Rotorua, named for its namesake lake on New Zealand’s North Island, is famed for its bubbling geothermal activity. The city is rich in Maori heritage and travel to Rotorua is sure to be exciting and should not be missed. It is recommended for tourists to rent a car from Hertz to tour the city.
Travellers in Rotorua can get up close and personal with spectacular geysers and colourful crater lakes. Due to its history as a volcanic wonderland, the region sits within the Pacific Ring of Fire, and one of its geothermal highlights is the legendary Pohutu Geyser in Te Puia. Only a five-minute drive from Rotorua city centre by rental car to view it from a safe distance, it erupts to a height of 30 metres up to 20 times a day. Kuirau Park markets are also a sight (and smell) to take in. The free thermal reserve around it has beautiful public gardens and bubbling mud pools, and free thermal foot pools for visitors to warm their sore feet. Te Ara Ahi (Thermal by Bike trail) allows bike riders to view four major geothermal attractions and stop along the way for a dip in a natural hot river. Extremely relaxing, this is travel in Rotorua at its finest.
Visitors can also head over to Hot Water Beach, located on the shores of Lake Tarawera. The picturesque beach is heated by geothermal elements. Located close to Rotorua town centre, it is easily accessible by rental car. Hamurana Springs is also a hit with both locals and tourists. The deepest natural spring in North Island, it is splashed with hues of turquoise, blue and green due to its geothermal history. Perfect for paddling in, this pool is located slightly farther out from Rotorua but definitely worth the trip by hiring a car and making a drive down. Whakarewarewa Forest, only a five-minute drive south of downtown Rotorua, caters to fans of biking and hiking. It has a wide range of trails meandering through acres of lush forest and vegetation that makes for a breathtaking experience with nature.
Maori spirit is still very much alive in this city. The local indigenous people live amid the geothermal activity and use the boiling water to cook, bathe and fuel their homes. There are many Maori villages in the area for tourists to visit such as Te Puia, Mitai Village and Tamaki Village, all of which offer vibrant cultural experiences. Travel in Rotorua is not complete without visiting these villages and immersing oneself in the rich Maori culture. Visitors can also head over to Whakarewarewa, the Living Maori Village, only a short distance away from Rotorua by rental car, and observe how the Maori people use the warm geothermal waters to carry out their daily activities and routines.
Rotorua, New Zealand, is truly a melting pot of rich cultures and heritage of the native Maori people. Visitors will definitely not be disappointed by the fiery geothermal activity, scenic views and close knit local spirit. Hire a car and travel around Rotorua to experience it for yourself!
