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RotoruaA Thermal Wonderland and Maori Cultural Center!Rotorua would have to be a must on every visitors vacation to New Zealand. For an action packed holiday destination only a three hour drive from Auckland, it would be hard to beat. By checking out all that you can do in this town you can be sure you have planned enough time to fit in all you really want to do. It is probably the best you could visit in New Zealand for a truly Maori cultural experience. There are several Maori Concert shows. Thermal activity is a major feature with not only the distinctive plumes of steam visible as one drives around the area, but the smell of sulphur will have most people wrinkling their noses, and joking about rotten eggs. Thermal ActivityAs you arrive from Auckland, Kuriau Park , free and a flat walk, situated just before you get into the main centre has quite a few areas with boiling mud pools, steam vents and even some pools for sitting and bathing your feet in the thermally heated water.There are a number of possible thermal tourist parks on the outskirts of the town offering great thermal activity, some with geysers that go off at set times. This is a natural activity, so humans have no control over when the geyser erupts. Whakarewarewa in the town centre ,will ensure you really feel you have experienced Rotorua and Maori culture. A concert is included in the ticket price and Pohutu ( probably our most well known geyser), should go off daily. Waimungu Valley is a family favourite with a wonderful variety of colours, and distinctive thermal activity. Orakei Korako half way between Rotorua and Taupo is another favourite. Crossing the lake by boat, you then follow the set path walking in a fairyland of colour and eerie thermal activity. All of these thermal experiences will involve quite a bit of walking. We have also had the pleasure of kayaking Orakei Korako which is a lovely and different kayak if you can access one. Wai-O-Tapu is another I can highly recommend. The colours and aura of this natural geothermal phenomonon are beautiful. See the Thermal and Geyser Activity courtesy of YouTube
The Agrodome where you will see an educational show on farming is highly entertaining. Everything from sheep shearing, milking cows, to handling the working dogs is demonstrated . With audience participation, this is hugely popular. Children will love the farm tour, experiencing all that is involved in farming, a variety of animals etc.
Bungy Rotorua Swoop Freefall Xtreme Rotorua Zorb Agrojet Helipro More detailed information and videos on
Rotorua Agrodome Activities
4WD This is a really exciting experience. Combined with go karting. Fishing - trout Kayaking you do need to ensure you take note of weather conditions and safety. But kayaking on the lakes is beautiful. There are kayaks for hire. White Water Rafting - extreme Golf surely a unique golf experience to play around the steam vents! Bush Walks Tandem Skydive The Luge, on Mt Ngongataha is a must if you have children and teens. A trip to Rotorua was not complete without a couple of hours on the luge for our children. With a ride on the Skyline gondola, parents can take a break with a coffee if they are not keen on riding wildly down the steep, windy slopes in a little cart! But you should have a go once. It is great fun, no matter what your age. For further information go to:
http://www.skylineskyrides.co.nz/rotorua/
More Activities Rainbow Springs and Kiwi Encounter - Just across the road from the Agrodome and accessed by a tunnel under the road, is Rainbow Springs. With a beautiful walk through native bush, you can feed the four varieties of trout swimming in the clear springs. Here you can also see one of our oldest inhabitants, the tuatara. - New Zealands very own dinosaur. Discover a range of native New Zealand birds and best of all see REAL live kiwis at the conservation centre. Here you will be able to see static displays and staff working with the incubation and hatching of kiwi eggs, and raising the chicks. Be sure to BOOK. Paradise Valley Springs is another great place to see a variety of animals. From local New Zealand animals and birds to African lions. The treetop walk gives you an overview of New Zealand native bush. The Buried Village about 15 minutes drive from the city centre it is well worth a visit. Buried in the eruption of Mt Tarawera in 1886, you can take an interesting walk viewing the remnants of the once lively village, through native bush and past a waterfall. Spa Activity The Polynesian Pools are a popular choice with 26 mineral pools, mud wraps and spa treatments. A swim and soak in the mineral waters is a lovely evening activity. Hells Gate and Wai Ora Pool hot mineral foot pools, hot thermal spraying pools, mudbaths. Spa at OE
Waikite Valley Thermal Pools http://www.rotoruanz.com/attractions/detail.php?id=2&type=8 Cultural Shows Tamaki Village this is a newly opened village where you can experience the culture, a traditional hangi meal, and music, song and dance in authentic surroundings. I have not personally experienced it , but it has had some excellent reviews. Mitai if seeing traditional waka ( canoes), glow worms, a hangi meal, and a cultural show in a natural bush setting and the Fairy Springs appeals, you should enjoy this. Te Puia Probably our most well known Maori cultural show incorporating the Whakarewarewa thermal village and area, a cultural show, and woodcarving, this is another good visit for authentic Maori culture.
One and Two Day Rotorua /Waitomo ToursThere are several companies who do Day Tours from Auckland. These are often combined with a trip to Waitomo Caves en route.
Rotorua AccommodationThere is plenty of accommodation for all pockets in this town that is well geared to tourists. As a popular convention destination, not to mention a major tourist destination, there is a huge choice of accommodation. Most will be within easy reach of the city and all the tourist destinations. You can choose from these options below: Lodge Motor Lodge Luxury resort Middle range resort Hotels Motels B&Bs Backpackers Camping grounds. Eating OutThere is a good range of eating places. All the hotels have meals, and several have a combined buffet with a Maori Cultural Show. You may like to combine a cultural experience with a cultural food experience and go to a Hangi and show.Cafe - Fat Dog : For lunches I recommend Fat Dog in Arawa Street. We always head here as it has a funky decor and excellent, well priced meals. Pig and Whistle - Another recommended restaurant, we enjoy eating at if you can get in. It is popular. So named because the building was originally the Police Station! Rotorua ShoppingYou will find some lovely shops in the central city. Here you will be able to purchase the uniquely New Zealand Greenstone Native timber small products, sheepskin rugs and Wool, merino and merino /possum knitwear products which are so light and cosy Thermal lotions, face packs, soaps and beauty treatments Paua, bone and greenstone jewellery Rotorua is a truly unique destination. Allow plenty of time to experience all there is to see and do.
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