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Best Things to Know About Rotorua in New Zealand
Rotorua is a city on the North Island of New Zealand, known for its geothermal activity and Maori culture. Here are a few things you might want to know about Rotorua:
- Geothermal activity: Rotorua is situated on top of a geothermal field, which means that there are many geysers, hot springs, and other geothermal features in the area. These can be seen at places like Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, the Whakarewarewa Thermal Village, and the Te Puia geothermal reserve.
- Maori culture: Rotorua has a strong Maori presence, and there are many opportunities to learn about and experience Maori culture in the city. You can visit a Maori village, attend a Maori cultural performance, or try Maori-inspired cuisine.
- Outdoor activities: Rotorua is a great place for outdoor enthusiasts, with activities like hiking, mountain biking, and white water rafting all available in the surrounding area. The city is also home to several beautiful lakes, including Lake Rotorua, Lake Rotoiti, and Lake Tarawera.
- Accommodations: There are many options for accommodations in Rotorua, including hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and holiday parks.
- Getting there: Rotorua is easily accessible by car from other parts of the North Island, and there are also regular flights to the Rotorua Airport from major cities in New Zealand.
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Top Things to Do in Rotorua
Here are a few top things to do in Rotorua
- Visit Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland: This geothermal park is home to a number of colorful hot springs and geysers, including the famous Champagne Pool and Lady Knox Geyser.
- Experience Maori culture: Rotorua has a strong Maori presence, and there are many opportunities to learn about and experience Maori culture in the city. You can visit a Maori village, attend a Maori cultural performance, or try Maori-inspired cuisine.
- Go hiking or mountain biking: The Rotorua area is home to many beautiful trails, ranging from easy walks to more challenging hikes and mountain bike rides.
- Relax at a hot spring: There are several hot springs in and around Rotorua, where you can soak in the warm, therapeutic waters.
- Try white water rafting: The Rotorua region is home to several white water rafting companies that offer guided rafting trips for all skill levels.
- Visit the Rotorua Museum: This museum tells the story of Rotorua’s history and cultural heritage, including its Maori and geothermal history.
- Take a trip to Lake Tarawera: This beautiful lake is located a short drive from Rotorua and is a great place for swimming, boating, and fishing.
- Go skydiving: Rotorua is a popular spot for skydiving, with several companies offering tandem skydives over the city and surrounding countryside.
- Visit Rainbow Springs: This wildlife park is home to many native New Zealand species, including kiwi birds, tuatara reptiles, and more.
- Go zorbing: Rotorua is the home of zorbing, a unique activity where you roll down a hill inside a giant inflatable ball.
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Top Hotels to Stay in Rotorua
Here are a few top hotels in Rotorua that you might consider for your stay
- The Hilton Lake Rotorua: This luxurious hotel is located on the shores of Lake Rotorua and offers stunning lake and mountain views. It features a spa, fitness center, and several dining options.
- The Regent of Rotorua: This elegant hotel is located in the heart of Rotorua and offers spacious rooms and suites, some with private hot springs. It also has a spa and fitness center, as well as a restaurant and bar.
- The Millennium Hotel Rotorua: This modern hotel is located in the center of Rotorua and offers comfortable rooms and suites, as well as a spa, fitness center, and restaurant.
- The Polynesian Spa: This upscale spa resort is located on the shores of Lake Rotorua and offers a range of accommodation options, including private villas and apartments. It is known for its therapeutic hot springs and spa treatments.
- The Sulphur Point Holiday Park: This holiday park is located a short drive from the center of Rotorua and offers a range of accommodation options, including campsites, cabins, and self-contained units. It is a great budget-friendly option.
Top Restaurants to Eat in Rotorua
Here are a few top restaurants in Rotorua that you might consider dining at
- The Old Church: This cozy restaurant is located in a historic church building and serves a mix of modern and traditional dishes, with an emphasis on locally-sourced ingredients.
- The Lakeside Cafe: This popular cafe is located on the shores of Lake Rotorua and offers a range of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, including vegetarian and vegan options.
- The Fat Dog: This trendy restaurant serves a mix of American- and Asian-inspired dishes, including burgers, sandwiches, and stir-fries. It also has a popular bar.
- Eat Streat: This outdoor food market is located in the center of Rotorua and offers a variety of food and drink options from local vendors, including Maori-inspired cuisine.
- The Redwood Forest Cafe: This cute cafe is located in the Redwood Forest and serves a range of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, including vegetarian and vegan options. It is a great place to relax and enjoy the forest setting.