 Rotorua Information Center | ||
| Rotorua | ||
| region | Bay of Plenty | |
|---|---|---|
| Residents | 55.600 | |
other value for residents on Wikidata: 54500, 54204, 58500   | ||
| Tourist info | (0)800 768 678 www.rotoruaNZ.com | |
| no tourist info on Wikidata: | ||
| location | ||
| ||
Rotorua is a city in the center of the North Island New Zealand.
background
Rotorua is located in one of the most geothermally active areas on earth. Not only does this result in geysers, hot springs, and mud pots around Rotorua, but the whole city smells of sulfur rising from hot springs. After a short time you (hopefully) no longer notice it. The hot springs were already used by the Maori as natural "cooking pots" before the arrival of the Europeans; today they are mainly used by a large spa and bathing industry.
Unfortunately, one of the biggest attractions was destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 1886. Until then they were Pink and White Terraces - huge sinter fields - in Rotorua, which were sometimes referred to as the eighth wonder of the world and were a tourist magnet even then.
Even today, the main attractions are the geothermal areas around Rotorua. The most visited is certainly Whakarewarewa as it is the closest to Rotorua. However, all are Thermal Valleys So different in themselves that they are all worth a visit.
getting there
By plane
The Rotorua Regional Airport with the IATA code RED is located a little northeast of the city on the shores of Lake Rotorua SH 30.
By train
By bus
There are good overland bus connections to the main cities of the North Island Intercity Coachlines. Bookings can also be made at the sales office on Fenton Street.
In the street
Rotorua is on SH 5that of Tirau comes and continues after Taupo leads. In addition, the SH 30 the city with Whakatane.
mobility
Dynamic cardsCall taxi 348 1111
Tourist Attractions
In Rotorua
Ohinemutu
On the shores of Lake Rotorua, the Maori district of Ohinemutu is next to Kuirau Park. Here is the only church that is decorated inside with Maori-style carvings. On the right side a glass window shows Jesus, for the believers it looks as if he is walking on water. Photographs should not be taken in the church. Outside there are still enough motifs. That would be that Tamatekapua marae, a meeting house of the Maori directly on the water, or as a special feature the stone coffins that rise above the earth because no underground burial is possible in the geothermally active zone.
Government Gardens
The facility is located directly at the old bath house, a beautiful rose garden. A totem pole can also be found as a gift from the Canadian Indians.
Rotorua Museum
History and culture of the Maori in the old bath house, from the top of its turret you have a good view of the surroundings. Exhibits to the local residents Te Arawa-Maoris, on the history of the bathhouse, films on the history of the city (also in German).
Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley
The Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley is right on the city limits of Rotorua. Here was the former Maori fortress Te Puia, and that's what it is called Cultural center, which houses a recreated Maori village. This includes a museum about the history and culture of this people, a carving and weaving mill and a very well-stocked souvenir shop are attached. A kiwi house also attracts visitors, the nocturnal animals can only be observed when it is quiet and dark. Most visitors, however, come for the geothermal activities within the area. Here is New Zealand's largest geyser, the Pohutu (Maori: "Big Splash"), whose steaming fountain shoots up to 20m high. The Prince of Wales' Feathers is right next to it on the same sintering plateau. In the fenced area you can still find hot springs, fumaroles and bubbling mud pools in numerous places. Adult admission: NZL 40, with a Maori dance performance (Haka, 10:15, 12:15 or 15:15), NZL 50. There are also evening events with one Hangi
miscellaneous
- Blue baths. The Blue Baths, built around 1930 as a spa and bathing establishment, the pools still invite you to swim, but the main purpose today is a luxurious place for conferences, weddings and other festive occasions. The restaurant is accordingly stylishly furnished.
- Whakarewarewa Forest Park, near the Thermal Valley. Redwoods were once planted here. The wood of the trees did not meet expectations, and now it has turned into a beautiful park. Also popular with mountain bikers.
In the neighborhood
Buried Village
Buried Village, buried village, they call the remnants of the village Te Wairoathat is above Lake Tarawera near the famous Pink and White Terraces was on the Wairoa Brook. In the devastating volcanic eruption on June 10, 1886, not only were these terraces destroyed, the village of Te Wairoa and two other small settlements were also buried under mud and ashes. Houses uncovered in recent years form an open-air museum, showrooms document the course and consequences of the disaster.
miscellaneous
- There are a total of 11 lakes in the Rotorua area. Lake Rotorua has the largest surface area with 80 km², it was created from the caldera of a volcano that erupted approx. 240,000 years ago. Average water depth 10 m. In the middle of the lake is the island, sacred to the Maoris Mokoia, on which a sanctuary for native animals has been established. Other interesting lakes are the Blue Lake and the Green Lake with their intense colors.
- Hell's Gate. The Maori name is Tikitere. Located between Lake Rotorua and Lake Rotoiti on SH 30 located. To see: the Kakahi, a waterfall with hot water, mud holes, fumaroles.
- Skyline Skyrides. With a gondola you can reach the view over Rotorua on the 487 m high Mount Ngongotaha.
- Waimangu Thermal Valley. The Waimangu Thermal Valley is approximately 25 kilometers south of Rotorua. A hiking trail leads through the valley, which is around 3 kilometers long (2 hours). A bus shuttle is included in the entrance fee, which prevents you from having to hike back the same way. The Waimangu Thermal Valley is home to attractions such as the world's largest hot water lake (Frying Pan Lake - Bratpfannensee) and a lake that changes the water level by 6 meters in a 5-7 week cycle (Inferno Crater). In addition, there are colorful terraces, hot springs and interesting deposits in the middle of a beautiful, natural landscape. At the end of the valley, the Rotomahana Lake extends which offers some beautiful panoramic views and where boat tours are offered.
- Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland, Located 27 km south of Rotorua on SH 5. Worth seeing: the colored one Champagne pool, Craters, sintered terraces and bubbling mud holes. The Lady Knox Geyser erupts every day at 10.15 a.m., its 20 m high fountain is triggered by soap powder that was poured in a quarter of an hour earlier.
activities
- Polynesian Spa. Thermal bath and health center, mineral bath, 26 pools.
- Waikite Valley. Thermal bath.
- QE Health. Thermal water cures, state-approved health spa.
- Agrodome. The Agrodome is initially a 160 hectare sheep and cattle farm. Sheep and sheep shearing shows are the usual programs on these farms, complemented by other species such as ostrich and alpaca. In the Agrodom there are also typical adrenaline activities, Bungy and Zorb are just as much a part of it as the less known Freefall, Shweeb and Swoop.
- Ride on the Lakeland Queen. The ship is modeled on a Mississippi steamer, and several tours are offered on Lake Rotorua.
- Kaituna Cascades. Whitewater rafting, kayaking lessons and white water tours.
- Mitai. Maori Village, introduction to Maori culture. Dances, hangi meals, guided tours including fireflies.
- Haka World. Learning the Haka, Maori ritual dance.
- Rainbow Springs. Kiwi wildlife, native and imported wildlife.
- River jet. Jetboat tours.
- River Rats. Whitewater rafting difficulty grades 2-5, kayak rentals and tours.
- WET n WILD. Rafting tours, difficulty levels 2 - 5.
- Paradise Valley Springs. Wildlife park, native animals, farm animals, treetop hike.
- Paradise Valley Horse Trekking. Tours on horseback.
- Spring Loaded Fun Park. Jet boat, four-wheel drive, helicopter flights.
- Zorb. Roll down the mountain in a transparent plastic ball.
- Rotorua Duck Tours. Rides in amphibious vehicles.
- Quad bikes tours. Off-road tours from 1 hour to 1 day, including tours for beginners.
shop
kitchen
- Aorangi Peak Restaurant, Mountain Road.
nightlife
accommodation
Backpacker and camping
- Backpacker, 1286 Arawa St, 0800 BASE NZ or 64 7 348 8636. Very new and modern backpacker hostel in the center of the city.
- Cactus Jacks Backpackers, Close to Kuirau Park.
- Cozy Cottage Holiday Park, near Ohinemutu.
- Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park. Camping, RVs, Accommodations. Located on the golf course. Thermal swimming pool, mineral water pool.
Motels and Lodges
- Ambassador Thermal Motel, near city center.
- All Seasons Holiday Park. RV sites, tent sites, accommodations.
- ACE Motel. Close to the center, free WiFi.
- Accolade Lodge Motel, at the shopping center.
- Ann's Volcanic Rotorua. Central location, WiFi.
- Baden Lodge Motel. Centrally located, free WiFi.
- Cleveland Motel, near Lake Rotorua in the Ohinemutu neighborhood.
- Malones Motel. Close to shopping center, WiFi.
- Parawai Lakeside Resort, Located a little outside in Ngongotaha directly on the lake, near Agrodome.
- Pohutu Lodge, at the golf course.
- Santa Maria Motel, near Puarenga Park towards the airport.
- Union Victoria Motel. Centrally located, thermal swimming pool, WiFi.
Hotels
- Heritage Hotel Rotorua, next to Whakewarewa thermal area.
- Sudima Hotel. Largest hotel in town on the lake next to the Polynesian Spa.
- Novotel Rotorua, centrally next to Lake Rotorua.
Practical advice
- 111 national emergency number
- Police Tel. 348 00 99
- Medical Care Center Tel. 348 1000
- Rotorua Post Shop, 1189 Hinemoa Street.
- Banks are open Mon-Fri 9 a.m. to 4.30 p.m., there are plenty of ATMs.
