Rotorua
Less than 3 hours south west of Auckland is Rotorua, the centre of Maori culture in New Zealand. Here you’ll be warmly welcomed by the Arawa people, passionate locals who love to share their culture and traditions with the region’s many visitors.
People have been drawn to Rotorua’s Whakarewarewa geothermal valley since the 1800s when volcanic activity made the region a tourist hot spot. Today people seek rejuvenation and relaxation from the therapeutic thermal springs and sulphur scented air. The Tudor-style architecture scattered around the town and the surrounding green country side are also Rotorua’s drawcards.
From the moment people arrive in Rotorua they know they're somewhere quite different. There is a scent of sulphur in the air. At nearby geothermal hotspots, there are spouting geysers, boiling mud pools and warm geothermal springs.
Just outside of Rotorua, you can witness the spectacular Glow Worm Grotto at the Waitomo Caves. See the magnificent glow worm, Arachnocampa Luminosa, shining luminous light as you explore the depths of the limestone caves. The Glow Worms are in fact gnat larvae that glow due to a chemical reaction. When they are hungry the glow worms glow brighter and the ceiling of the grotto appears to an insect like the stars in the night sky. This particular species of Glow Worm is unique to New Zealand and Australia and is a definite must-see on your New Zealand adventure.
Rotorua is fast becoming known as nature's spa of the South Pacific. After a hard day's sightseeing or strenuous activity, visitors can relax with a soak in the healing waters of the geothermal hot springs, or unwind with a therapeutic spa and massage therapy.
Related Tours
-
Kia Ora New Zealand
17 Day Guided Vacation | Auckland to Christchurch
Whether you’re a gourmand or adrenaline-junkie, love nature or thrive in cities, this Auckland to Christchurch tour acro...
From$5263
-
New Zealand Magic
17 Day Guided Vacation | Christchurch to Auckland
Whether by boat, coach, train, helicopter or on foot, the wonders of New Zealand unfold as you traverse both North and S...
From$5263
-
New Zealand Vista
14 Day Guided Vacation | Auckland to Christchurch
You’ll practically be a local after this comprehensive tour of New Zealand covering both north and south islands. See 10...
From$4420
-
Northern Spotlight
8 Day Guided Vacation | Auckland to Wellington
Maori culture is celebrated across the North Island, whether through traditional hangi feasts or in galleries in Welling...
From$2543
-
New Zealand Marvel
14 Day Guided Vacation | Christchurch to Auckland
It’s no secret New Zealand is a country of contrasts, a place uniting the world’s greatest natural assets with its most ...
From$4420
-
Northern Wonders
8 Day Guided Vacation | Wellington to Auckland
Yes, wonders. Plural. Because there’s attractions abound on this North Island tour. The first: the Bay of Islands, a gem...
From$2543
-
Spirit of New Zealand
21 Day Guided Vacation | Christchurch to Auckland
History and nature, food and wine, adventure and bliss… these are the whiplash moments you can anticipate with this Sout...
From$6960
-
Essence of New Zealand
18 Day Guided Vacation | Christchurch to Auckland
This New Zealand tour earns its name – it taps into the heart of the nation, from its rich Maori culture to its culinary...
From$6067
-
New Zealand Uncovered
17 Day Guided Vacation | Auckland to Christchurch
From the top of the North Island to the bottom of the South, from harbourside cities to glaciers and black beaches, New ...
From$6299
-
Contrasts of New Zealand
10 Day Guided Vacation | Auckland to Christchurch
New Zealand packs a lot of diverse attractions across its two islands, and this 10 day Auckland to Christchurch tour bri...
From$5044
-
Highlights of Australia & New Zealand
22 Day Guided Vacation | Melbourne to Christchurch
Three World Heritage Sites on one tour? It’s a reality on this two-country adventure. Whether you’re drifting across the...
From$12061
-
Contrasts of Australia & New Zealand
18 Day Guided Vacation | Melbourne to Christchurch
A bit city, a bit country; sometimes beachy, sometimes mountainous; in the company of locals and Indigenous guides – thi...
From$9851
-
Australia and New Zealand Panorama
15 Day Guided Vacation | Melbourne to Rotorua
Just how many legendary Antipodean attractions can you tick off in one journey? This comprehensive Melbourne to Auckland...
From$7905
-
Wonders of Australia and New Zealand
15 Day Guided Vacation | Brisbane to Rotorua
Got your travel wish-list handy? You’re about to tick off a few ‘must dos’ across the Antipodes with this 15 day Brisban...
From$8011