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
Maori carving in Rotorua
The Rotorua museum is a must inclusion for all ...
Mud pool in Wai-o-tapu thermal wonderland is an...
The bright blue inferno crater
Water adventure activities are abundant in Rotoru
Pohutu geyser is a great photo opportunity whil...
Mineral bathing
Most Popular Time to Travel
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Place
Conditions
Daily max temperatureMonthly rainfall
RotoruaOccasional Showers
17°C / 62°F
64mm / 2.5"
Weather data is based on monthly averages.Popularity rating
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ExcellentBased on 5,219 ReviewsThe booking processs was really easy. Katie was very communicative and was very responsive. Every change we asked for, she quickly replied. The room arrangements had a small hiccupp but Katie fixed it within minutes! All the excursions were a blast and well planned.
The trip was a bucket list trip and was everything we hoped for. Alison MAllan Birkett at Goway has been an absolute godsend! Over the past year, he has helped me plan numerous vacations—especially honeymoons—and has been an incredible partner every step of the way.
He is always quick to respond, patient with my clients' frequent changes, and goes above and beyond to help whenever an issue comes up. His knowledge, professionalism, and dedication make my job as a travel advisor so much easier.
I truly appreciate everything Allan does and highly recommend him to anyone looking for exceptional service. Thank you, Allan, for always being thereBrooke EcholsOur 2-week trip to Normandy, Switzerland and Italy after we disembarked from the Queen Mary 2 in Southampton in mid-May was superb. Michael Keon did an amazing job of putting together highlights for us to see and visit with the short time we had. All the train reservations, private and small group tours and transportations were very well coordinated, on time, and usually exceeded our expectations. Drivers were courteous and knowledgeable. Mike did a wonderful job getting everything coordinated, in spite of our almost “last minute” booking. I booked a month-long trip through GOWAY back in 1989 for Australia, New Zealand and Fiji, and they were superb then. So I tried them again, and found the entire organization to be even better. Mike was quick to respond to any questions that came up regarding booksings and times, regardless of the 6-hour time difference. Just superb! Although we had a nasty experience in Milan, GOWAY was very responsive and saw to our requests and our needs. Again, Michael Keon is the person who coordinated our travel. I will ask for Mike when I travel again with GOWAY. I recommend GOWAY highly. PJ WheelerA BIG THANK YOU to Goway Travel, Brooke Theron and all of the partners onsite. Our trip to Africa was incredible, memories that will last forever.
Everything planned and more went perfectly. The guides, the excursions, the accommodations, everything, was just spectacular. Fortunately, everything ran on time, no delays, no problems.
Thank you again!!
Linda IriasI have been blessed to have an amazing rep, Farooq Qaisar!
He has helped me find the best spots for my clients to experience and when I am looking for something and just can't figure it out, he is able to put together something better than I was thinking. He my go-to and I am thankful for all his help over the years!SherriGoway helped plan our two week trip to Peru and they (Virginia in particular) did a great job. The on-site logistics with Condor Travel went very smoothly, and the trip exceeded our expectations overall. They proactively suggested changes to our initial itinerary which were welcomed. I would recommend them and would work with them again in the future.Kate O'NeillWe entrusted Goway with every detail of our trip from start to finish and they came through for us superbly! Every single detail was smooth sailing. It was a joy to plan our travels with Goway!! We had an amazing trip of a lifetime!
E&DI recently went on an African Safari with my brother-in-law and sister and another couple who I knew. The entire experience was absolutely unbelievable. The complete details were flawlessly coordinated from the transfers to the breathtaking lodges. Our guides Peter showed us Kenya and Maulid Tanzania were very knowledgeable and very sharp eyes for finding the animals.
We were able to see the animals up close, learn a lot about the people, birds , vegetation etc.
We had several sundowners in the bush really added to a magical experience with beautiful sunsets.
I would highly recommend Goway to all my friends, they will not be disappointed.
Thank you to Bijal for the excellent African Safari that you put together for us. You were wonderful.Nancy HayWe enjoyed our trip very much. I was very pleased by the hotel, tours, and itinerary selections that Alice Teramoto made for us. It was all well organized and easy to follow.
Thank you very much for helping us have a great experience in Peru.INEverything was planned perfectly. The excursions were so small and personal. Ask for Mark! I have already planned another trip back to the Oregon wine country with Mark. Claire
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