Rotorua

This culturally rich city lies at the heart of NZ's geothermal centre, with hot water splashing and mud bubbling in every direction.

Most accomodation here takes advantage of the hot water and sulphur springs, offering rooms and hotels with private and group hot pools. Visitors can enjoy a skin treatment at one of the beauty spas, or jump into a mud pool for a do-it-yourself treatment.

Geysers are lively features which shoot scalding water into the air and steam seeps from cracks in the ground. There is a lingering hint of sulphur in the air, reminding you that the land here is very much active.

On the 16 scenic lakes close to town you can enjoy the most relaxing or exciting times. Fishing is allowed on 11 of the lakes, and the streams and rivers that feed them. Enthusiasts from around the world come here to land one of the plentiful brown, rainbow and brook trout.

Enjoy Rotorua's free attractions including Butchers Pool, the Redwoods at Whakarewarewa Forest, Sulphur Bay Walkway, Rotorua Arts Trail, a plethora of Maori culture, Government Gardens, St Faith's Church or the crater walks at Rainbow Mountain.

• Wander through the exhibits and grounds of Rotorua Museum of Art and History
• Take tea onboard a paddle-steamer on Lake Rotorua
• Zorb, bungy, agro-jet or ride the swoop at Agrodome Adventure Park
• See Phutu geyser in Te Whakarewarewa, Rotorua's largest thermal reserve
• Skydive, kayak, mountain bike, 4WD, off-road luge or horseride
• Take a helicopter flight or biplane adventure
• Get a birdseye view of Lake Rotorua on a goldala ride up Mt Ngongotaha
• Explore the mud pools, crater lake and mineral baths of Kuirau Park