The heartland of New Zealand's Maori culture, spiritual home to the Maori, nature's spa of the South Pacific, host to some of the world's most incredible earth forces - Rotorua, it's like no other place on earth. Geothermal Activity is Almost Everywhere You Look, the seething power of inner earth comes to the surface in Rotorua. Sneaky threads of steam issue from parks, pathways and streets and the occasional scent of sulphur wafts through the air - a hint of what's in store. Towering volcanoes, now sleeping giants, are unmistakable reminders of the landscape's turbulent past. Extinct volcanic craters provide the vessels for Rotorua's crystal lakes. Rotorua's four major thermal areas are Whakarewarewa, Waimangu, Waitapu and Hell's Gate. The city and its surrounds are also renowned for breathtaking scenery, trout-filled lakes, rivers and crystalline streams which support all manner activity from white water rafting to fishing. There are 16 lakes in the vicinity of Rotorua, however 11 are fishable lakes of varying size and depth. All lakes are easily accessible by car and most can be fished from the shoreline and by wading. At night, experience a Maori Hangi and concert combination which blends dining and traditional dance in a joyful atmosphere.
Voted New Zealand's Most Beautiful City in 1999, 2000 and 2002, Rotorua was f ounded in the early 1830s, surrounding the shores of the beautiful Lake. Rotorua's motto as a city "full of surprises" certainly lives up to it. A feeling you'll return home with, Manaakitanga (a deep-rooted concept in Maori culture, a challenge, a responsibility on us as your host to give you the very best of ourselves. Your invitation to experience the essence of this extraordinary slice of New Zealand - by day and by night) begins the moment you arrive in Rotorua.
Highly Recommended Attractions
Polynesian Spa:-Since 1886 the purportedly miraculous properties of Polynesian Spa's mineral waters are claimed to have cured everything from rheumatism to the common cold. Voted as one of the "Top Ten Spas in The World" (Medical and Thermal Spas) 2004 and 2005 by Condé Nast Traveller, Polynesian Spa is an historical hot mineral springs spa, situated five minutes walk from Rotorua's central business district, and overlooks Sulphur Bay on Lake Rotorua. Open from 6.30am to 11.00pm daily, there are thirty-five hot mineral pools including adults' only pools, a family spa, private pools and deluxe bathing in the Lake Spa. The Lake Spa Retreat offers a comprehensive range of spa, body and skin therapies in a luxurious private relaxation haven. Be pampered at the Polynesian Spa. Massage, mineral pools and skin treatments will renew your sense of wellbeing.
Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve:-Whakarewarewa is approx. 3 kilometres from Rotorua, near the banks of the Puarenga river. It is the largest and best known geothermal site in Rotorua to see geysers, hot pools and mud pools. The area boasts the largest geyser in the country, called Pohutu. It erupts about 15 times a day and climbs to around 90 feet in height. Watch Scalding water shoots into the sky as the geyser plays almost constantly. Divided into two separate areas, Whakarewarewa is also locally known as Whaka, the full name is 'Te Whakarewarewatanga O Te Ope Taua A Wahiao' means "The uprising of the warriors (war party) of Wahiao". Wahiao, being a Warrior Chief of the Tuhourangi Tribe. Set amidst the landscape of erupting geysers, hot thermal springs and bubbling mud pools is the living village of Whakarewarewa. The village begins where Pohutu and the Prince of Wales Geysers are located. The other half is the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute.
Waimangu Volcanic Valley:- Waimangu Volcanic Valley & Lake Rotomahana are located 20 minutes south of the Rotorua township. Waimangu is the only large hydrothermal system in the world wholly formed in recent times and as the direct result of volcanic eruption. In 1886, the eruption of Mount Tarawera in Rotorua opened the earth along a 17km line, splitting Mount Tarawera in two, exploding Lake Rotomahana to 20 times its original size, and forming the seven craters that today make up the Waimangu Volcanic Valley. You can walk through the craters of Waimangu Volcanic Valley and take the boat cruise on crater Lake Rotomahana to view the amazing geothermal activity and very important botany. Internationally significant features include The Frying Pan Lake ( the world's largest hot water spring), sinter terraces and the unique inter-relationship between two huge hot springs in Inferno Crater ( the world's largest geyser-like feature) and Echo Crater. Several endangered plants exist beside the geothermal activity together with a host of thermally adapted plants. This is one of the newest Eco-systems in the world and is protected today as a Scenic Reserve and wildlife refuge.
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland (Opening hours Daily 8.30 AM - 5.00 PM, last admission at 3.45 PM):- Rotorua's premier geothermal attraction, which is dubbed as 'the most colourful' volcanic area. Colours of every tint and hue are displayed in pools lakes, Craters, steam vents, and even the paths you walk on. Attraction include world famous champagne pool, geysers, bubbling mud, steaming ground, expansive vistas, huge volcanic craters and sinter terrace formations. And if you happen to visit at 10.15 am, you'll be rewarded with the guaranteed daily eruption of the Lady Knox Geyser.
Hell's Gate:- Set in 50 acres, Hell's Gate is Rotorua's most active geothermal field. It has 'The Largest Hot Waterfall' in the Southern Hemisphere and the only Mud Volcano in New Zealand. The geothermal walk here takes about 45 minutes and takes in bubbling mud pools, steaming fumaroles and soft hot waters in Sulphur Lake. 10,000 years ago Hell's Gate was 60 meters below the surface of a large lake. The Maori name for the thermal reserve as well as the surrounding area is Tikitere. Maori have been using the healing waters and mud at Hell's Gate for therapeutic treatments for more than 700 years. It came to be known as Hell's Gate in the early 1900's when George Bernard Shaw, a famous playwright from England, visited the area and decided that this must be the gateway to Hell which his theologian colleagues talk about.
Rainbow Springs:- Rainbow Springs offers a unique showcase of native flora and fauna, and features some of New Zealand's endangered species. See a live kiwi foraging for food, feed large Rainbow trout in the crystal clear spring-fed pools or Walk through our native New Zealand bush, see a silver fern, and marvel at our impressive imports - such as giant redwood trees. Come face to face with a Tuatara, a living dinosaur! The New Zealand Tuatara has survived for over 100 million years. That was possible because New Zealand became separated from other land masses and the Tuatara had no natural predators, and the only living Tuatara in Rotorua are at Rainbow Springs, so don't miss the opportunity to come see them!
Tamaki Mäori Village:- Set in a native forest 15 minutes south of Rotorua or 20 minutes north of Taupo on State Highway 5, Tamaki Mäori Village is winner of New Zealand's supreme Tourism Award and four times winner of the national heritage and cultural tourism awards. The Tamaki Mäori Village experience offers you a journey you will always remember - a journey through time. Explore the rituals, music and even the food of a culture that existed before Europeans arrived in New Zealand at Tamaki Maori Village. Take an extraordinary journey through Maori culture, mythology and our story of creation. Prior reservations are essential well in advance.
Taupo
Lake Taupo - Australasia's largest lake:- Lake Taupo township is located on State Highway 1, midway between Auckland and Wellington. At 616 square kilometres, it is as big as Singapore Island. The lake's attractive pumice sand beaches give it the appearance of an inland ocean. The Lake Taupo region in New Zealand's volcanic heartland is rich in Maori tradition. It also has some of the country's finest Golf courses and untouched, uncrowded and unique landscapes. Be adventurous - Lake Taupo has the largest tandem skydiving drop zone in the world, and other thrills abound.
Lake Taupo was created by a gigantic volcanic eruption in 181AD, a result of the most violent volcanic eruption the world has seen in the past 5000 years - the ash affected the sunsets as far away as Europe and China.
Activities / Sightseeing
DWRG-1 : Discovery of Rotorua Tour (Morning - Half Day) by Luxury Coach
Cost : $119.00 (Adult), $59.00 (Child)
Te Puia Thermal Reserve, Maori Arts & Crafts Institute, Mighty Geysers, Boiling mud pools, and the traditional arts & culture of the Maori People; Rainbow Springs - a unique showcase of New Zealand's flora and fauna including New Zealand's national icon, a kiwi bird; and the Agrodome Sheep Show - a hands-on experience giving you an animated insight into New Zealand's farming history.
Include : Pick up from Hotels + Admissions + Taxes
DWRG-2 : Rotorua Explorer Tour (Afternoon - Half Day)by Luxury Coach
Cost : $109.00 (Adult), $54.00 (Child)
Experience the scenic beauty of the five of Rotorua's lakes including a view to Mount Tarawera across Lake Tarawera. Enjoy a guided tour of the Buried Village, a fascinating location where the Te Wairoa Village was buried and the devastation caused by the eruption of Mount Tarawera in 1886. A guided tour through the award winning Rotorua Museum. View fascinating exhibits showcasing Rotorua's vibrant volcanic & cultural history.
Include : Pick up from Hotels + Admissions + Taxes
DWRG-3 : Full Day Rotorua History & Icons Tourby Luxury Coach
Cost : $199.00 (Adult), $99.o0 (Child)
Te Puia Thermal Reserve, Maori Arts & Crafts Institute, Mighty Geysers, Boiling mud pools, Rainbow. The Agrodome Sheep Show. Experience the scenic beauty of the five of Rotorua's lakes including a view to Mount Tarawera across Lake Tarawera. Te Wairoa - The Buried Village and the devastation caused by the eruption of Mount Tarawera in 1886. Award winning Rotorua Museum. View fascinating exhibits showcasing Rotorua's vibrant volcanic & cultural history.
Include : Pick up from Hotels + Admissions + Taxes
DWRG-4 : Discovery of Waitomo Caves (Full Day)by Luxury Coach
Cost : $165.00 (Adult), $82.00 (Child)
Lake Karapiro, Waitomo Glowworm Caves- a guided tour through the galleries and lofty chambers of the Caves, Fitzgerald Glade
Include : Pick up from Hotels + Admissions + Taxes
DWRD-5 : Tamaki Mäori Village Nightly cultural performances
(Prior reservations are essential)
Summer : Dep 5:00pm, 6:00pm and 7:00pm. Winter : Dep 5:00pm and/or 7.00pm
Cost : $100.00 (Adult), $58.00 (Child)
Include : Pick up from Hotels + Admissions + Taxes
DWRD-6 : Polynesian Spa (World’s Top 10 Spa)
Lake Spa (Deluxe):
Adults : $40.00, Child : $15.00
Adult Pools & Priest Spa:
Adults : $20.00
Private Pools – Deluxe:
Adults : $25.00, Child : $6.00
Private Pools – Standard:
Adults : $20.00, Child : $6.00
Family Spa – Standard:
Adults : $13.00, Child : $6.00
Lake Spa Retreat Therapies (For Age 18+ years)
Include natural ingredients such as Rotorua thermal mud, New Zealand manuka honey, New Zealand kiwifruit, apricot, ground almonds, aromatic lavender, fragrant coconut oil, botanical extracts or yoghurt. The ingredients have beneficial properties including the exfoliating, cleansing and healing qualities of Rotorua thermal mud, the hydrating, healing and soothing traits of New Zealand manuka honey, and the anti oxidant effects of New Zealand kiwifruit
Half Hour : $80, One Hour : $140, One & a Half Hours : $190
DWRD-7 : Rotorua 5 Star Pass
Rotorua 5 Star Attractions represents the best of Rotorua with one easy pass called The Rotorua 5 Star Super Pass. The Pass includes entrance to each of Rotorua's most popular and unique attractions which are Skyline Skyrides (Ride the Gondola for magnificent views of Rotorua. Fully licensed restaurant and cafe with optional luge riding) , Polynesian Spa (Top 10 spas in the World).and Te Puia (Te Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve, the world famous Pohutu Geyser, Maori arts, crafts and culture). This fantastic combo is available as a self-drive option or a transport-provided option.
Cost : NZ$ 90.00 per adult
NZ$ 40.00 per child
NZ$ 220.00 family
Transport NZ$ 30.00 per person
DWRD-8 : Waimangu Volcanic Valley
In 1886, Mt Tarawera in Rotorua erupted, destroying the surrounding area. The eruption opened the earth along a 17km rift, splitting Mt Tarawera in two, exploding Lake Rotomahana to 20 times its size, and forming the seven craters that today make up Waimangu Volcanic Valley. Within 15 years of the Eruption, the hot springs of the Waimangu Geothermal System were established within the newly formed craters, making this the world's newest geothermal eco-system.
Waimangu Volcanic Valley Walk / Hiking : $30.00 Per Person
Waimangu Volcanic Valley Rotomahana Voyager – Cruise: $38.00 Per Person
Waimangu Volcanic Valley Explorer -Hiking & Cruise : $68.00 Per Person
