Located on the central North Island volcanic plateau, the geothermal city of Rotoura is one of the most unusual geographical regions on Earth. Sitting within the Pacific Rim of Fire, the region has one of the world’s most active geothermal fields. The unforgettable smell of sulphur, clouds of steam and volcanic activity are a natural part of life in Rotorua.

1 / 5

Pohutu Geyser, Rotorua

2 / 5

Rotorua Lake

3 / 5

4 / 5

5 / 5

Description

There’re so many incredible wonders to take in; start by walking around the free thermal reserve at Kuirau Park in the city centre which features beautiful public gardens, bubbling mud pools, colourful hot lakes, and thermal foot pools.

Visit the sulphurous crater lakes of vibrant green and orange at Wai-o-tapu Thermal Wonderland. Explore Rainbow Springs Nature Park to discover local flora and fauna and spot the native Kiwi bird. At Kerosene, soak in a mud bath or relax in steaming thermal pools. There’s also the legendary Pohutu Geyser in Te Puia, just five minutes from Rotorua city centre, which erupts to a height of 30m up to 20 times a day.

Also just south of downtown Rotorua is Whakarewarewa Forest which, with its trails that weave through lush native forest and past giant Californian Redwoods, is brilliant for hiking and mountain biking.

Rotoura has a rich Maori heritage which can be experienced with the Te Arawa people. You can attend a traditional Maori hangi feast and also have a tour of Ohinemutu, a living Maori village, to learn about their culture and mythology.