My first drive in to Rotorua was unforgettable as I was hit with the smell of bad eggs (sulphur), but looking back I am so glad I gave this unique little town a chance.
The repulsive smell of rotten eggs is in fact a product of the famous geothermal activity in this area. Drains, air vents, streams, in fact anything enabling a pressure release has steam mysteriously rising up in to the air, which looks like something out of this world. There are many tourist parks such as the "Maori Arts and Crafts Museum" that offer guided tours around the hot spots including geysers, bubbling mud and hot springs. Only local Maoris can swim in the pools here, but there is the "Polynesian Spa" where tourists can take advantage of the minerals in natural springs that is known for its therapeutic properties. Most motels also offer private spas included in the price of the room.
Budget to luxury accommodation, restaurants, cafes and bars are plentiful considering the population of the town, but there is only limited shopping. This is not the area to go if you are looking for high street shops, although there are many shops selling New Zealand made goods.
Rotorua has the highest population of Maoris and is the best area to learn about the history of the native people. There are many tours that offer cultural nights, I personally recommend "Tamaki Tours", which takes you off into the forest at night to wine and dine you with traditionally cooked food (a hungi) and put on a fabulous display of the "HAKA" and other past times.
Rotorua caters for people of all ages and the combination of forests, rivers and lakes makes the offer of such a wide range of activities possible. For thrill seekers there is sky diving (real or simulated), scenic flights, white water rafting or tandem kayaking over a 7m waterfall on the Kaituna river, speed boat rides, luging, mountain biking in the red woods, or simply being pushed down a hill in a giant plastic ball!!!!
Staff at hotels, motels and backpackers will assist you in booking activities in the usual friendly kiwi manner. Those that are not within easy reach usually offer a pick-up service from your accommodation.
Whatever your purpose of visit, centrally located Rotorua has something to offer for everyone at extremely reasonable prices. With its own airport, Rotorua has become one of the most popular tourist towns and for good reason!!!
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