Rotorua

Rotorua is the geothermal heartland of New Zealand, a surreal landscape where the earth bubbles, steams and erupts. Its parks reveal boiling mud pools, hissing fumaroles, erupting geysers and hot springs of vivid, unearthly colours, all wreathed in a faint smell of sulphur. It is also the vibrant centre of living Maori culture, where visitors can experience a traditional hangi feast, concert and marae welcome.

Background

The city lies on the southern shore of Lake Rotorua and takes its name from it: roto means lake and rua here means second, so the name reads Second lake. Te Arawa Māori settled the area in the 14th century, and the ancestors of Ngāti Whakaue built a thriving pā at Ohinemutu. The tourist trade first grew on the nearby Pink and White Terraces, until the 1886 eruption of Mount Tarawera destroyed them. Rotorua became a borough in 1922 and a city 40 years later. The heat behind its geysers, Pōhutu at Whakarewarewa among them, comes from the Rotorua Caldera, in which the city stands. An estimated 58,500 people live here.

Source: Wikipedia, "Rotorua"

What's there

• The geysers and mud pools - the erupting Pohutu geyser and bubbling mud.
• Wai-O-Tapu - the geothermal park of the vivid Champagne Pool.
• Maori culture - the hangi feast, haka and cultural performances.
• The hot springs - the soaking pools and spa bathing.

When to go

Year-round; the geothermal wonders steam impressively in any weather, and are especially atmospheric on a cold morning. The geysers and parks keep set hours, and Maori cultural evenings run year-round.

What to expect

The faint smell of sulphur, like rotten eggs, hangs over the town, which surprises some, though you soon stop noticing it. The geothermal parks charge separately and can be touristy. The Maori cultural shows range from genuine to packaged, so choose a reputable, respectful operator for an authentic experience.

Nearby

The Waitomo caves, Lake Taupo and Hobbiton are within reach on the North Island.