Rotorua City Guide

New Zealand>Rotorua City

This region is centered on the internationally renowned thermal resort of Rotorua. Geysers, bubbling mud pools and Maori hospitality are some of the many experiences you will encounter in Rotorua.

It is the oldest and best-known resort in the country, where generations of visitors have enjoyed its water, marvelled at its fascinating geothermal activity and experienced the region's unique Maori culture.

The Maori people have long been settled in Rotorua and is one of the best places in New Zealand to see aspects of their culture. View wood carvers and flax weavers at work in the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, traditional buildings, maraes and regular concerts and hangis (traditionally cooked Maori feast).

For a touch of romantic adventure, try a peaceful flight in a hot air balloon over the East Coast of the North Island. The pleasure of this ancient sport will delight your senses once you're up in the air, you can simply relax and enjoy a bird's eye view of the surrounding scenery.

Loosen your nerve with the best known spa in Rotorua. Three hours drive south of Auckland, this city is in the center of New Zealand's most active thermal region where many motels and hotels have their own natural spas. At the Polynesian Spa, you can choose from a range of temperatures and mineral compositions in a beautifully landscaped natural environment.

A passion for farm animals and New Zealand wildlife will turn into reality at Rainbow Springs and Paradise Valley, you can see them at close quarters, and don't miss the performing sheep show at the Agrodome.

To share your happy moments with others or to recapture the fun time in this place, the souvenir shop provides a wide range of momentos of a visit to Mount Cook region, including some items that are unique to the store. Some of the most popular items sold here include the Mount Cook Book, locally produced Arts & Crafts and landscape painting of local scenery by New Zealand Artists.

Getting There and Moving Around

By rail

Tranz Rail Ltd operates a reliable rail service on 4000km of railway with many routes of great scenic attraction. It is with good views of forests, gorges Trans Scenic and volcanic peaks.

By road

There are regional bus networks which serve most parts of the country. Good local bus services are provided in the main towns.

Also there are metered taxis operating throughout the country. Car hire sevices is also provided from major international firms and local firms where they have offices at airports and most major cities and towns.

Moving Around

The availability of various transport mode in Rotorua is a convenience of the visitors to move around the captivating city.