Located on New Zealand’s North Island, the town of Rotorua is often considered the core essence of Maori culture. But Rotorua is known for much more than its cultural heritage – it’s a bustling town full of great restaurants, heritage buildings, exciting adventures, and relaxing spa retreats.
Natural Geysers and Hot Springs
The Wai-O-Tapu geyser park, a 20 minute drive south of Rotorua, lives up to its reputation as a thermal wonderland. Visitors are invited to walk through the park at their own leisure to enjoy its many bubbling pools and simmering geological features. The colorful natural features amongst the lush native bush makes for a memorable experience. Be sure to catch the eruption of the Lady Knox geyser every day at 10:15.
Nearer to town is Whakarewarewa Thermal Village. More than a simple amble through the park, the village is an experience in Maori culture. Tours, beginning hourly, include talks about how native New Zealanders utilized the geothermal activity in their everyday lives: for cooking, bathing, and relaxing.
The village also has cultural performances every day, for Maori descendants to showcase their native traditions – including the world-famous haka.
Local Spas
There are a cavalcade of worthy spas in and around Rotorua, but the largest and most popular are probably Hell’s Gate Wai Ora Spa and Polynesian Spa.
Hell’s Gate, northeast of the main city, is full of different options and prices to accommodate any budget and timeframe. The famous Rotorua mud is used in many of the spa treatments; it’s said to purify the skin, soothe the soul, and even unleash creativity.
For a variety of mineral pools to soak in, try Polynesian Spa, conveniently located in central Rotorua. Twenty-six pools are on offer, so that families, adults, and couples looking for a bit of privacy can each have their own space – most within viewing distance of picturesque Lake Rotorua.
Wild Animal Park
Covering more than 30 acres of land, Paradise Valley Springs animal park is sure to get you in touch with your wild side.
Visitors can purchase animal food upon entry to make friends with all the critters in the park. All manner of animals call the park home: from curious pigs to adorable wallabies; native birds to wild fish.
A highlight of the park is the lion enclosure, with plenty of viewing space for the riotous 2:30pm daily feedings. The faint of heart may prefer patting lion cubs born at the park. Check the website before visiting, as interaction with the lion cubs depends on their age and they’re stage of adaptation with the main lion pride.
Zorbing!
Zorbing is the perfect way to add some zing to an otherwise run-of-the-mill vacation. “Zorbers” jump into large, hollow, plastic balls (Zorbs) at the top of a long hill. They can choose to try either the traditional Zorb, in which case they’re attached to the inside of the ball with bungee cords, or the Hydro-Zorb, where they sit in a shallow pool of warm water.
The Zorb is then pushed down the hill – with the Zorber inside it, of course! The traditional Zorb feels like being inside an anti-gravitational chamber, while the Hydro-Zorb feels like being inside a moving washing machine.
Located northwest of the Rotorua city centre, Zorbing is a must-do on everyone’s life list. Don’t fancy going along? Zorb with a pal to test the limits of your friendship!
Rotorua is worth a trip of its own – for a day, week, or even a month. Come visit this lovely New Zealand town for a bit of R&R, to get in touch with nature, and to find your wild side.
Natural Geysers and Hot Springs
The Wai-O-Tapu geyser park, a 20 minute drive south of Rotorua, lives up to its reputation as a thermal wonderland. Visitors are invited to walk through the park at their own leisure to enjoy its many bubbling pools and simmering geological features. The colorful natural features amongst the lush native bush makes for a memorable experience. Be sure to catch the eruption of the Lady Knox geyser every day at 10:15.
Nearer to town is Whakarewarewa Thermal Village. More than a simple amble through the park, the village is an experience in Maori culture. Tours, beginning hourly, include talks about how native New Zealanders utilized the geothermal activity in their everyday lives: for cooking, bathing, and relaxing.
The village also has cultural performances every day, for Maori descendants to showcase their native traditions – including the world-famous haka.
Local Spas
There are a cavalcade of worthy spas in and around Rotorua, but the largest and most popular are probably Hell’s Gate Wai Ora Spa and Polynesian Spa.
Hell’s Gate, northeast of the main city, is full of different options and prices to accommodate any budget and timeframe. The famous Rotorua mud is used in many of the spa treatments; it’s said to purify the skin, soothe the soul, and even unleash creativity.
For a variety of mineral pools to soak in, try Polynesian Spa, conveniently located in central Rotorua. Twenty-six pools are on offer, so that families, adults, and couples looking for a bit of privacy can each have their own space – most within viewing distance of picturesque Lake Rotorua.
Wild Animal Park
Covering more than 30 acres of land, Paradise Valley Springs animal park is sure to get you in touch with your wild side.
Visitors can purchase animal food upon entry to make friends with all the critters in the park. All manner of animals call the park home: from curious pigs to adorable wallabies; native birds to wild fish.
A highlight of the park is the lion enclosure, with plenty of viewing space for the riotous 2:30pm daily feedings. The faint of heart may prefer patting lion cubs born at the park. Check the website before visiting, as interaction with the lion cubs depends on their age and they’re stage of adaptation with the main lion pride.
Zorbing!
Zorbing is the perfect way to add some zing to an otherwise run-of-the-mill vacation. “Zorbers” jump into large, hollow, plastic balls (Zorbs) at the top of a long hill. They can choose to try either the traditional Zorb, in which case they’re attached to the inside of the ball with bungee cords, or the Hydro-Zorb, where they sit in a shallow pool of warm water.
The Zorb is then pushed down the hill – with the Zorber inside it, of course! The traditional Zorb feels like being inside an anti-gravitational chamber, while the Hydro-Zorb feels like being inside a moving washing machine.
Located northwest of the Rotorua city centre, Zorbing is a must-do on everyone’s life list. Don’t fancy going along? Zorb with a pal to test the limits of your friendship!
Rotorua is worth a trip of its own – for a day, week, or even a month. Come visit this lovely New Zealand town for a bit of R&R, to get in touch with nature, and to find your wild side.
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