Rotorua sits on the edge of one of the most awesome and concentrated volcanic areas in the world. In every direction is tangible evidence of a riotous geological past extending back millions of years. The Te Arawa people settled the area in the mid-14th century, and their descendants began tourism in the area in the 19th century, guiding visitors to the famous Pink and White terraces. The 1886 eruption of Mount Tarawera destroyed the terraces, but the legendary Maori hospitality lives on. Coupled with enough daredevil activities to rival Queenstown's reputation as New Zealand's adventure capital, the famous welcome continues to draw international visitors at a rate of 1.6 million a year.
Volcanic activity was also responsible for the formation of Lake Taupo. In A.D. 186, an enormous eruption -- estimated to have been 100 times greater than that of Mount St. Helens in 1980 -- tore a savage hole 30km (20 miles) wide, 40km (25 miles) across, and 180m (600 ft.) deep. Today, we're thankful for that. Where would New Zealand holidaymakers be without the cool blue waters that provide ideal conditions for fishing, water-skiing, and boating?
South of Taupo lies Tongariro National Park, home to three volcanoes. Tongariro was New Zealand's first national park (the world's second after Yellowstone), and today it is a winter playground for skiers and a perfect place for summer tramping. Unfortunately, Mount Ruapehu's eruptions -- the past 10 years, when they ruined any possibility of a successful ski season and many businesses suffered -- create havoc from time to time.
Rotorua Travel Experiences
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New Zealand, Rotorua: Sheep and Smelly Thermal Wo...
The infamous hydrothermal area of Rotorua was the next destination on our campervan trip around New Zealand. The town was situated near t... Continue reading »
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RotoVegas
Since I was already so far north for the Hamilton match, I decided to take a few days to travel before heading back to Wellington. That i... Continue reading »
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The Road to Rotorua
Today began with an 8am departure south via the Southern Motorway through the sprawling suburbs of South Auckland and Manukau City. ... Continue reading »
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Exploring Rotorua
We've been in Rotorua now for a couple of days. We called Stray (the tour company) to book our bus out of here, but unfortunately w... Continue reading »
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Napier, Taupo and Rotorua
It was yet another gloomy looking day when we made our way from Picton onto the ferry bound for the north island. we were a bit concerned... Continue reading »
Popular Rotorua Hotels
- Novotel Rotorua Lakeside
- Kiwipaka YHA
- Quality Hotel Regal Geyserland
- SOLITAIRE LODGE
- Moose Lodge And Golf Resort
- Treetops Lodge & Estate
- Base Backpackers - Rotorua
- Best Western Accolade Lodge
- Cactus Jack's
- Ledwich Lodge Motel
Popular Rotorua Things to Do
- Wildlife Reserve
- Kiwi Encounter
- Rotorua
- Zorbing
- Zorb
- Skyline Skyrides
- Mud Spa
- Mitai Maori Village
- Swoop Bungy, Jet boating, sky dive simulator
- Wai-o-tapu
