If you’re seeking exciting cultural activities and geothermal attractions, Rotorua, New Zealand – and the nearby town of Taupo – is where you need to go. The heart of the Bay of Plenty, only 3 hours from Auckland, Rotorua is one of the best places to learn about the Maori culture. It’s also the base for excursions to White Island, an offshore volcanic island. The road between Rotorua and Taupo, aptly called the Geothermal Highway, has plenty of stops to fill an entire day.
Rotorua, New Zealand
Rotorua’s history begins in the 14th century, when Maori warriors found the lake. The founder, Ihenga, named the lake for his uncle, Kahumatamomoe. The full name of the town is Te Rotorua-nui-a Kahumatamomoe. Rotorua is also the name of the lake, also known as Crater Lake.
The first whites to arrive in Rotorua came around the mid 1800s. They were probably traders, but missionaries arrived soon after. The geothermal aspect of the city soon drew tourists. A small town centre sprung up around the lake around the 1880s, to promote the geothermal attractions as a spa destination. Some buildings are still visible today, although not in the same capacity. One of the biggest draws, after the hot springs, was the Pink and White Terraces of the mountain. They were thought to have been destroyed in the 1886 eruption, but scientists rediscovered some in 2017.
In 1886, nearby Mount Tarawera erupted. It was heard as far away as Blenheim (top of the South Island), seen in Auckland (where they thought it was Russian warships), and ash clouds spread as far as Christchurch. The death toll officially was 120, although Maori claim that many more died, as many villages were buried. The eruption changed the shape of the entire landscape and altered the lake itself.
What to do in Rotorua
Geothermal really does reign supreme in Rotorua, New Zealand, although there’s definitely other stuff to do as well. I’ve always thought of the town as a mini Queenstown, since there’s a mega complex at the Skyline, which as wine tasting, gondola rides, luging, and more. You can Zorb outside of town, go for horseback rides, mountain bike in the Redwood forest, or hike through volcanic valleys.
The road to Taupo (State Highway 5) has unique attractions like bubbling mud pools, a hot stream, the colourful Champagne Pool at Wai-o-Tapu (please do not confuse this with real champagne!), the vast Waimangu Volcanic Valley, and the fascinating Orakei Korako Geothermal Park and Cave.
All of these are well worth visiting over the course of two or three days and you can visit most no matter where you’re staying. I highly suggest having a car though, as public transport won’t get you to the remote valleys!
Where to stay in Rotorua
Rotorua, New Zealand has a plethora of hotels. It’s a very popular destination for tours because of its geothermal attractions. Rotorua has a number of brand name hotels, from Millennium Hotel to Ibis and Holiday Inn. There are also a good few bed and breakfasts, for those on a budget, or hostels (for serious budgeteers), and campgrounds or holiday parks. Treetops Lodge and Estate is one of the luxury lodges. It is among the luxury lodges of New Zealand and a perfect place for a romantic getaway. Some of my Virtuoso partner lodges are also luxury lodges, and combining several of them into one stay in NZ isn’t a bad idea!
**
|| Auckland || Napier || Wellington || Nelson || Christchurch || Queenstown || Dunedin
