Rotorua Attractions
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Rotorua has one of the largest selections of local attractions in New Zealand. There is plenty to see and do including natural wonders and absorbing theme parks. Rotorua is rich in Maori culture and has two well recommended geothermal parks in Te Puia and Whakawarawara. Both parks give you an insight into the Maori way of life and include traditional cooking, weaving and carving demonstrations as well as replica villages and bubbling mud pools. There are many concerts and performances to attend including a Maori feast and song and dance show. Find out more about the history of the Maori at the Rotorua Museum of Art and History as you wander about their award winning exhibitions. If you are holidaying with the kids there are some great theme parks to visit.
The Agrodrome is an interactive farm were the whole family can enjoy an entertaining sheep show, farm tour or enjoy the action activities of bungy jumping and free falling. Paradise Valley Springs gives you the once in a lifetime opportunity to pat a lion club (when they are there). The whole park is set in natural bushland and the meandering walkway passes by a Lion pride, rainbow trout pools, native birds and farm animals. The Buried Village, Polynesian Pools, Skyline Skyride and Rainbow Springs are all family friendly and offer all sorts of rides, wildlife encounters and historical stories. Rotorua has many Art galleries and craft shops to explore including the Jade Factory where you will find jewellery, sculptures and products made of this New Zealand precious stone. The Rotorua dining scene has plenty of restaurants and cafes in and around the centre of the city to refill and recharge including Thai, Italian and Pacific fare.
Just a short drive from Rotorua you will find two thermal areas of distinction. Waimangu Volcanic Valley and Hell’s Gate are landscapes of steaming vents, beautifully coloured terraces and massive geysers. Hell’s Gate has the largest boiling waterfall in the Southern Hemisphere. You can also visit the volcanic crater of Mount Tarawera by Helicopter or 4 x 4 tours. Rotorua tours combine visits to all the top attractions in Rotorua if you would prefer a guided commentary and many will take you to and from your Rotorua accommodation. There are many beautiful parks, lakes and walking tracks in the Rotorua area to enjoy as well as a huge range of activities including white water rafting, horse riding, mountain biking through the Redwood forest, water skiing and trout fishing. Most of Rotorua’s attractions are close to the City Centre and reasonably priced.
