Rotorua is a tourist destination that truly does capture the best of New Zealand all in one exciting region! Whatever your idea is for a perfect holiday, be it relaxing in hot pools and unwinding, exploring the great outdoors, delving into our unique Maori culture or extreme action, Rotorua has just what you need for the perfect Kiwi holiday.

When it comes to the great outdoors Rotorua is the leader – not surprising when the area boasts 16 lakes, awesome trout fishing, world-renowned mountain bike trails and amazing forest walking tracks.

From kayaking, water skiing, sailing or fresh water fishing, the lakes and streams surrounding Rotorua is a Mecca for water sport lovers. If a day (or entire holiday) on the water is part of your itinerary then I have some wonderful suggestions for you! John Hamill from Hamill Guiding is the man you want to see if you would like to pit your skills against New Zealand trout, while a lake trip on the beautiful Lakeland Queen paddle vessel is a must for everyone. If you prefer your time on the water to be a bit more exciting then Kawarau Jet Rotorua will give you plenty of speed and spins to get the adrenalin pumping, or take a white water adventure with Kaitiaki Adventures – Rotorua’s most experienced Raft and Sledge guide crew.

It goes without saying that Rotorua is the heartland of New Zealand’s Maori culture, and this is the best place for New Zealand and international visitors to discover the proud spirit and deep sense of history displayed in the Maori Culture of this region. Visitors can enjoy a guided tour of the sacred island of Mokoia with its native birds, flora and fauna with Mokoia Island Wai Ora Experiences before visiting the informative Rotorua Museum of Art and History. Other Qualmark Endorsed Visitor Activities include the fabulous cultural experience at the Tamaki Maori Village, a traditional Maori meal being lifted from the ground during your evening’s entertainment with Mitai and the living museum that is the Buried Village.

When you first arrive in Rotorua you can’t help but notice (and smell) the geothermal wonders of this amazing region. Nowhere else in New Zealand can you see steam rising from cracks in the ground or get a whiff of that distinctive scent of sulphur… welcome to the heart of this active thermal area! If you only have time to take in one geothermal experience then I suggest the Qualmark Endorsed Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland. Enjoy the world famous Champagne Pool, watch Lady Knox Geyser erupt up to 20 metres every day at 10.15am, view huge volcanic craters, sinter terrace formations, hot springs and the bubbling and erupting mud pools.

Other outdoor attractions include 5 golf courses catering to all skill levels, including world-class courses such as Hamurana, Arikikapakapa, Government Gardens and Springfield. Mountain bikers converge on the Whakarewarewa Forest which boasts more than 70km of mountain bike tracks for all levels of riders, including family groups, or you can choose to ‘leg it’ on one of the many kilometres of walking tracks within the region. From gentle lakeside walks to tracks for experienced hikers, there is a walking track to suit all levels of fitness and experience.

Once you enjoyed your fair share of the above activities you will probably be looking forward to some rest and relaxation. Rotorua is fast becoming known as a fabulous spa destination and boasts two Qualmark Endorsed spas designed to rejuvenate your mind and body. The most well known is the Polynesian Spa, offering a choice of 26 hot mineral bathing pools plus an impressive range of spa therapies. At Waikite Valley Thermal Pool you can enjoy a private spa or relax in an outdoor mineral pool before enjoying a freshly prepared meal in their cafe.

The list of activities in Rotorua is extensive and I could go on and on but I seem to have run out of Webpage! From scenic flights to sightseeing trips, family activities and shopping, there truly are so many things to see, do and experience in Rotorua that will suit everyone, no matter what your budget, interests or time frame!