Rotorua is living proof of the magnificent, and sometimes mind-boggling, might of nature. Smoking hot springs, bubbling mud pools and fast-spouting geysers give the surrounding landscape an almost other-worldly feel.
This New Zealand city sits in the Waimangu Volcanic Valley, the world’s newest geothermal hotspot. It was created after the 1886 eruption that covered Te Wairoa Buried Village, between 2 of many lakes gracing this fertile terrain. By Lake Rotorua’s shores is the luxurious Polynesian Spa with its thermal pools. Just behind in Government Gardens are the city’s best cultural offerings: the Arts Village, Tamaki Maori Village and Rotorua Museum, in an elegant former bath house.
Native animals roam in Rainbow Springs Kiwi Wildlife Park below Mount Ngongotaha, accessible via the Skyline cable car. The views while ascending make it obvious why this is called the Bay of Plenty. Tikitere Thermal Park on the opposite side of the lake is known as Hell’s Gate, but as long as you can ignore the sulphuric smell, the spas are simply heavenly.
More springs are in Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve, whose surrounding forest is popular for mountain biking, and Wai-O-Tapu where the Champagne Pool is a striking mix of green and orange.
Accommodation New Zealand’s accommodation range is as diverse as the scenery, encompassing luxury hotels, cheap hostels and motels near Rotorua Airport.
