Rotorua Travel Guide New zealand
Rotorua is a town on New Zealand's North Island. It is famous for its geothermal activity and Maori culture. Rotorua is one of New Zealand’s busiest tourist destinations. Its resilient geothermal activities, some amazing adventure spots, and great history and culture have made Rotorua a must visit place in New Zealand.
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Adventures to experience
1. Zip-line Canopy tour
Fly through the ancient green forest with the zip line experience. There are a series of challenging zip lines. Challenge yourself by running and jumping from the platforms and get your pose clicked for the lifetime memory!
2. Go mountain biking
Rotorua has become a popular spot for mountain biking in New Zealand and all over the world. The international mountain biking festival Crankworx is held in Rotorua each year. There are many private operators offering guides through some of the best mountain biking trails in New Zealand. Bike hire is available in Rotorua.
3. Go Rafting
This is an incredible chance for you to go rafting over the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world! Challenge yourself and face your fears to a one-meter waterfall and then a 7-meter waterfall! You can also try whitewater sledding here. This may seem scary and honestly, it is, but once you come out of it - you will get the best feeling of conquering your fear.
4. Try Zorbing
Zorbing is another great adventure activity in New Zealand! Roll down a hill in a giant ball in a zorb filled with warm water. Three people can fit in a zorb at once. It is also a must do adventure in New Zealand.
5. Go Luging
Luging is another awesome New Zealand founded adventure activity. Take the Skyline Gondola to the very top of the mountain where you can capture some great views. Then race down the tracks in a little go-cart or toboggan type contraption. The path goes through the forest which will make the ride more interesting.
6. Velocity Valley
Check out the inebriating activities at Velocity Valley including the Agrojet - jet boat stunt ride, Freefall Xtreme - which will make you feel like you're flying on top of a giant jet, Sheeb - the world's only monorail cycle raceway or Swoop - an activity like bungy.
Places to visit
1. Hobbiton Movie Set Tours
If you’re a Lord of the Rings fan you would want to visit Hobbiton. You can take a half-day tour from Rotorua and explore this wonderful dreamland.
2. Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland is a very popular and renowned place in Rotorua. Experience a diverse range of geothermal activity including the Lady Knox geyser, champagne pools, steaming vents, boiling mud pools and volcanic craters. This is the most amazing and unique place, you won't find anything like this anywhere else in the world!
3. Soak in thermal hot pools
There is no shortage of hot thermal pools in Rotorua. In Rotorua, most accommodation providers have a pool and the thermal water comes directly out of the ground. You can also find some beautiful natural hot pools just outside of Rotorua. The Polynesian Spas and Hells Gate offer some great thermal pools and mud baths. Even the locals are helpful. If you wish to explore some never touched place then take help of locals.
4. Kuirau Park
Take a walk around Kuirau Park to explore some boiling beautiful mud pools. You'll also find the local market at Kuirau Park on Saturday mornings. The market offers yummy food options, beautiful souvenirs, art and crafts and other whatnots for good price.
5. Government Gardens
You can choose one morning to spend at the gardens. Roam around the peaceful Government Gardens and the lakefront area. If you are a history nerd then you can also step into Rotorua museum.