Rotorua

Rotorua is the geothermal wonderland of New Zealand, with easily experienced Māori culture, and a range of outdoor adventure activities.

The hot springs and geysers of the city and region have attracted tourists for over a hundred years. Though some say Rotorua is past its prime as a tourist playground, others find the slight "rough around the edges" character of the town to be part of its charm. Today, many visitors are also attracted by the Māori culture that is more dominant here than in many other parts of the country. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy mountain biking, whitewater rafting, luge riding and Zorbing (rolling down a hill inside a plastic orb).



Understand
The name Rotorua comes from the Māori language and means "two lakes" or "second lake" (roto = lake, rua = two). Its full name is Te Rotorua-nui-a-Kahumatamomoe, meaning "the second great lake of Kahumatamomoe". The city sits on the southern shores of Lake Rotorua, and there are several other lakes nearby. So along with the geothermal wonders, many water-based activities such as fishing, boating and white water rafting are available.

Rotorua is built over a geothermal hot spot. There are numerous natural vents, hot pools and other geothermal features in and around the city. Many of these are in parks and reserves. Natural eruptions of steam, hot water and mud occasionally occur in new locations. Many places have their own private geothermal bores for heating and water for bathing although the private use of naturally occurring geothermal water and steam is controlled.

Geologically, Rotorua is in the middle of the Taupo Volcanic Zone, named after Lake Taupo, the largest volcano in the area. This geologically active zone produces the heat that is needed to drive all the geothermal activity. Along with many volcanic hills and mountains, the zone contains several major volcanic calderas (large subsidence craters). These are important for tourism because they host the region's largest lakes (including Lake Taupo and Lake Rotorua), and because geothermal activity tends to occur around their edges. Rotorua caldera, some 22 km (14 mi) across, contains the city and Mount Ngongotaha as well as the lake. It was created in a huge eruption around a quarter of a million years ago.

The Rotorua district has a significant indigenous Māori population - some 38 percent of Rotorua residents are Māori or of Māori descent.

With Rotorua's concentration of geothermal features, a significant amount of hydrogen sulfide is released into the air and the city has a distinctive "rotten eggs" smell.

By car
Rotorua is a 3-hour drive (non-stop) south of Auckland, with several nice towns and villages along the way. There are two main routes: the first is via Hamilton, initially on State Highway 1, then joining State Highway 5 at Tirau. The other is via Matamata on State Highway 2 and 27, leaving SH 1 at Pokeno (50 km south of central Auckland) and rejoining it at Tirau. The Matamata route has lighter traffic and is probably more interesting for travellers, but the road is of a lower standard than SH 1. A third option to get amongst the rural farmland is to travel via Te Aroha and then south along old Te Aroha Road, stopping to see Wairere Falls. Be careful on the narrow windy unpainted roads.

There are two options from Tauranga. One is via SH 2 then SH 33, arriving in the city from the northeast. The other is SH 36 via Pyes Pa, arriving in the city from the northwest. Allow around 1 hour for either way non-stop.

From Wellington, follow State Highway 1 north to Taupo, then take State Highway 5. Allow 6 hours non-stop.

By bus
Bus services are provided by Intercity. All services arrive and depart from the main tourist information centre, i-SITE, on 1167 Fenton Street. Services can also be booked there.

Backpacker coach services tend to do pick-ups from the major hostels.

By bike
The same routes apply as for car drivers. Rotorua is 300 m (985 ft) above sea level, therefore a trip to the Bay of Plenty (Tauranga, Whakatane or Papamoa) will be a mainly downhill trip of 70-100 km (44-62 mi). Travelling north towards Waikato also will be downhill to near sea level; conversely a trip to Taupo will be an up and down affair with some challenging climbs.

By bus
Cityride, operated by Baybus. Phone number: 0800 4 229 28. There is a limited bus service. The buses are lime green in colour and branded "CityRide". The main terminus is at the corner of Fenton Street/Arawa Street (near the i-SITE). These buses operate several routes from one side of the city to the other, including Ngongotaha (handy for accessing the Skyline, Rainbow Springs and Agrodome attractions), the Institute of Technology or 'Polytech' as the bus will say (Te Puia is across the main SH5 road), and the airport. The standard fare is $2.30 regardless of how far you travel. Books of tickets can be bought at discounted rates. Most bus services seem to stop operating at about 6PM (M–F).

A circuit bus operated by national sightseeing operator GreatSights New Zealand visits several iconic Rotorua attractions including Te Puia, Rainbow Springs Nature Park and the Agrodome.

There are three or four reputable taxi companies, all metered, and a shuttle bus operator with trailer for larger groups.

By bicycle
Rotorua is a cyclists' paradise; as well as boasting some of the best off-road mountain bike tracks in the world, it has no less than seven quality cycle stores, with six in the CBD and the Outdoorsman Headquarters on Tarawera Rd. In addition several shops provide cycle hire, notably Lady Jane's ice cream parlour near the lakefront. Cycling is generally safe, as many roads have wide verges.

See
As one of New Zealand's busiest tourist centres there are a variety of attractions ranging from free to quite expensive.

Free attractions

 * Government Gardens is an immaculate park near the CBD, containing the city museum (closed since November 2016 following an earthquake; to be reopened once the structural integrity has been improved) and the famous Blue Baths. Nearby is the Sportsdrome and one of the many golf courses.
 * The Lakes – there are 14 to choose from. Lake Rotorua gives its name to the city, and boat trips can be arranged to Mokoia Island in the centre. The lakefront has a scenic promenade from where you can see Mokoia Island. Floatplane and helicopter scenic flights can be taken from the lakefront. A cheaper alternative is to take the Amphibious truck from Fenton St, which does a 90-minute tour of several of the main lakes. All the lakes are stocked with trout and fishing is very popular.
 * Motutara (Sulphur Bay). Fantastic walkway starting just beyond the Government Gardens. The walkway passes through several geothermal hot springs and sulphur vents (the posted warnings to stay on the pathway at all times are no joke). The bay itself hosts many waterbirds and other wildlife.
 * Okere Falls – approximately 20 km (12 mi) out of the city towards Tauranga on SH33 you will pass the end of Lake Rotoiti; most of the 14 lakes flow into Rotoiti, which itself heads off to the Bay of Plenty, descending nearly 305 m (1000 ft) in less than 30 km (19 mi). For this reason it boasts some spectacular white water challenges available to the adventure-seeking traveller. These range from dual kayaks, to white water sledging (hurling yourself down stream with a life jacket and float), or rafting (see Do section). Tutea Falls is the world's largest/highest commercially rafted fall; with a 7-m (23-ft) drop, on average every fourth boat flips! If you don't want to get wet there is a pleasant 6-km (4-mi) walk through the forest where you can see the activities at close hand. There are also some small caves where glow worms can be found.
 * Okere Falls – approximately 20 km (12 mi) out of the city towards Tauranga on SH33 you will pass the end of Lake Rotoiti; most of the 14 lakes flow into Rotoiti, which itself heads off to the Bay of Plenty, descending nearly 305 m (1000 ft) in less than 30 km (19 mi). For this reason it boasts some spectacular white water challenges available to the adventure-seeking traveller. These range from dual kayaks, to white water sledging (hurling yourself down stream with a life jacket and float), or rafting (see Do section). Tutea Falls is the world's largest/highest commercially rafted fall; with a 7-m (23-ft) drop, on average every fourth boat flips! If you don't want to get wet there is a pleasant 6-km (4-mi) walk through the forest where you can see the activities at close hand. There are also some small caves where glow worms can be found.


 * Street Art. While taking a stroll through the CBD, keep your eyes peeled for the street art that can be found in small office carparks or service lanes. If you need to kill time, you may be able to find all of the four or five artworks. There are also some fine murals which are overlooked by most tourists and locals alike, such as one of the Pink and White Terraces.

Pay attractions


















Do
Your best bet is to expend some energy taking in some of the many day-time activities such as land-sledding down Mt Ngongotaha at Skyline Skyrides Luge Ride, heli-touring or hiking through the abundance of parks often alongside thermal vents. Nearby is the curious forest of California Redwoods that was planted last century and has thrived in the ideal climate so that it appears to have been there for many centuries. The forest in this area has been developed to provide world-class mountain biking tracks, some of which were used for the 2006 World Championships. Rotorua hosts several other adventure activities such as Zorbing, indoor rock-climbing and whitewater rafting or sledging. When deciding if spending $20+ per person for entry to "Volcanic Caldera Areas" remember that there are many free parks that have very similar sights and smells, often with less walking and no charge.

One activity that is unique is the ability to play a round of golf amongst the mud pools. The Rotorua golf course has a public course where for $10 you can play 9 holes and attempt to avoid the mud pool hazards, a unique experience. The course is at the top of Fenton Street opposite Te Puea, the Maori Arts and Craft Institute and geyser.






 * Rafting. The Kaituna river might not be the biggest and wildest river in New Zealand, but it certainly offers a great opportunity for filling a morning or afternoon with adrenaline and fun: by going rafting, with world's highest commercially rafted waterfall (7 m / 23 ft) being the major draw. In summer, the lush jungle alongside the banks is most beautiful, and as the weather can get hot, a dip in the cool river (voluntarily or not) is often welcome. Rafting trips take around 2 ½ hours, of which 45 to 60 minutes are actual time spent on the water. There are a handful of companies to choose from: Kaitiaki Adventures, Kaituna Cascades, River Rats, Rotorua Rafting and Wet 'n Wild Rafting. There are hardly any differences between the trips, with prices being between $95 and $109. This normally includes pick-up and drop-off in Rotorua's CBD, perhaps even at your accommodation, so enquire about this when booking.



Buy
There are numerous Maori arts and crafts on sale in the city centre and at the various tourist attractions. The quality varies from extremely professional contemporary artwork to cheap nick-nacks. Popular items include pounamu/greenstone (jade) or bone jewellery, traditional weapons and statues. This selection is accompanied by sheepskins and the normal tourist giftware of t-shirts, caps, mugs and pens plastered with "Rotorua", other words and pictures. More attractive and practical gifts can be found such as simple clothing (jackets, shirts, ties, caps) with abstract Maori designs on them.

Eat
There are numerous places to try the traditional Maori feast, the hangi. This "earthen oven" technique is similar to the Hawaiian umu and results in a very distinctive smoky, earthy flavour - well worth trying. Due to Rotorua's geothermally active ground, the local Maori tribes often make use of the geothermal heat for their hangi, instead of burying the food with heated rocks as is the standard practice elsewhere.

Rotorua has some nice cafes - good options include: Capers, Zippy's or the Fat Dog. The usual chains for pizzas and burgers can be found: they're generally on Amohau Street (SH 30A in the central city) and on Fairy Springs Road (SH 5 heading north out of the city).

Restaurants are slightly more scarce but several of the major hotels have good eating establishments (Novotel or Ridges on the raceway). The main centre for eating is the end of Tutanekai Street nearest the lake (known as Eat Street), but beware, even after 9PM you may find little left on the menu. Popular restaurants on Tutanekai Street include: Triple 1 Five, Indian Star, Wild Rice, Ambrosia and Atticus Finch.

Western cuisine
Western food in Rotorua, like most of New Zealand, is confined to food with its roots either in the UK or US – think burgers, fries, American-style pizza, steak and the like. The only alternative are the few Italian places in town, which are usually of the fine-dining variety.



Fusion/buffet
Most buffet restaurants in Rotorua are associated with hotels, with few exceptions. They generally serve a mix of Western and Asian food of varying quality.



Asian cuisine
There's no shortage of Asian food in Rotorua, with plenty of Chinese and Indian restaurants especially. A row of the former consists of the bulk of the Amohau St block directly opposite the mall and caters almost exclusively to Chinese tour groups, with the accompanying inflated prices - a better experience can likely be had by seeking out the ones within the CBD area. Korean, Japanese and Thai food is also easy to find.



Drink
Rotorua is sometimes referred to as Roto-Vegas because of the many neon-lit hotels along the main street, the numerous venues for gambling and the few brothels. Strangely though, there isn't much nightlife to speak of. The Lava Bar is a good bet, alternatively try the Pig & Whistle or the Fat Dog Cafe. Heaven & Hell is the only nightclub in Rotorua and is popular with local adults.

Sleep
There are many hotels, rental homes, backpackers, motor homes, camp grounds, motels and bed and breakfasts around Rotorua.

Hostels and backpackers




Stay safe
This geothermal wonderland has some hazards. Respect safety signs and barriers around active geothermal locations - they are there for good reasons. The hot water and mud from geothermal springs can be boiling hot. Superheated steam may cause eruptions - after all it is steam that makes the geysers spout.

The sulphurous smell (that rotten eggs smell) in the air means that some toxic gases may also be present. Take care in confined and unventilated spaces, particularly those below ground level or around geothermal pools. Toxic geothermal gases have been known to asphyxiate people.

Avoid bathing in geothermal pools where the water has been in contact with the ground. At the very least do not put your head underwater. Geothermal ground water can carry the bacteria and/or amoebae that cause meningitis - a disease which can be fatal. If you develop flu-like symptoms after coming into contact with geothermal water, immediately contact a doctor.

While New Zealand is a tourist paradise it should be remembered that as with most countries petty theft is a common occurrence, and Rotorua is said to have a higher rate of petty crime than some other areas. With so many of Rotorua's thermal wonders being in isolated areas it pays to take notice of the warning signs and to keep cars locked with valuables hidden from view so as not to have your visit ruined by petty opportunistic crime. In particular Kuirau Park after dark and Okere Falls are well known for car thefts and muggings. Expensive items taken to places like backpackers also need particular attention.

Go next
Heading south from Rotorua on SH 5 takes you to Taupo, a similar town on the side of New Zealand's largest lake, and Tongariro National Park. Around 15 km south of Rotorua, SH 38 branches off to the southeast, leading into the sparsely populated and ruggedly beautiful Urewera National Park.

Heading east on SH 30 leads you to Whakatane, a coastal town in the eastern Bay of Plenty with empty beaches and one of the North Island's sunniest climates. Beyond lies the remote East Cape.

North takes you to Te Puke, Tauranga and the western Bay of Plenty coastline, also a nice place to soak up the sun. There are two routes; via Te Puke and SH 33 brings you into Tauranga via Mount Maunganui. The SH 36 is a shorter inland route that climbs to around 610 m (2000 ft) before dropping to the coast. This is the route most locals would use and avoids Tauranga CBD traffic if heading for the Coromandel.

The Waikato region, including Hamilton, Waitomo and Raglan, lies to the west.