21 Gorgeous Images Of Rotorua New Zealand

Rotorua is a town in the North Island famed for it’s geothermal activity and Maori culture. If you’re looking for a place to get a genuine feel for Maori culture then Rotorua should be your first port of call. No visit would be complete, however, without checking out some of the spectacular geysers, mud-pools, lakes and spas in the area. Here is a little preview of what you can expect on your next visit.

Rotorua takes its name from the lake on which it’s situated. At 79.8 square kilometres, it is the second-largest lake in New Zealand. Surprisingly, its average depth is only about ten metres, which makes it considerably smaller in terms of water volume than nearby Lake Tarewera.

Rotorua could almost be considered the Lake District of the North Island, with its 16 separate lakes. Swimming, boating and picnicking are all popular pastimes, as is fishing. There are three types of trout in the lakes – Brown, Brook and Rainbow – and they’re all delicious.

Whakarewarewa, Waimangu, Waiotapu, Orakei Korako and Tikitere – or the demonically and ominously named Hell’s Gate – are the five main areas of geothermal activity that can be visited.

Whakarewarewa is a living village where you can still see local Maori people making traditional carvings and weaving. It is also the site of the largest geyser in the country and about 500 hot springs.

Hell’s Gate is one of the most popular and the fiercest of Rotorua’s geothermal attractions. Among other things it has the largest hot water waterfall in the Southern Hemisphere. It’s a geothermal celebrity!

For a great excursion, head to Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland.

Relax in the warm waters among the ferns and native trees.

Wai-O-Tapu is New Zealand’s most colourful geothermal attraction, and showcases the country’s stark natural beauty.

There are unique sites around every corner in this part of the country. And you’ll soon get used to the smell.

The Rotorua area will leave your eyes, ears and nose reeling.

There are several companies that will take you on unbelievable whitewater rafting, kayaking or sledging trips.

Get the adrenaline levels jacked up on the Kaituna, Wairoa, Rangitaiki and Tongariro Rivers.

There are rafting and kayaking experiences for all levels. If you’re feeling particularly daring, why not head down the seven-metre Kaituna Waterfall?

Come rain or shine, each of the 16 lakes has its charms.

There are plenty of ways to get around the lakes, whether you want to go for a solo kayak or take a pleasure cruise on the Lakeland Queen.

Tongariro National Park is another nearby natural feature that deserves some serious exploring.

It is the oldest national park in the country. It is also, amazingly, the fourth oldest national park in the world.

There are plenty of walks and hikes in Tongariro National Park, for all levels of fitness.

Get lost in the native treetops.

On a good day, why not hire out a jetski, find yourself a deserted lake and let rip?

Rotorua is definitely worth a visit. The lakes in particular, during the summer, are a fantastic way to whittle away a week or so. If you’re a nature-lover then swing by and throw your watch away.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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