Rotorua Regional Information
Rotorua | Regional Information | Activity Highlights | Scenic Highlights | History
Rotorua is a region of fascinating geothermal activity where the seething power of inner earth comes to the surface. Explore the geothermal attractions and discover the rich cultural past.
Rotorua Overview
The Rotorua district is located on the southern shore of Lake Rotorua in the Bay of Plenty region of the North Island of New Zealand. It has a population of approximately 53,000 and about half are Māori.
The district is located 60 kilometres south of Tauranga, 105 kilometres south-east of Hamilton and 82 kilometres north-east of Taupo.
Rotorua is one of the original tourist destinations in New Zealand—it has been welcoming visitors for more than 200 years. From the moment people arrive in Rotorua they know they're somewhere quite different.
The scent of sulphur in the air is characteristic of Rotorua. At nearby geothermal hotspots, there are spouting geysers, boiling mud pools and warm geothermal springs. Silica terraces are naturally decorated with a kaleidoscope of colours.
Rotorua is the heartland of New Zealand Māori culture, and visitors have the opportunity to experience the warm spirit of Te Māori.
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Rotorua Culture
Photographer: Nick Servian
(www.nickservian.com)
Although most of the Māori population live in the urban areas, there are about 35 marae (meeting grounds) in the Rotorua district. You may be lucky enough to stay as a guest on a marae—an unforgettable experience. Or you could catch a Māori cultural performance, where stories are relayed through beautiful song and dance.
You can also indulge in a traditional hangi feas—the food is cooked below the ground in earthen ovens.
Rotorua Highlights
The Rotorua region is also one of New Zealand's prime trout fishing spots—you're practically guaranteed a catch, especially if a local professional guide is hired. Many of the volcanic crater lakes are home to a plentiful stock of trophy-sized rainbow trout.
Rotorua
Photographer: Wai-o-tapu Thermal
Wonderland (www.geyserland.co.nz)
Rotorua is fast becoming known as "Nature's Spa of the South Pacific". After a hard day's sightseeing or strenuous activity, visitors can relax with a soak in the healing waters of the geothermal hot springs, or totally unwind by choosing from a selection of therapeutic spa and massage therapies.
Main Centres in Rotorua
- Rotorua - the country's oldest resort and centre of geothermal activity
- Ngongotaha - Rotorua's adventure village
Useful Rotorua Links
To help plan your Rotorua holiday choose from the main categories below:
- Rotorua Accommodation
- Rotorua Tours
- Rotorua Attractions and Activities
- Rotorua Transport
- Rotorua Cuisine and Dining
- Rotorua Shopping
- Rotorua Visitor Information
Send a Rotorua related E-Postcard to your friends.
Rotorua Region Information
Regional Information
Key information and facts about the Rotorua region.
Activity Highlights
Major activities and attractions in the Rotorua region.
Scenic Highlights
Major natural attractions in the Rotorua region.
History
History of the Rotorua region.
Rotorua Tourism Operators
Choose from our accommodation, attractions, tours, transport or visitor information categories below to find a tourism operator in Rotorua.
