Rotorua

Feel the spirit – Manaakitanga

Rotorua is one of the most famous destinations in New Zealand, and has a long history of welcoming visitors. From the moment people arrive in Rotorua they know they’re somewhere quite different. There is a scent of sulphur in the air, and at nearby geothermal hotspots there are spouting geysers, acrid-smelling mud pools bubbling and belching, and warm geothermal pools and ponds that create a kaleidoscope of colour.

Rotorua is also the heartland of New Zealand’s Maori culture, and visitors can enjoy a performance of song and dance, followed by food cooked in a traditional hangi (cooked in an earthen oven). With 11 major lakes, the Rotorua region is also one of the country’s prime trout fishing spots where you are practically guaranteed a catch, especially if a local professional guide is hired.

Activities and attractions abound, with something to satisfy everyone from sightseeing to adrenaline pumping adventure options. Visitors can get up close and personal with New Zealand farm life, walk through geothermal hot spots, have a thrilling 4WD experience through native bush or up a volcano, raft or sledge the mighty local rivers and much, much more.

After a hard day’s sightseeing or strenuous activity, a soak in a natural hot thermal mineral spa is totally relaxing. Rotorua is also the Spa & Wellness centre of New Zealand and offers a wide range of Spa & Wellness treatments to relax and rejuvenate.

Rotorua has something for everyone. Escape from the hustle and bustle of the city for a weekend getaway or a week long stay.

Prepare to be amazed.

Location
By road to Auckland 234 km, via Hamilton
By road to Wellington 457 km, via Desert Road, State Highway 1

Volcanic History
Within the District itself, most attractions are based around its two greatest assets – geothermal features and the lakes. Both are directly attributable to continuing volcanic activity, which has formed and reformed the landscape. At around 300 metres above sea level, the District is located on the Volcanic Plateau which encompasses most of the Central North Island. The geological record shows that there has been ceaseless activity in this area for millennia, ranging from minor hot springs through to huge prehistoric ignimbritic flows which smothered the entire landscape.

Rotorua’s Climate
The Rotorua District enjoys a temperate climate. It has a relatively high altitude (290m/950ft) resulting in daily maximum temperatures of 20-27 C (68-78F) in the summer months and around 10-12 C (50-55 F) during winter.

The warmest months are January, Febuary and March, with July and August being the lower temperature months.

The mean daily temperature for January (midsummer) is 17.7°C
and the mean daily temperature for July (midwinter) is 7.5°C.