Overview
Take a Trip to Rotorua on your New Zealand Vacation
Rotorua, in the center of the North Island, is situated on a volcanic plateau also known as the “Pacific Rim of Fire” which is the world’s most lively geothermal activity. It is here that you can discover on a New Zealand vacation, amazing geysers, thermal springs, crater lakes and boiling mud pools.
The smell of sulphur that lingers in the air will remind visitors they are in a geothermal region. Watch the famed Pohutu Geyser shoot scalding water up to 30 metres into the sky at Whakarewarena Thermal Reserve or visit Hell’s Gate Thermal Park with the only hot waterfall in the southern hemisphere. Visitors can soak their feet in hot pools.
Rotorua is also the ancestral home of the Te Arawa people who settled here more than 600 years ago, these Maori people make up more than one-third of the city’s population, so it is a great place on a New Zealand Vacation to become immersed in the culture. It is where you can learn about the warrior's history and experience ancient ceremonies while indulging in a Hangi feast. At Mount Tarawera Crater Rift, you can witness steaming cliffs and the hot lakes of Waimangu Volcanic Valley.
If adventure is your thing, Rotorua has many attractions to get the adrenalin flowing - everything from skydiving to mountain biking.
The nearby amazing limestone Waitomo Caves and Glowworm Grotto which were first discovered 120 years ago are considered one of New Zealand’s natural highlights on Rotorua Tours.
If adventure is your thing, Rotorua has many attractions to get the adrenalin flowing - everything from skydiving to mountain biking.
The nearby amazing limestone Waitomo Caves and Glowworm Grotto which were first discovered 120 years ago are considered one of New Zealand’s natural highlights on Rotorua Tours.
At a Glance
Languages
English, MaoriCurrency
New Zealand Dollar (NZD)What do the experts say?
The food in New Zealand is incredible, and New Zealanders are rightly proud of their paddock to plate cuisine. Almost everything is sustainably grown and processed, from lamb and seafood to vegetables and fruit.
About 20 percent of New Zealand is made up of National Parks, Forests, and Nature Reserves. And they’re all free to enter!
The Māori cultural experiences and performances offered throughout the North and South Islands are well worth seeking out. If the opportunity presents itself, definitely take part in a hāngī
Looking for a great restaurant in New Zealand? Try The Bunker in Queenstown, Plato in Dunedin, Manu in Christchurch, and Oppies Fish & Chips in Rotorua
All Blacks rugby is huge in New Zealand. If you’re a sports fan, be sure to check out a home game. The All Blacks typically play their home test matches during the months of July, August, September and sometimes October
Most Popular Time to Travel
Know when to go.
Place
Conditions
Daily max temperatureMonthly rainfall
RotoruaOccasional Showers
23°C / 74°F
86mm / 3.4"
Weather data is based on monthly averages.Popularity rating
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