Rotorua is known for its volcanic wonders and rich Maori culture. Be captivated by a geothermal wonderland, intriguing Maori villages, thrilling adventure activities and stunning landscapes. Get up close to spectacular geysers and crater lakes. Rejuvenate your skin with a relaxing mud bath. Or pamper yourself with a soak in a natural hot stream.
"After living in New Zealand for four years, one of the things that really stuck with me was the close relationship many New Zealanders have with the outdoors. I enjoy providing travellers with an authentic experience of the unique culture and varied landscapes on offer. I take pride in building you a bespoke itinerary and look forward to helping you make the most of your time in this fantastic country!"
Contact Kieran
Rotorua, a Maori word meaning "second lake", was originally settled by the Maori of the Te Arawa iwi. It is surrounded by many beautiful, small lakes and is renowned for its geothermal activity and Maori culture. The central city is easy to explore on fooot or by bike and you can explore the thermal reserve which features bubbling mud pools and vibrant hot lakes.
Take a bike ride past major geothermal attractions and stop along the way for a dip in a natural hot river. Or visit a Maori village and learn about how they incorporate geothermal activity into their everyday lives.
Rotorua offers a range of options for swimming or relaxing in the magnificent thermal waters. Warm-up in a natural lakeside hot pool, stand under a hot waterfall, or float under the Milky Way in a hot stream. The city also features several luxurious thermal spas.
Rotorua is a place of great significance when it comes to gaining a deep understanding of Maori culture and history. Many famous Maori legends and stories are based in this area including Hinemoa and Tutanekai, perhaps New Zealand's most famous love story about the beautiful Pink and White Terraces that were destroyed in the Mt Tarawera eruption.
Visit a Maori village, taste the food, hear stories and traditions of the past, and be amazed by beautiful song and dance.
It is the home of the Tuhourangi - Ngati Wahiao people, who have been sharing their stories for hundreds of years. Experience the unique culture, heritage and eco-system of the village. See how geothermal waters were used to cook, bathe and do the washing in Maori homes.
Rotorua is a volcanic phenomenon with extraordinary landscapes and incredible geothermal attractions - each with its unique features, rare flora and fauna, and all rich in Maori history.
Sitting within the Pacific Rim of Fire, the region has one of the world’s most active geothermal fields. The legendary Pohutu Geyser in Te Puia, just five minutes from Rotorua city central, erupts to a height of 30 metres up to 20 times a day. The pungent smell of sulphur and clouds of steam from volcanic activity is a natural part of life in Rotorua.
"My first trip to Rotorua has been incredibly memorable because of all the Volcanic activity. You can see mud pools, geysers, silica terraces and so much more at every corner which is simply breathtaking."
Nicole, travel specialist
Rotorua packs a punch with things to do from enchanting geysers and adrenaline-pumping activities. One of the best ways to truly appreciate the magical landscape is to take a scenic flight and step foot onto the summit of Mount Tarawera. Or soak up the scenery with a floatplane flight over Lake Rotoiti and enjoy a water landing. Then relax in secluded hot pools usually only accessible by boat or a five-hour walk.
Get your heart pumping with a rafting adventure going over the edge of a seven-metre high waterfall. And live to tell the tale. This amazing feat requires no rafting experience. All you need is a sense of humour, adventure and a change of clothes.
Walk across 20-metre-high suspension bridges and experience pure exhilaration as you zip-line your way around the 119-year-old native forest. Breathe in the fresh air and feel the joy of being so close to nature. At night, you can head to Redwoods Tree-walk for a display of light and colour on the Redwoods Nightlights tour.
Mountain bike 200 kilometres of trails at the world-famous Whakarewarewa Forest. Prepare for epic rides through towering trees and fresh forest air. The forest is well known for the magnificent Californian Coast Redwoods and combined with other tree species, makes it an invigorating atmosphere.
Be enlightened by Maori culture with local guides. Cruising in a 4WD Land Rover, you will travel from Lake Rotorua… read more
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Join one of our live and informative presentations, hosted by one of our travel specialists. And find out how to travel to New Zealand in a uniquely local way. There are also plenty of opportunities to ask questions!
Register nowHamurana is a popular spot located 15 kilometres northeast of Rotorua and is renowned for its stunning Hamurana Springs. Walk through a Redwood grove with beautiful views of the crystal clear stream and don't be surprised by the trout popping out of the water.
If hunting and fishing are on your bucket list, Murupura is the place to be. The sleepy timber town sits at the edge of the Kaingaroa Forest which was planted in the early 1900s. At 2.900 square kilometres, Kaingaroa is the largest plantation forest in the southern hemisphere.
Lake Rotoiti (“the small lake”) is a relatively large lake east of Rotorua and has the Manupiria Hot Springs on its shores. At the far end of Rotoiti is Hinehopu (Hongi's) track. It is a two-kilometre track that takes one and a half hours to walk. The track is a pleasant walk through a native forest with important historic and cultural value.
Okere Falls is approximately 20 kilometres north of Rotorua and sits on the shores of Lake Rotoiti, at the inlet to the Kaituna River. This section of the Kaituna River is extremely popular with rafters and kayakers due the rapids and waterfalls.
Rotorua is a great destination to visit all year round. The peak season is in summer (December to March) when there are long hours of sunlight to enjoy sightseeing and outdoor explorations. If you want to avoid crowds, Spring (September to December) is the best time to visit.
There are plenty of winter (June to September) activities to appreciate such as a hot soak at a Polynesian Spa or a visit to galleries, and restaurants and doing some shopping.
Being centrally located on the North Island, Rotorua is one of the most accessible cities to get to. Air New Zealand flies daily to Rotorua Airport from Auckland and Wellington on the North Island, and Christchurch on the South Island. Travelling to Rotorua city centre from the airport is an easy ten-minute drive.
Make your trip extra special by experiencing a unique stay from our large collection of hand-selected accommodations located in Rotorua and beyond. Treat yourself to a luxury lodge nestled in an ancient forest. Or stay in a quaint farm cottage and enjoy views of Lake Rotorua from your private outdoor patio. Your travel specialist will match you with accommodation that suits your wants and needs. A journey where your accommodation is an experience in itself.
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We'll take the time to get to know you to match your fully bespoke holiday with your pace, your interests, and anything you desire. Combined with first-hand, local knowledge, you'll receive a mapped-out itinerary from us - but the process isn't done until you are 100% satisfied. We take care of every detail, so you can focus on relaxing, rejuvenating and reconnecting with yourself and the world around you. Get in touch to get started now.
At TravelEssence, we specialise in crafting custom-made holidays that take you off the beaten path and create memories to last a lifetime. We believe in connecting with the heart and soul of a place, introducing you to the locals who call it home. Engage in conversations with fascinating individuals who will share their stories, traditions, and way of life, leaving an indelible mark on your journey.
Questions? Speak to one of our specialists by phone Mon - Sat 0900 until 2100. You can discuss your travel plans in detail where and when it suits you, also in the evenings and on weekends on a no obligation basis.
020 36 95 95 69
