Rotorua is a unique destination and a must-see for overseas visitors and Kiwis alike.  No matter how short and sweet your trip to New Zealand is, you really must include at least a couple of days here.  And for New Zealanders seeing a bit of your own country, you could easily while away a week with the family here.  There is certainly no shortage of things to do.

If you're short on time, start with the absolute musts, and the Natural Geothermal activity deserves to be at the top of the list.  This is an active volcanic area, so you will see vents of steam springing up all over the place, as well as bubbling mud pools, craters and the like.

The most colourful and varied selection is found at Wai-O-Tapu (meaning Sacred Waters).  Here, about 1.5 hours of walkways take you through a diverse range of volcanic spectacles, including steaming fumeroles, bubbling water, boiling mud, and a range of ever-changing colours created by the different minerals.  At 10.15 every morning they also do a display at the Lady Knox Geyser, simulating an eruption with the assistance of soap flakes so you can experience the sheer power of Mother Nature in her full force.

Equal to the unique geothermal activity in Rotorua, is the ability to experience Maori culture in its most authentic form.  Te Puia is recognised as New Zealand's premier Maori cultural centre and is also home to the world famous Pohutu geyser (this erupts naturally, without the need for soap flakes!)

Samantha (Miss 7) and I went along to Te Po, their evening experience and thoroughly enjoyed our time there.  Our evening started with a traditional Maori welcome (powhiri) onto the marae and a warrior's challenge.  Once inside the meeting house, we were treated to a full kapa haka concert which even had us women up learning a poi dance, followed by the men learning the haka.  We certainly earned our dinner which was a fabulous feast - combining traditional hangi food (cooked in the ground) with a sumptuous selection of seafood, salads, and desserts.  After dinner, we were taken out to the geysers, which looked even more spectacular lit up at night.

If you've got more time to spend in Rotorua and are keen on adventure there is a multitude of activities on offer here that cover all the usual adrenalin junkie suspects such as bungy jumping and white water rafting, as well as a few different ones such as Zorbing.

For a slightly more sedate palate there are farm shows, animal parks and trout fishing.  We love going up the Skyline Gondola.  There is a spectacular view from the top and the luging on offer up there is great fun for all ages.  This trip we also found a new experience called the Sky Swing, which certainly looked like a wild ride, and great fun.

And, if you're after some cheap or free entertainment, Rotorua has that covered too.  The main lakefront (Lake Rotorua) has an excellent children's playground.  There are plenty of black swans along here, and paddle boats and canoes for hire at a fairly reasonable price.  There are several lakes in the area which are great for swimming and boating in the summer.  Te Whakarewarewa (also known as the Redwoods Forest) has some lovely walks and is well known for its mountain bike trails.  For a free geothermal experience take a stroll around Kairua Park, just out of the main town area.

Nothing finishes off a day in Rotorua quite like a soak in a hot pool.  The Polynesian Pools have a range of natural hot pools, and also offer a selection of spa treatments.  Many hotels and motels also have their own natural hot springs.

Accommodation in Rotorua covers the full gamut from camping and backpacker hostels to 5 star hotels and luxury boutique lodges.  We opted for a family, budget motel, staying at the Union Victoria Motel.  Although fairly basic, it was clean and warm and came with the advantage of our own full kitchen, plus three natural hot pools on site.

For more information:
www.rotoruaNZ.com
www.waiotapu.co.nz
www.tepuia.com
www.skylineskyrides.co.nz
www.unionvictoria.co.nz

© Jacqui Thomas, 2010.

Check out more of Jacqui's adventures at www.roundtheworldadventure.com
 
If there's a place, trip or experience you'd like Jacqui to cover please email Jacqui@jacquithomas.com