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The Champagne Pool, Waiotapu, North Island, New Zealand,

Rotorua

Visit Rotorua

Introduction

Impressive geysers, natural hot springs and bubbling mud pools are part of the otherworldly landscape of Rotorua, a place where New Zealand's position on the Pacific Ring of Fire is visibly demonstrated.

This is one of the world's most concentrated and accessible geothermal areas and the light but constant whiff of sulphur that hangs in the air is a reminder of the forces of nature in action. You can see mineral pools of deep green and bright orange, hear the sound of hissing steam escaping from roadside vents, and soak in geothermally fed hot tubs at local hotels and public spas. The volcanic landscape around Rotorua also provides the backdrop for a range of adventure activities, from mountain biking and trout fishing, to white-water rafting and zorbing (rolling down a hill inside a translucent giant inflatable ball).

Rotorua has welcomed tourists since the mid-1800s and nowadays draws three million holidaymakers a year. Its continued popularity has earned it a nickname as ‘Roto-Vegas'.

Its natural wonders are just a part of its appeal. Alongside geysers and hot pools, Rotorua is also known for its Maori culture and history. Here, on the shores of Lake Rotorua, lived the Te Arawa, one of the country's larger Maori tribes - ever since, as legend would have it, a Maori leader called Ihenga discovered the lake while hunting with his dogs. The Maori who settled here used the hot pools for cooking and bathing, and built their whare (houses) on warm ground in order to make them cosier in the winter. They revered this place, naming one of the most spectacular springs Wai-O-Tapu (Sacred Waters).

Today, more than a third of Rotorua's population is Maori, many of them of Te Arawa descent, and there are few better ways to learn about Maori values, legends, music and dance than at a concert and hangi (Maori feast) evening in the town.

 

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Top itineraries in Rotorua

Queenstown, New Zealand

Highlights of New Zealand

19-day tailor-made self-drive from £3,790 pp incl. flights

With boutique hotel stays and car hire included throughout, this curated road trip perfectly showcases the unique cultures and natural wonders of New Zealand's North and South islands.

Rotorua, New Zealand

Cultural Highlights of New Zealand

19-day tailor-made self-drive from £5,630 pp incl. flights

A tip-to-toe tour of New Zealand, taking in the best of its landscapes and culture, and calling into filming locations from The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.

Cathedral Cove, Coromandel, New Zealand.

Best of New Zealand's North Island

17-day tailor-made self-drive from £4,150 pp incl. flights

Between stunning volcanic landscapes, sub-tropical beaches and world-class wineries, this fly-drive holiday showcases the best of New Zealand's North Island.

Maui Ultima Elite

New Zealand by Motorhome

20-day motorhome self-drive from £4,685 pp incl. flights

With its spectacular driving routes linking gorgeous coastlines and vast national parks, and plenty of gorgeous locations to pull up and park, find out why New Zealand is tailor-made for a motorhome holiday.

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Top places to stay in Rotorua

Thermal bathing near Solitaire Lodge, Rotorua

Solitaire Lodge, Rotorua, New Zealand

Small & intimate lodge

Originally built in 1980 as a luxury fishing lodge, Solitaire Lodge enjoys commanding views over beautiful Lake Tarawera and offers guests a stylish and relaxing base from which to explore.

Waterfall in the forest near Treetops Lodge & Estate, Rotorua

Treetops Lodge and Estate, Rotorua, New Zealand

Small & intimate lodge

Set amidst a beautiful forest just outside the town of Rotorua, just two hours drive from Auckland on New Zealand's picturesque North Island, Treetops Lodge and Estate is a haven of peace and tranquility, surrounded by sparkling streams and 800 year old trees.

Peppers on the Point

Peppers on the Point, Rotorua

Accommodation

Peppers on the Point is a converted 1930s family mansion offering luxury lodge accommodation on the shores of Lake Rotorua, just ten minutes from the centre of town.

Koura Lodge bedroom, New Zealand

Koura Lodge, Rotorua

Small & intimate b&b

At Koura Lodge, a bijoux waterfront setting belies a selection of superb amenities; there’s everything from a tennis court to a Finnish sauna.

Meet our Rotorua experts

Speak to a tailor-made specialist on 020 7590 0614

Meet the team

Why book with Wexas Travel?

At Wexas, we specialise in bespoke travel experiences. Our itineraries are just samples of what we can arrange, and can be changed depending on your precise needs, finances and ideas by our experienced destination specialists.

Contact one of our consultants on 020 7590 0614 to discuss how we can tailor your holiday.

Learn why Wexas is the leader in creating luxury holidays. What is tailor-made travel?

Expert advice & support

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Every step of the way

Every step of the way

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