Welcome to Go-Rotorua!
Rich in environmental wonders, the relatively small city of Rotorua offers visitors a wide variety of hands-on encounters with nature and native culture. Part of the Rotorua District on New Zealand’s North Island, Rotorua sits on the shores of Lake Rotorua, a crater lake, the second largest on the island.The name Rotorua comes from Maori, the full name being Te Rotorua-nui-a-Kahumatamomoe. Roto means lake and rua means two – Rotorua thus meaning “Second lake”. The Maori chief Ihenga, the ancestral explorer of the Te Arawa, dedicated the second lake he discovered to his uncle, Kahumatamomoe.
After the New Zealand wars of the 1860s, a special town district was created to promote the area as a spa destination. The town was connected to Auckland by train shortly after giving rise to the huge tourism industry it enjoys today. Nicknamed Nature’s Spa of the South Pacific, Rotorua will spoil you with its hot springs and healing waters, therapeutic massage and unique wraps made with mud sourced from local therapeutic geothermal pools.
One of the largest of these pools can be found in an area known as Tikitere, also known as Hell’s Gate. It can be found on Highway 30 between Lake Rotorua and Lake Rotoiti in the Bay of Plenty. Here you will find New Zealand’s largest active mud volcano, the Southern Hemisphere’s largest hot waterfall and even samples of rare land coral.
For those looking for a less relaxing experience, there is an abundance of adventures awaiting you. From 15,000-foot skydiving experiences – and the best view of the entire island – to white water rafting and sledging, there is something for every adrenaline addict.
And for those eager to explore the native Maori culture, there are many opportunities to immerse yourself in their traditions. The Maori people here make up more than one-third of Rotorua’s entire population. You will be able to interact directly with the Maori people as they share their arts and crafts, stories and incredibly delicious indigenous recipes. Later, you can join them and participate in their traditional singing, dancing and games. Whatever kind of holiday you’re looking for, Rotorua has something for everyone.
Famed for its geothermal activity, Rotorua is home to several unique and impressive natural attractions, such as its many erupting geysers, colourful thermal springs, bubbling mud pools and crater lakes. Also known as New Zealand’s heartland of Maori culture, Rotorua offers several acclaimed cultural attractions.
Visit Whakarewarewa to see its 500 hot springs, to watch the mighty Pohutu geyser erupt and to visit Pa, a historic Maori village; head to Hell’s Gate to see NZ’s largest mud volcano and hot whirlpool; discover the Emerald Pools at Waimangu; journey to the colourful waters and the champagne pool at Waiotapu; visit Ruatapu Cave, a 120-foot deep geothermal cave; explore remnants of the Buried Village; or be entertained and educated by the Maori live performances in Te Puia.
read more
Famed for its geothermal activity, Rotorua is home to several unique and impressive natural attractions, such as its many erupting geysers, colourful thermal springs, bubbling mud pools and crater lakes. Also known as New Zealand’s heartland of Maori culture, Rotorua offers several acclaimed cultural attractions.
Visit Whakarewarewa to see its 500 hot springs, to watch the mighty Pohutu geyser erupt and to visit Pa, a historic Maori village; head to Hell’s Gate to see NZ’s largest mud volcano and hot whirlpool; discover the Emerald Pools at Waimangu; journey to the colourful waters and the champagne pool at Waiotapu; visit Ruatapu Cave, a 120-foot deep geothermal cave; explore remnants of the Buried Village; or be entertained and educated by the Maori live performances in Te Puia.
Considered New Zealand’s heartland of Maori culture, Rotorua offers a range of cultural experiences, which are designed to entertain and educate you on the Maori people who settled in the country in the 14th century. Today, more than one third of Rotorua's population is Maori.
Watch a series of traditional song and dance performances, each telling a meaningful story, before digging into an authentic Hangi dinner; stay overnight in a Maori village and spend the evening listening to their tales; be blessed by a Maori priest or renew your wedding vows in a Maori village; go hunting or take a wilderness excursion with the Tuhoe tribe; or put your story into symbolic ink with an authentic Maori tattoo. The Maori influence and traditions remain strong in Rotorua—choose how you would like to experience this fascinating culture.
read more
Considered New Zealand’s heartland of Maori culture, Rotorua offers a range of cultural experiences, which are designed to entertain and educate you on the Maori people who settled in the country in the 14th century. Today, more than one third of Rotorua's population is Maori.
Watch a series of traditional song and dance performances, each telling a meaningful story, before digging into an authentic Hangi dinner; stay overnight in a Maori village and spend the evening listening to their tales; be blessed by a Maori priest or renew your wedding vows in a Maori village; go hunting or take a wilderness excursion with the Tuhoe tribe; or put your story into symbolic ink with an authentic Maori tattoo. The Maori influence and traditions remain strong in Rotorua—choose how you would like to experience this fascinating culture.
Sitting on the Rotorua caldera, this city is known for its geothermal activity and its many large geysers, hot thermal springs, bubbling mud pools and hot pools are major draw cards for tourists. While some can only be enjoyed from a distance, other hot pools are comfortable in temperature and offer many health benefits. As such, there are many spas with natural hot baths in Rotorua.
Set in native bush, the Polynesian Spa offers several deluxe mineral bathing options and pools of varying temperatures, as well as a family friendly area. At the Waikite Valley Thermal Pools, you can choose between a quiet garden pool, a splash pool or a private pool, all of which use natural geothermal water and add no chemicals. Browse all of the hot pool options to find the one you wish to relax in.
read more
Sitting on the Rotorua caldera, this city is known for its geothermal activity and its many large geysers, hot thermal springs, bubbling mud pools and hot pools are major draw cards for tourists. While some can only be enjoyed from a distance, other hot pools are comfortable in temperature and offer many health benefits. As such, there are many spas with natural hot baths in Rotorua.
Set in native bush, the Polynesian Spa offers several deluxe mineral bathing options and pools of varying temperatures, as well as a family friendly area. At the Waikite Valley Thermal Pools, you can choose between a quiet garden pool, a splash pool or a private pool, all of which use natural geothermal water and add no chemicals. Browse all of the hot pool options to find the one you wish to relax in.
Rotorua’s diverse and spectacular natural landscape makes it the ideal environment for a range of activities from mild to wild. To explore some of the region’s impressive forests, mountains, lakes and thermal attractions, consider taking one of the mountain biking, hiking or walking tracks. As Rotorua is home to 15 fishable lakes and several streams, fishing is another exciting outdoor activity to do here. If you are a thrill seeker, you may be more interested in skydiving, white water rafting, sledging or taking a jet boat ride. Read more about Rotorua’s many popular activities to discover which appeal to your interests.
read more
Rotorua’s diverse and spectacular natural landscape makes it the ideal environment for a range of activities from mild to wild. To explore some of the region’s impressive forests, mountains, lakes and thermal attractions, consider taking one of the mountain biking, hiking or walking tracks. As Rotorua is home to 15 fishable lakes and several streams, fishing is another exciting outdoor activity to do here. If you are a thrill seeker, you may be more interested in skydiving, white water rafting, sledging or taking a jet boat ride. Read more about Rotorua’s many popular activities to discover which appeal to your interests.
This fairly small but extremely vibrant city hosts a variety of entertaining festivals, events and concerts. Rain or shine, Rotorua is always hosting exciting events, including Maori cultural festivals, indigenous art showings, sporting events, fishing competitions, marathons, motorsport rallies, large farmers’ markets, concerts, theatre and other performing arts shows. Experience New Year’s Eve Mardi Gras in summer, the International Two-Day Walk in autumn, the Parker Enzed International Rally of Rotorua in winter or the International Trout Fishing Competition in spring. Find out what is going on during your Rotorua holiday!
read more
This fairly small but extremely vibrant city hosts a variety of entertaining festivals, events and concerts. Rain or shine, Rotorua is always hosting exciting events, including Maori cultural festivals, indigenous art showings, sporting events, fishing competitions, marathons, motorsport rallies, large farmers’ markets, concerts, theatre and other performing arts shows. Experience New Year’s Eve Mardi Gras in summer, the International Two-Day Walk in autumn, the Parker Enzed International Rally of Rotorua in winter or the International Trout Fishing Competition in spring. Find out what is going on during your Rotorua holiday!
Rotorua’s diverse environment, attractions and available activities attracts travellers of different ages, budgets and interests. To cater to its range of tourist demographics, Rotorua offers a vast array of accommodation options. If you’re on a budget, consider a backpackers hostel, a motel, a bed & breakfast, a homestay or a farmstay; if you’re after a mid-range room, look at one of the city’s many hotels and self-serviced apartments; finally, for a luxurious stay, book a holiday home or lodge or stay in one of the high-end resorts. From affordable and convenient to high-class and private, choose the suite that suits your style!
read more
Rotorua’s diverse environment, attractions and available activities attracts travellers of different ages, budgets and interests. To cater to its range of tourist demographics, Rotorua offers a vast array of accommodation options. If you’re on a budget, consider a backpackers hostel, a motel, a bed & breakfast, a homestay or a farmstay; if you’re after a mid-range room, look at one of the city’s many hotels and self-serviced apartments; finally, for a luxurious stay, book a holiday home or lodge or stay in one of the high-end resorts. From affordable and convenient to high-class and private, choose the suite that suits your style!