Rotorua Hotels

So what makes it so special? Rotorua is a veritable smorgasbord of the most amazing, naturally occurring phenomena you’re ever likely to experience. We’re talking steaming-hot springs, pools of bubbling mud, exploding geysers, crystal-clear springs, volatile volcanos and much more, all set amongst scenery so picturesque you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d fallen into the set of The Sound of Music.

And if the scenery doesn’t take your breath away, the range of extreme sports on offer will. In adventure-loving New Zealand, adrenaline junkies are a dime a dozen, and Rotorua has enough activities to make you scream four-letter words in pure terror.

Throw in a rich Maori heritage and culture, a cosy but vibrant nightlife and some of the friendliest locals you’ll ever meet, and Rotorua might just make it to the top of your favourite places list.

But if the thought of lavishing too much praise on Rotorua makes you uncomfortable, just stop and take a whiff. The cost of all the natural phenomena is a strong smell of sulphur, which resembles rotten eggs.

At least, that’s what the Kiwis say it is.

ROTORUA’S TOP 10

ROTORUA LOCAL

CBD

Rotorua’s hub has a number of spots to hit during your NZ adventure. The Museum of Art & History (half museum and half art gallery) is a great starting point and will help you to learn about the city’s great history and culture. Next on the itinerary should be the sacred and spiritual Mitai Maori Village, where you’ll find Rainbow Spring, spot locals decked out in traditional Maori dress and, if you’re lucky, enjoy a traditional hangi meal.

Once you’ve eaten like a Maori (no mean feat, have you seen some of those All Blacks?), get on a bus and head over to Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, a mere 15 minutes away. Here you’ll find a stack of erupting geysers, hot springs, naturally coloured pools, mammoth volcanic craters and a hell of a lot of bubbling mud. On your way back to the CBD, make sure to pay Kuirau Park a visit as it’s also got a range of geothermal attractions and lovely walking trails.

Whakarewarewa

Rotorua’s thermal village is the home of the Tuhourangi people (they’ve been there for centuries), as well as hot and steamy springs, exploding geysers and boiling mud pools. Make sure to catch a cultural performance (held twice a day) and then take a guided-tour to get the most out of your experience.

Ngongotaha

This fun-size, vibrant village is just 10 mins out of Rotorua and is quite the little gem.

It may sound odd, but make sure you check out the Ngongotaha Trout Hatchery (it’s free!) for lovely landscapes and to learn about trout. Not a fish fan? Visit Ohinemutu, the original settlement for the Ngati Whakaue (Maori tribe). Here you can enjoy the beautiful Lake Rotorua, explore more geothermal spots and learn about Maori culture and it’s beautiful traditions.

Want something pretty? Hamurana Spring is famous for the clearest springs you’ll ever see. Not even kidding, guys – you can see right to the bottom without needing to squint. It’s also famous for picturesque walking tracks and the fresh, crisp air, so make sure you explore. Heaven.

ROTORUA EAT & DRINK

ROTORUA EVENTS

If you’re up for a challenge and don’t mind getting dirty, why not enter the annual Waikato Draught Tough Guy and Gal Challenge in August? This event is one of the biggest in Rotorua and sees competitors running through swamps, burrowing under barbed wire, climbing, hiking and practically swimming through mud. If you’re not up for it, you can always watch – and there is a wicked afterparty.

Fabulous fashion more your thing? Wearable Creationzshowcases the immense talent of Rotorua’s youth every August. The show itself is all about wearable art, style and fashion, but there’s also an art exhibit/competition, too.

WHEN TO GO

• Rotorua enjoys pleasant temperatures all year round, even in winter. That said, mid-June to mid-August sees quite a bit of rain.

• Summer average: 21ºC (70ºF)

• Autumn average: 14ºC (57ºF)

• Winter average: 10ºC (50ºF)

• Spring average: 16ºC (61ºF)

WHAT TO MISS

• Respect rules, signs and barriers around the thermal springs, geysers and mud pools – they’re there for a reason. Ignore them and risk getting really hurt, or worse. Not fun.

• If you have an ultra-sensitive nose, make sure you take along some sort of mask or some Vick’s Vapour Rub to smear under your nose. The city has a sulphurous, rotten-egg-like smell that can’t be escaped.

GETTING AROUND

HotelClub Blog

Fighting for Rotorua: Geoff Fischer’s Battle

Top 10 Easter Escapes for 2011

HotelClub Awards: The Best Hidden Kiwi Gems

Remarkable Rotorua

Rotorua's Top 10

Rotorua Events

When To Go

Getting Around

General Information

Attractions & Activities

Restaurant & Nightlife

Climate