Wai-o-tapu Thermal Wonderland: brilliant colour
and the ‘Lady Knox geyser’ are features of this thermal park.
New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute: see
Maori carvers, weavers and sculptors at work, and experience a
cultural performance, as well as geothermal activity.
Hell's Gate Thermal Reserve: located on the
Rotorua-Whakatane Highway: well-known for its violent geothermal
activity. Also enjoy a geothermal mud bath and health spa treatments.
Polynesian Spa: choose from numerous hot mineral
baths in which to soak, unwind and relax.
Whakarewarewa The Thermal Village: Admidst
hot thermal springs, bubbling mud and steaming vents lies a living
Maori village.
Flightseeing
Flightseeing: gain a different perspective
of Rotorua - from the air. Choose an excursion to White Island,
an active volcano, or over the majestic crater of Mt Tarawera,
Waimangu Thermal Valley and the beautiful lakes of Rotorua
Parks & Walking Tracks
Whakarewarewa Forest: visit the giant Californian
redwood trees . With Rotorua becoming well known as a mountain
bike adventure mecca, one of the main activities in the Forest
is mountain biking through a network of trails. Mountain bikes
can be hired and guided trips are available. Other activities
in the forest include running, walking and horse riding.
Mt Tarawera: hike to the top of this majestic
volcano (a day trip). For the more adventurous, enjoy a scree
run down into the crater!
On the Water
Fly fishing and scenic cruising: visitors
are spoilt for choice, with 11 main lakes, a myriad of crystal-clear
streams and four different species of trout to fish for, using
every conceivable legal method known to anglers. Charter a boat,
skippered or self-drive
Boat cruise: board the Lakeland Queen, a traditionally
styled paddlewheel vessel that cruises Lake Rotorua OR select
craft ranging from self-drive pontoons to a luxurious 15 metre/50
foot catamaran that cruises Lake Tarawera with Clearwater Charters
White water rafting: experience the most exciting
river locations, including thrilling rapids on the Rangitaiki
River and New Zealand's highest commercially rafted waterfall
on the Kaituna River
Heritage & Culture
Blue Baths: in this meticulously restored building
visitors can bathe in crystal-clear, thermally heated waters.
A museum in the old changing rooms showcases the building's colourful
past with videos and displays. Dine upstairs in the elegant 1930s
tearooms, with views over the beautifully manicured Government
Gardens.
Te Wairoa: experience a village that was buried
by the 1886 Mt Tarawera eruption and is now on display as an archaeological
site. The museum of Te Wairoa and excavated sites, combined with
natural beauty and wildlife, make a walk through the Buried Village
a unique experience.
Maori culture: discover the customs of the
Maori people at one of the Maori concerts and traditional hangi
meals staged daily or visit a pre-European Maori Village.