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Buried Village
This traditional Maori village
was buried in the 1886 Mt Tarawera eruption, which claimed 153 lives.
Located about 15 mins from Rotorua, the excavations of this tragedy are
instructive of the lifestyle and concerns of New Zealanders from that
time. A little further away, there are also some spectacular waterfalls.
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Museum of Art and History
Visitors looking for
a little history and background to the town and its people can find it
all here at the museum. Located in the world famous Bath House building,
an architectural icon in itself, Rotorua Museum is the ideal place to
learn the stories behind the town.
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The Pig and Whistle
Rotorua’s landmark pub, the Pig and Whistle
is an establishment best suited for displays of local colour, be it the
patrons, the drink or the food. A fun and relaxed place to lay back and
experience the local culture without any pretences.
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Lakes of Rotorua
With 16 inviting lakes scattered around the
region, it is little wonder that fishing, swimming, boating and assorted
other water sports are the prime outdoor activities for visitors to
Rotorua. 11 of the lakes are open for fishing, and boating facilities
around the shoreline serve all enthusiasts.
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Skyline Skyrides
One of Rotorua’s favourite
attractions consists of a gondola ride on a cable 900 m long to a
complex located 487 m above sea level on the slopes of Mt Ngongotaha.
Here visitors can engage a number of activities, from shopping to
dining, miniature gold, bobsled rides, and even a shooting gallery.
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Agrodome Sheep Show and Farm Tour
Sheep are New
Zealand’s most famous produce, and it is only fitting that they get
their due in an attraction dedicated to the furry critters, from the 19
different species found in New Zealand, to how they are sheared and
every other aspect of a sheep’s life.
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Tamaki Maori Village
Experience traditional Maori culture at Tamaki
Village, where huge welcoming fires burn in front of “whares” (houses),
and ancient music plays, where history is re-enacted and a traditional
banquet gives you a taste of life as Maori experienced it in bygone
days.
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Polynesian Spa
Visitors looking for some therapeutic water
treatment or a little pampering are invited to try this historic mineral
water hot spa, which includes 35 hot mineral water pools, a hydro slide,
and private pools.
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Mamaku Blue Winery
The only establishment in New
Zealand to produce blueberry wine, the Mamaku winery is worth a visit
for a demonstration of the winemaking process, and a delicious taste of
the final product.
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The Realm of Tane
The Realm is a blend of guided
tour, storytelling and character theatre that traces a young woman’s
journey to connect with her heritage — her ancestors, their values,
their stories, their choices and their struggles. Guests also get to
sample and taste a number of native plants and relishes along the way.
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Whakarewarewa Village
Set amidst a landscape of
erupting geysers, hot thermal springs and bubbling mud pools, is the
living village of Whakarewarewa, where visitors can experience life as
the ancient Maoris lived it, including the way they incorporated the
unique features of the region into their lifestyle.
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Prawn Farm
This farm is the only one in the
world where prawns are grown in geothermal water. Visitors are welcome
to view this uniquely Kiwi establishment and try some of the delicious
products of Kiwi ingenuity here.
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Zorb Rotorua
If careening down a hillside in a
giant plastic bubble is your idea of fun, this is the place to go.
There’s a wet version where you can try and stay on your feet for a free
t-shirt, and even a specially modified ‘baby’ version. Other extreme
forms of entertainment are also available, if you dare!
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Rainbow Springs Nature Park
Renowned for the
work in conservation and animal rehabilitation carried out here, the
nature park is one of the best ways of appreciating the natural bounty
of the New Zealand landscape, from its delicate flora to its elusive
fauna.
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Waikite Valley Thermal Pools
Come and
experience the living waters of Waikite Valley, where you can swim in
the geothermal pools, bathe in your private spa or just hang out in the
Pongo Tree BYO Café. About half an hour outside Rotorua, this is a great
place to relax.
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Mt Tarawera
A major feature of the region is
the dormant volcano of Mt. Tarawera. Steeped in Maori legends, Mt.
Tarawera's lunar-like landscape and its 8-kilometre long crater rift is
a source of wonder to both visitors and locals alike. One of the best
ways to view this natural phenomenon is via helicopter.
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Hell’s Gate (Tikitere)
This aptly named area
contains Rotorua's fiercest thermal features - the largest active mud
volcano, New Zealand's largest boiling whirlpool, the largest hot water
fall in southern hemisphere, and many other features, all in an air
tinged with the smell of sulfur. Visitors come to be awed by the sheer
power felt in the geological features, before they drown their cares in
the healing of the hot springs, the spas and the pools of the nearby spa
complex.
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Hobbiton
For an adventure a little further than an
hour’s drive away, visitors can head to Matamata, a small farming
community and recently portrayed as Hobbiton, the shire village of the
hobbits made famous in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Remnants of the
film set can still be seen on private property throughout the area, and
scenic tours of these sets and scenes can be arranged in the town of
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White Island
Situated 50 kilometres offshore,
this active island volcano constantly emits a cloud of steam and
periodically erupts, expelling volcanic ash several thousand metres into
the atmosphere. Visitors can wander as close as they dare by boat or
helicopter to this sleeping giant.
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