, Ihenga found out that there was water around so he explored the Lakes of Rotorua.
The town’s deep connection with Maori culture is manifested in the fact that its name comes from Maori. ‘Roto’ means lake, ‘rua’ means two, and Rotorua, therefore, means ‘Second lake’. In the early 1880s, the town was given a status of “special town district” in order to promote it as a spa destination for tourists. Soon, a massive volcanic eruption from Mount Tarawera destroyed a village, known as ‘The Buried Village’, killing more than 150 people. However, survivors of the eruption shifted to Whakarewarewa Thermal Village and made it a major tourist attraction within a few years. ‘The Buried Village’ is now a tourist attraction. Another historic delight is a splendid Elizabethan-style bathhouse that was built in 1908. With a big staircase, a luxurious treatment facility, and water supplied from nearby thermal springs, the luxurious bathroom was well-known for treating chronic disorders. However, the baths closed in 1966 and now houses the Rotorua Museum of Art and History.
Interestingly, the local tribes have always guided the tourists and mingled well with them. Did you know that local Maori in Rotorua have been sharing their culture, history, music, art, language and even their homes with tourists for well over 200 years? A visit to Mitai Māori village is perfect to watch the weaponry demonstrations, haka performances, poi dances, preparation of a hangi feast, and an authentic battle by Māori warriors. The New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, wherein visitors can learn traditional Maori weaving and wood carving, is also a popular attraction.
Things to Do
Geothermal activities make Rotorua a fascinating place. Take a dip in hot springs or bubbling mud pools. One can stop off at one of the free-of-cost hot pool spots between Taupo and Rotorua. For luxurious experiences, book any spa resorts or luxury lodges to enjoy a relaxing spa and sauna with a cocktail by a mineral spring. Visit the magnificent Redwood forest of Whakarewarewa to enjoy adventure activities such as mountain biking, hiking and trekking. The Redwoods treewalk canopy, which is a walkway built between the trunks of the redwood trees is one of the popular tourist attractions. For those craving the adrenaline rush, white water rafting in the Kaituna River, ziplining through an incredible network of forest trails over Whakarewarewa, and bungy jumping over Lake Rotorua are must. Rotorua also has a lot to offer to history buffs.
Visit beautiful Government Gardens in Waahi Tapu, made on war burial grounds. Explore the history and culture of the Te Arawa tribes at Rotorua museum and art gallery located in Government Gardens near the city centre. A two-hour guided tour to the Hobbiton movie set, allows you to step into the lush pastures, as seen in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Check out Hobbit holes, the Green Dragon Inn, the Party Tree, the Mill and other edifices from the movies. The set also offers picturesque views across to the Kaimai Ranges from the rolling green hills of the movie set, which is still a working sheep and beef farm. Take a journey back in time by visiting Mitai Maori village where every night is marked with singing, dancing and a traditional ‘Hangi’ feast. Hangi is a popular Maori feast, cooked in an underground oven. The typical smoky earthy flavour of Hangi goes well with local Waina (wine). To enjoy other Maori delicacies, visit the night food market on Tutanekai street.
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