| About Rotorua |
| Rotorua’s community philosophy is
beautifully expressed with the word manaakitanga. In the spirit of hospitality, manaakitanga encompasses the cultural strength of Rotorua’s people; the amazing geothermal earth forces of the region; the natural beauty of the forests, lakes and rivers; and the development of sustainable tourism. Manaakitanga is a deep-rooted concept in Maori culture. It is a challenge to Rotorua to offer visitors the best experience. It is also your invitation to discover the very essence of New Zealand in this exceptional region. Voted New Zealand’s Most Beautiful City in 1999, 2000 and 2002, Rotorua’s striking gardens, cobbled streets and fascinating mix of Maori and English Tudor architecture give the city a significant point of difference. Beyond the urban centre, a backdrop of geothermal steam, volcanic mountains and huge crater lakes remind you that this region rests immediately above the Pacific Ring of Fire. |
| Getting here & around |
| Located at the heart of the central North
Island, Rotorua is easily included in any North Island itinerary. Arrive
by road, train or plane, then make use of the region's excellent roads
to discover geothermal, cultural and scenic wonders. Getting to and from Rotorua By Road Three major state highways (SH5 and SH30 and SH33) intersect with Rotorua. The region is 234 kilometres from Auckland and 457 kilometres from Wellington. Rotorua is a key destination on the touring route known as the Thermal Explorer Highway. Major coach companies provide daily services to Rotorua. By Air Rotorua is a 40 minute flight from Auckland, a 75 minute flight from Christchurch and 2 ½ hours from Queenstown. You can also fly to Rotorua from many provincial airports. Getting around Rotorua Driving yourself around Rotorua is an exercise in simplicity. Most of the major attractions are within a few kilometres of the city - Waimangu Volcanic Valley and Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland are two of the most outlying attractions at 26 kilometres away. With one exception, all the major hotels are within walking distance of Rotorua's city centre - five are right in the central business district. If you prefer not to drive, there are shuttle services (free or nominal cost), taxis and a good city bus service. Independent tour operators are also available to take you wherever you want to go. Within a 150 kilometre radius (two hours drive) are the surf beaches of Waihi, Mt Maunganui and Ohope; the National Parks of Tongariro and Urewera; Lake Taupo; and the cities of Hamilton, Tauranga, Taupo and Whakatane. |
| Top Rotorua scenic highlights |
| Beneath Rotorua, the forces that have
shaped the landscape are still at work. Over millions of years, volcanic
action has created mountains, lakes and large areas of geothermal activity.
The scenery has a highly unique type of beauty. Mount Tarawera - a sacred volcano, a landmark and a playground Mount Tarawera plays an important role in the history of New Zealand and the Rotorua region. It is sacred and under the guardianship of the Ngati Rangitihi Maori tribe. In the 1800s, the Tarawera region was the centre of tourism in New Zealand. People travelled from all over the world to view the famous Pink and White Terraces, which were quickly becoming known as the 'Eighth Wonder of the World'. The terraces were destroyed on 10th June, 1886, in an eruption which killed more than 150 people and devastated the surrounding landscape. Violent explosions excavated huge craters, one of which is now filled by picturesque Lake Rotomahana. Today you can see the immense, red crater of the mountain on a 4WD trip to the summit. Fit, adventurous travellers can enjoy a scree run down into the crater. Geothermal activity is almost everywhere you look From the moment you enter Rotorua, you know you are somewhere quite different. Sneaky threads of steam rise from parks and bush areas. The scent of sulphur wafts through the air - a hint of what's in store. Minutes from the city centre, geysers of steaming water roar from the ground; pools of bubbling mud gurgle and plop; and dazzling silica terraces display a kaleidoscope of colour. Towering volcanoes, now sleeping giants, are unmistakable reminders of the landscape's turbulent past. Extinct volcanic craters provide the vessels for the region's lakes. While Rotorua's major geothermal parks charge admission, it costs nothing to see an array of steaming fumaroles, boiling lakes and bubbling mud pools on a smaller scale at Sulphur Point, Kuirau Park and the Government Gardens. The love story of Mokoia Island Mokoia Island, in the centre of Lake Rotorua, was the setting for one of New Zealand's greatest love stories - the tale of Hinemoa and Tutanekai. The beautiful maiden Hinemoa was the daughter of an influential chief. She lived on the eastern shores of Lake Rotorua and was regarded puhi (sacred), which meant that her tribe would choose her husband. Many suitors came seeking her hand, but none met the approval of her tribe. On Mokoia Island in the centre of the lake lived a family of several brothers including Tutanekai, the youngest. At a tribal gathering, where young warriors practiced their fighting skills, Tutanekai saw Hinemoa and fell in love. Tutanekai's weaponry prowess and good looks caught Hinemoa's eye, and she was smitten. However, neither could see a future together - Tutanekai was considered too lowly born to wed Hinemoa. Poor, sad Tutanekai would sit on the shores of the island playing sorrowful music on his flute. The music would waft across the lake to where Hinemoa waited forlornly. Aware of what was going on, Hinemoa's people made a practice of pulling the tribe's heavy canoes all the way up the beach. But they didn't count on Hinemoa's ingenuity. One night, determined to reach her love, Hinemoa fashioned a life-belt from empty gourds and swam towards the sound of Tutanekai's flute. She finally made it to Mokoia Island, but she had become so cold during her swim, she headed straight for the island's hot pool, Waikimihia. While she was warming herself, Tutanekai's slave came down to the pool to fetch water. In a gruff voice, Hinemoa called 'Mo wai te wai?' (For whom is the water?). The slave answered 'Mo Tutanekai'(For Tutanekai). Hinemoa grabbed the calabash he was carrying and smashed it on the side of the pool. When the slave returned to Tutanekai and told him what had happened, Tutanekai went to investigate. The two lovers were at last united, and Hinemoa's tribe accepted Tutanekai as her husband. A very happy ending. Visitors to Mokoia can enjoy a soak in Waikimihia (now known as Hinemoa's Pool), on the south eastern side of the island. Forest trails and waterfalls One of Rotorua's most beautiful natural assets, Whakarewarewa Forest, is just a five minute drive from the city centre. You can take a leisurely walk under the towering Californian redwoods, hike to panoramic views of the city and lakes, take a horse trek or hire a mountain bike to speed through the trees. Okere Falls Scenic Reserve is located 21 kilometres from Rotorua on Trout Pool Road off SH 33 (the Rotorua to Tauranga highway). There is a well-formed walking track with scenic lookouts over the Okere River and its spectacular waterfalls. The Okere River is the traditional river of Ngati Pikiao, a Te Arawa sub-tribe, who have made their home here for many years. Whirinaki Forest Park is 90 kilometres south-east of Rotorua, off SH 38. The park, known as a 'dinosaur forest', has many tall trees that are centuries old. Sights include giant podocarps, views of the river cutting through an ancient lava flow and caves with pumice deposits - remnants of the Taupo eruption nearly 2000 years ago. Ohinemutu at the edge of the lake The thermal village of Ohinemutu was the region's original Ngati Whakaue settlement. The site was chosen because it had geothermal resources that could be used for cooking, bathing and heating. A feature of Ohinemutu is St. Faiths Church, built in Tudor style in 1910. Its interior is richly decorated in woven and painted wall hangings and decorations. A window looking out over the lake shows a Maori Christ, in a traditional Maori cloak, who appears to be walking on the water. |
| Seasonal Tips |
| Summer (Dec-Feb) In summer, Rotorua’s average daytime temperatures range from 21º to 29º C, with a few days peaking in the low thirties. The region is a favourite destination for domestic visitors – the schools are on holiday, as are the universities. The town is buzzing with activity and all kinds of water sports are happening on the crater lakes. If you’re planning to visit Rotorua at this time, you’ll need to book accommodation well in advance. Autumn (Mar-May) Autumn in Rotorua traditionally means misty mornings and falling leaves. Daytime temperatures can reach into the mid twenties, but the mornings and evenings are beginning to cool down (a great excuse to soak in the geothermal hot pools). A number of New Zealand holidays fall in this period – Easter and Anzac Day, plus two weeks of school holidays. It’s wise to book your accommodation ahead of time. Winter (Jun-Aug) Although snow is rare in Rotorua - recorded only half a dozen times in the past four decades - winter (June, July and August) is definitely the season for crunchy, white ground frosts. In most cases, a frost signals the beginning of a clear, sunny day. Rotorua’s relatively high altitude (290 metres above sea level) keeps the air cool. The average daytime temperature range is 9º-15ºC. The shortest day (winter solstice) occurs around June 21. Spring (Sep-Nov) Although Rotorua is less windy than most other parts of the country and rainfall is moderate (spread across 117 days of the year), spring is probably the wettest, breeziest time. However, the geothermal activity is going strong, fuelled by the additional ground water. As summer approaches, daytime temperatures begin to creep into the twenties. Daylight saving (the first weekend in October) heralds the start of Rotorua’s high season. |
| Key Tips |
| - Located in the central North Island,
Rotorua is a leisurely 3-hour drive from the main international gateway
city of Auckland. - Rotorua airport receives daily domestic flights from Auckland (40 minutes), Christchurch (1 ¼ hours) and Queenstown (2 ½ hours). - Hamilton International Airport (75 minutes driving time) receives international flights from Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, the Gold Coast and Fiji. - From Rotorua you can drive to surf beaches (1 hour), a national park (1 ½ hours), ski fields (2 ½ hours) and one of New Zealand’s major wine regions (2 ½ hours). |
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