Rotorua - a scenic ‘fun bubble’

Considered by most backpackers to be the North Island of New Zealand's top destination, Rotorua is best described as a cultural, scenic wonderland and a ‘fun bubble' for adrenalin seekers.

Rotorua, in the central North Island, is the birthplace of tourism in New Zealand. In the 1800s people travelled considerable distances to view the spectacular Pink and White Terraces, considered the eighth wonder of the world. These amazing silica terraces cascaded down the slopes of Mt Tarawera.

When the devastating 1886 eruption of the mountain destroyed the terraces, Rotorua, using the abundance of natural hot mineral waters in the region, developed itself into a leading spa destination.

Tourists continued to flock here and today the region is a backpacker's delight. Boasting almost every imaginable adventure activity, including many world firsts, Maori culture on an unrivalled level and awesome geothermal wonders, this bustling tourist city is a must-do.

There are 16 sparkling lakes within 20 minutes' drive of the city, as well as surrounding forests, and these are free for the intrepid backpacker to explore.

Thermal Wonderland

Rotorua's geothermal environment assaults the senses, from the sulphuric smell wafting through the air to the plopping and hissing of the geysers and bubbling mud pools, and incredible natural sights unlike anything elsewhere in the world.
To truly understand this unique region, and how the power of the geothermal forces have shaped its human and natural landscapes, start at the Rotorua Museum. Its exhibitions and cinema experiences cover Rotorua's greatest stories, setting the scene for any Rotorua adventure.
With seven geothermal parks in the region there is plenty to interest even the most geologically inclined backpacker.

Culture

Traditional Maori culture flourishes in Rotorua, which boasts many places where backpackers can watch locals weave and carve as their ancestors did. No trip here is complete without sampling a hangi, a traditional Maori meal cooked in an earthen oven. A hangi usually comprises venison, pork, lamb, chicken, pumpkin and kumara (sweet potato).
Various tour companies and marae co-ordinate cultural evenings that include a hangi and traditional Maori dancing and singing, such as the haka war dance.

Adventure

Surrounded by mountains, rivers, forest and farmland, Rotorua offers the thrill-seeking backpacker plenty of opportunities to get the adrenalin pumping.
These include white water rafting over waterfalls, sledging along your choice of rivers, four wheel driving through bush, hunting by helicopter, luging, tandem sky diving, parasailing, kayaking, sailing, waterskiing, bungy jumping, jet boat racing, Zorbing and much more.

Want to discover some off-the-beaten-track adventures or some unique Rotorua-only activities?

• Drive out to Lake Tarawera and jump on a water taxi to Hot Water Beach - a naturally heated corner of this beautiful and pristine lake. If you're up for it stay at the small campground on the lake edge.

• Hitch a ride with a local or hire some kayaks and discover the Maniparua Hot Pools, mineral pools on the edge of Lake Rotoiti that are only accessible by boat or kayak.

• If you want unique, how about a mud bath at Wai Ora Spa, at Hell's Gate? New Zealand's only geothermal mud bath and spa facility, Wai Ora Spa is a traditionally themed facility that allows visitors to bathe in geothermal mud waters, which local Maori have done for more than 700 years.

• Try the Shweeb or the Zorb (Google it - too hard to explain).

• Mountain bikers will be in heaven in the Redwoods, on the outskirts of town. There are 100km of world-class tracks here that are renowned around the globe.

• Get the adrenalin pumping with a rafting adventure over the world's highest commercially rafted waterfall - the 7m Tutea Falls on the Kaituna River.

More Information

For more information on Rotorua contact the Tourism Rotorua Travel Office at 1167 Fenton St. Telephone 07 348 5179 or fax 07 348 6044, or visit www.rotoruanz.com