Rotorua, this is a place situated in New Zealand, about 2 hours drive from south Auckland. Rotorua is an exciting city, with an immense portrayal of history, tradition and culture. Its popular tourist attractions and dare daring activities provide an endless amount of satisfaction for the tourist visiting the heart of our country. Surrounded by the unmistakable smell of bubbling sulphuric geysers, Rotorua is a hydrothermal experience of a lifetime.
If you are moving from Auckland to Rotorua, it is best to book local tourist buses which will not only take you to Rotorua, but also will stop at the visiting places based in Rotorua but which are far from the city area. Rotorua is the place to see active and dormant volcanoes.
Infact, there are many such thermal parks to look out for. Rotorua also comprises much of the old citizens - The Maoris. Maori History, the amazing discovery of Rotorua occurred in the 14th century, the founder being a Maori explorer named Ihenga. Arrivals of the first Maori inhabitants came shortly after, previously transported by canoe from Hawaiki (the legendary home of all Maori in Eastern Polynesia).
The settlers had a great involvement in the early construction of villages and made use of the thermal areas for boiling water. This natural resource successfully aided them in the use of cooking and warmth for houses, eliminating the dependence of fire. Today urban Rotorua is constructed around these sites.
The region is made up of four main thermal areas: Whakarewarewa, Waimangu, Wai-o-tapu and Hell?s gate.The lively Pohutu geyser at Whakarewarewa offers spectacular views with eruptions occurring approximately twenty times per day, while the Waimangu Volcanic Valley is renowned for its stunning blue steaming waters and famous walls of the Inferno Crater.
The most colourful of the volcanic areas is Waiotapu, featuring ochre-coloured waters of the Champagne Pool and the unique cascade of mineral water and terraced silica formations of the Bridal Veil Falls. Popular highlights of the area include the daily eruption of Lady Knox Geyser and the largest remarkably formed terraces of the Southern Hemisphere, the Primrose Terraces.
Hells Gate, the last of the main thermal areas, offers rest and relaxation with the convenient location of soothing thermal hot pools. Whakarewarewa Forest Park and vast Kaingaroa Forest add to the area’s scenic appeal, offering walking and mountainbiking tracks. The many beautiful lakes surrounding Rotorua - 14 of them - provide excellent trout fishing and boating, while the adventurous can try their hand at whitewater rafting, luging, tandem skydiving, quad and mountainbiking, jetboating and bungy jumping. Numerous other attractions include trout springs, farm shows, gondola and luge rides and hot pools.
Tamaki Maori Village is built on pre-European design and show-cases authentic arts and crafts from the local people. Explore the Museum, or take a guided tour through the Te Tawa Ngahere Pa.
Skyline Skyrides - A gondola ride to the Skyline Restaurant, providing panoramic views of Lake Rotorua. Other attractions include downhill mountain biking, scenic and advanced luge tracks , a shooting gallery , mini-golf and a gift shop.
Rainbow Springs - A showcase of New Zealand’s flora and fauna, including a trout hatchery and a native bird aviary that houses the kiwis. The Rainbow Farm Show offers a hands-on insight into New Zealand farming.
Rotorua Agrodome - Here you can see farm shows, plus the opportunity to shear a sheep, roll down a hill inside a zorb (a plastic orb), ride the agro-jet sprint boat or even do a bungy.
Food and Cuisine - Rotorua specialises in a wide range of cuisine to cater for all temptations. Varieties include a range of inexpensive bar meals and snacks, ethnic cuisine, popular takeaway outlets, fine restaurant dining and the traditional Maori feast (hangi), which provides a delightful mouth watering sensation.
So, the next time you feel like having an adventourous holiday, go in for New Zealand, and ofcourse, don’t miss out Rotorua.