Have you heard of Rotorua? It’s an excellent place to visit, with countless activities and beautiful places to enjoy. You can enjoy unique geothermal experiences, including visits to parks, spa and wellness treatments, and leisurely strolls through serene environments.
There are 18 lakes to visit and many thrilling adventures to experience. You can create unforgettable memories, learn about the rich Māori culture, and explore the numerous walking tracks.
Rotorua offers a variety of dining options to suit everyone’s taste and budget, including “Le Cafe de Paris” where you can immerse yourself in French culture.
Our stay in Rotorua was definitely a blast, and we can’t wait to return!
What is Rotorua famous for?
Rotorua is a fantastic tourist destination in New Zealand that we loved visiting. It is famous for its unique geothermal wonders, such as geysers, hot springs, and bubbling mud pools, which offer an unforgettable experience.
You can also enjoy natural hot springs and spas here, perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Rotorua is not only famous for its stunning natural beauty but also for its significant Māori culture and traditions. The Māori people have lived in this region for over 700 years and have a deep connection to the land and its resources. You can explore Māori culture and traditions by attending various cultural performances, art displays, and guided tours of historic sites.
The Māori culture is highly respected and honored in Rotorua, and you will love being a part of it.
What is the real name of Rotorua?
The city is situated along the southern shore of a lake with the same name. Rotorua is derived from the Maori language and signifies ‘second lake.’ The lake’s original name is Te Rotorua-nui-a-Kahumatamomoe, which, when translated, means “The second great lake of Kahumatamomoe.” However, the locals generally shorten it to Te Rotorua nui ā Kahumatamomoe.
Interestingly, Rotorua has another name, The Hell’s Gate. When an Irish playwright, George Bernard Shaw, visited the city in 1934, he was amazed at the boiling mud and steam that was erupting into the sky, and it is said that he exclaimed, “This could be the very gates of hell.” On hearing this, the local Māori decided to change the English name for the area to Hell’s Gate.
Like many other cities, Rotorua has been called “Sulphur City” due to its hydrogen sulfide emissions, which produce a smell similar to rotten eggs. The name “Rotten-rua” has been coined, combining the town’s legitimate name with the prevalent unpleasant smell.
Why does it smell in Rotorua?
Rotorua has a distinctive smell, and you can smell more at night. It’s like rotten eggs; it really stinks sometimes.
That smell of rotten eggs is actually sulfur. Hydrogen sulfide gas is in the air, a natural byproduct of the area’s geothermal activity.
Is Rotorua on top of a volcano?
Did you know that Rotorua is located inside a dormant volcano crater? Although the volcano erupted over 280,000 years ago, many people are still unaware of this fact.
If another volcanic eruption were to happen, the damage caused would depend on the type of eruption and the volcano’s characteristics. Possible hazards could include flying rocks, fast-moving hot ash clouds, and volcanic gases. Regardless of the type of eruption, the outcome would be catastrophic.
The recent tragedy at Whakaari, the dramatic volcano, which is a popular tourist attraction, is a sobering reminder of this. Although it was only a steam-driven explosion, 22 people were killed, and 25 others were injured. This makes it easy to imagine what would happen if a city like Rotorua were to experience a similar event.
Things to do
Explore Geothermal Parks
Hell’s Gate
Explore Rotorua’s most active geothermal park, Hells Gate, and marvel at unique geothermal wonders on a self-guided walk with interactive opportunities.
Wai-O-Tapu
It’s a Geothermal Wonderland, situated in Rotorua, is a renowned attraction that captivates tourists with its bubbling mud pools, vibrant steaming pools, and one-of-a-kind formations formed by volcanic activity.
The place is incredibly breathtaking, with its vivid colors and dramatic appearance.
Kuirau Park
It is a pretty park located in the city center. It has several natural and colorful pools, mud pools, and wooden boardwalks that offer a unique and magical experience. In the middle of the park are small pools with heated water where visitors can soak their feet.
Although other geothermal parks may have more natural features concentrated in one area, Kuirau Park is still a wonderful surprise for visitors. The best thing about it is that it’s free.
Waimangu Volcanic Valley
Visitors can witness the aftermath of Mount Tarawera’s eruption 138 years ago. The Waimangu Volcanic Valley walk is long but peaceful, and you can enjoy the sight of the Flying Pan Lake and the Inferno Crater.
Take in the beauty of Motomahan Lake, where black swans swim. It’s a serene and beautiful experience.
Experience The Heartwarming Hospitality Of Māori Culture
If you want to learn about Maori culture, experience traditional dances and customs, and taste authentic cuisine, Rotorua in New Zealand is your ideal destination!
We had such a fantastic time exploring the Maori culture!
One of our favorite experiences was visiting the Mitai Maori Village. Not only did we get to see a fantastic performance, but we also got to indulge in some mouth-watering hāngī earth oven.
We also checked out Whakarewarewa, The Living Maori Village, which was an all-day adventure! We watched another incredible performance, took a guided tour, and even had some time to explore independently with a self-guided tour. It was such an unforgettable experience, and we feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to learn more about the Maori way of life.
A visit to a Maori village provides an excellent opportunity to develop a deeper appreciation and understanding of New Zealand’s indigenous culture.
You will surely enjoy the cultural shows, especially the ones held in the evening, where you can savor a delicious Hangi dinner – a dish cooked in the ground with heated rocks.
This exceptional gastronomic experience is simply unmissable!
Is it worth visiting Rotorua?
Rotorua is a destination that’s simply begging to be explored. The ideal time to go is during the summer months of January and February when this beautiful city and its geyser parks are at their very best. The weather is perfect for soaking up the sun and experiencing everything this amazing place has to offer.
Take some time to immerse yourself in Maori culture and savor their traditional cuisine, cooked using the ancient hāngī method. It’s a truly unforgettable experience that will stay with you forever.
If you’re lucky enough to be there during February, be sure to check out the Summer Harvest Festival In Hobbiton. It’s a truly magical event that’s not to be missed.
This trip is a wonderful opportunity to create memories that will last a lifetime. Go ahead, take the plunge, and embark on an adventure that you’ll never forget!