Rotorua In the Māori language Rotorua
translates as Roto (lake) and rua (two) meaning ‘second lake’. It was
named by Māori chief Ihenga, as it was the second major lake he
discovered while exploring the area. Map of Rotorua Accommodation Options
Maori Cultural Performance
Te Puia: Māori Arts, Crafts, Culture and Natural Wonders. We recommend visiting Te Puia – an excellent exhibition of Māori arts, crafts, culture and natural wonders. The history of Te Puia is one of survival and dedication to ensuring Māori arts and crafts were not lost forever. Here, you can: visit the carving and weaving schools where masters and students share their art and their stories at the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute; experience the thrill of Māori song and dance as performers enthrall and entertain every day and night at a Cultural Performance; step into the Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley, an ancient valley where geysers, mud pools and boiling waters still play after 40,000 years; visit the native kiwi bird inside a protected and enclosed natural habitat; or take a guided tour.
Mountain Biking in the Whakarewarewa Forest: Tailor-made Rides to Suit You From First-timers to Hard-core (2 hr rides to half day rides). Planet Bike is a small, friendly company, based in the action packed centre of the North Island - Rotorua! A cycle friendly town famous for it's geothermal activity from boiling mud pools to huge geysers. Rotorua has some of the best mountain biking on the planet 'the best single track ever' is what Gary Fisher had to say. Surrounded by forest we have 40km of purpose built single track on our doorstep, beautiful lakes to cycle to and spectacular rides through thermal areas.
Rotorua Museum: Where great stories begin. Discover the essence of Rotorua; its people, culture and volcanic landscape. Uncover the great stories which have shaped the past and present of ths fascinating region. The history of the Rotorua spa, the reuption of Mt Tarawera, the treasures of Te Arawa and the moving story of the 28 Maori Battalion - our vibrant exhibitions capture the imaginationand include two dramatic cinema experiences.
White Island Heli-Tour Experience: Land on an active Volcano and one of the worlds only accessible island volcano. White Island carries a Grade A classification of international scientific importance. Glide over the Pacific Ocean above frolicking dolphins and fish. 'Feel the earth move' at the only active volcano in New Zealand, 32 miles off the coast. Upon arrival, you will spend an hour walking and exploring this moon like landscape. Stand on the edge of the active Crater Lake viewing steaming volcanic vents (fumeroles). Learn of the sulphar mining history and White Islands grim past. Duration approx 3 hours.
Zorbing: In the wet Zorb, we add water inside the Zorb so you can run, tumble, flip or slide inside as the Zorb hurtles downhill. This is great on your own (where you can attempt to stay on your feet for a free T-shirt!) or with two or three people inside. In the dry harness Zorb you are safely harnessed inside the Zorb before being sent head over heels downhill. Watch the world spin past the windows. A revolutionary experience. “A cross between a waterfall and a roller coaster, Zorbarific, baby!” - Butlers and Birrells, Atlanta, U.S.A.
Kiwi Encounter: A New Zealand first, Kiwi Encounter is a unique kiwi rearing centre where visitors can 'get closer to New Zealand's unique flightless bird, the kiwi. Kiwi Encounter is a dedicated hatchery and nursery where the young chicks are raised by specialist husbandry staff for release back into the wild. An open-plan noctural area is home to adult kiwi, along with excellent educational exhibits. Meet the Active Downunder sponsored kiwi!
Rotorua Privately Guided Day Tour: Enjoy a full day with a local guide. Go at your own pace, see the attractions you want to see and experience the Rotorua area with a local. A sample of possible choices are Te Puia Thermal Park and Arts and Crafts (Māori Concert at 12 noon), Wai O Tapu Wonderland, Agrodome Sheep and Dog trailing Show, Blue and Green Lakes and Buried Village taking in Lake Tarawera, Paradise Valley Wildlife and Wetlands Park, Kiwi Encounter, Kuirau Park/Ohinemutu Village. Includes: Personal Guiding through all attractions/VIP parking/light refreshments. Excludes entry fees up to NZ$115 per person (depending on attractions chosen) and lunch.
Rafting a Waterfall!
Kaituna Whitewater Rafting: The Kaituna boasts the Highest Commercially Rafted Waterfall (7m) in the World. In fact, there are 3 waterfalls among the 14 rapids; two smaller waterfalls to practise on before attacking the 7-meter drop named Tutea Falls. In amongst beautiful, clean/green NZ lives a great deal of Maori History - the area is renowned for the tribal wars of the past. Behind and around the Waterfall exists caves used for the hiding of women and Children, and later the burial ground of Chief Tutea. There are many Māori Myths and Legends associated with this River known to the locals as Okere (waterfall). The Kaituna River is situated at Okere Falls, between Rotorua (20 minutes drive).
Mt Tarawera Heli Flight & Volcanic Landing: Largest eruption in New Zealands living memory, last erupted June 10, 1886 killing approximately 153 people, destroyed the Pink and White Terraces (the eighth natural wonder of the world), fallout from eruption affected an area of 15000 sq kilometres. Experience the thrill of flying over and then landing on the spectacular craters and domes of Mount Tarawera. Enjoy informative commentary about the areas history and the events that formed the Mountains craters, destroyed the Pink and White Terraces and altered much of the surrounding landscape during the devastating 1886 eruption. This tour includes our spectacular crater Lakes, scenic reserve and views of the Rotorua city area. Approx 40 mins.
Tarawera Fly / Drive Option: This is a unique half day Heli-Tour adventure. Your 4WD takes you via the dense native bush of the Kaiangaroa forest to the summit of Sacred Mount Tarawera. This drive is a real thrill offering you the most astonishing views of this striking area. Once on the top, you can take an optional guided walk through and around the volcanoes craters before meeting your helicopter. Your pilot will explain the fascinating history of the region. What follows is a scenic flight over no less than nine craters, following the 15 km path of the 1886 eruption to Waimangu Volcanic Valley. On the return flight to Rotorua, you may also enjoy the most spectacular views of Crater Lakes and the local National Parks. Duration approx: 4 hours
Tarawera Falls
Volcanic Adventure: Rotorua is located in the region that geologists call the Taupo Volcanic Zone. It is a distinctive area of majestic mountains, crystal clear lakes and a fascinating landscape with some of the largest and most amazing silicate and mineral formations on earth. Without exaggeration, it can be said that Rotorua is one of the geothermal wonders of the world. It is full of magnificent coloured pools and lakes. The trace of volcanic activity is everywhere. This excursion leads you through some of the local areas most prominent volcanic landmarks. From the stunning Crater Lakes to the unique Tarawera Falls. Experience the grandeur of Mount Tarawera before continuing your adventure onto the renowned thermal reserves of Waimangu and Wai-O-Tapu. Duration: approx 1 hr.
Whirinaki Rainforest Cultural Walk: Come and share our ancestral heritage, and learn how our people used their environment for medicine and sustenance. Experience the ancient Māori history and legend amid mountains, expansive bays, pulsing geotherms, life-giving waters and majestic forests. You will also gain insight to a holistic understanding of the traditional Māori world view in a contemporary context.
The Whirinaki Rainforest guided tour offers a journey to the majestic pillars of the indigenous rainforest of the Tuhoe and Ngati Whare tribes and the beginning of a variety of walk options from 1 to 4 hours in duration. Listen to the stories and personal accounts of the spiritual and cultural connection of these tribes within this magnificent multi-species forest. Flora and fauna interpretation of their uses of food and medicines, lunch whilst on the walk with complimentary herbal cuisine, visit local marae (tribal gathering place) and learn of its distinctive protocols and wharenui (ancestral house) architecture. This intimate guided experience will inspire anyone who is interested in the sustainability of the environment and indigenous peoples.
Waimangu: On 10 June 1886, tremendous eruptions of Tarawera Volcano and Lake Rotomahana devasated their surrounding area. The legendary Pink and White Terraces. Lake Rotomahana exploded to 20 times its original size and seven new craters were erupted forming Waimangu Volcanic Valley. Today, you can explore our rich social, cultural and antural history. We offer a boat cruise, eco-focused walks and hikes through the Worlds newest geothermal area that is the home of many geothermal features of Worldwide importance including the Worlds largest hot spring, and mysterious Inferno crater.
Images provided by: Helipro and Destination Rotorua
Te Puia: 
