Rotorua

What to see?

It's easy to get caught out trying to visit all of the regions attractions. The two thermal areas that offer the most complete and varied attractions are Waimangu and Waiotapu. The two are both easily visited in a few hours.

The youngest geothermal valley in the world

Waimangu is the youngest geothermal valley in the world. It was only formed in 1886 during the violent eruption of Mt Tarawera. Mt Tarawera began to erupt about 2am on the morning of 10 June, the eruptions lasted until 6am in it's wake, reports range between 108-153 people killed, 3 villages buried, explosions were heard as far south as Christchurch over 800km away. The spectacular volcanic plume rose over 9.5km into the air leaving a gaping active fissure 17km long. The world famous pink and white terraces had been blown to smithereens and the only hydrothermal valley to be formed in historic times came to life. 10 craters were formed in the Tarawera eruption. Most are now filled with water. Several of these are located in the Waimangu valley including the Southern crater, Inferno crater which is actually a large over flowing geyser, and Echo crater. Waimangu is among the most active thermal valleys in the world and is an absolute must see.

Waiotapu gesyer and hotpools

About 30km south of Rotorua is Waiotapu. One of Waiotapu's main draw cards is the Lady Knox geyser (pronounced guy - ser, a geezer is a really old guy) which erupts at 10:15 am every day. There's also plenty of boiling mud pools, they're clearly marked on the Waiotapu loop road. It's free to check out the  mud pools but like all the other thermal parks there is an entry fee for the geyser and tracks. Waiotapu Thermal Park contains 3km of walking tracks and works its way past violent fumaroles, the stunning champagne pool with its rusty red lip crater, silica terraces, the aptly named artists palette with an array of vibrant colours as well as spectacular lake views. There's heaps to see at Waiotapu so plan on spending  a good hour and a half there. It's a good idea to carry water as the sulphur fumes can be a little over bearing some times. If you were a bit slow of the mark this morning, head to Waiotapu first to catch the geyser then double back to Waimangu. You'll need to get tickets for the geyser so allow around 40 minutes from Rotorua.

Orakei Korako

If you're not totally over mud pools and boiling lakes yet, other good places to get your fill at are Orakei Korako, the hidden valley and Hells Gate. Orakei Korako is about 35km from Waiotapu, head down SH 5 and turn left just before Waimahana, you'll see the sign post. A short boat trip takes you across lake Ohakuri to a landscape of fumueroles, small geysers and the famous hidden valley. Hells gates are located on the Rotorua Whakatane road and feature lots of boiling mud, they also have a great spa for the ladies

Maori Culture

Rotorua of course has a lot more to offer than just geothermal activity. It's also a great place to check out traditional Maori Culture. There are quite a number of places you can experience a traditional Hangi and Concert. Some of the big hotels can be a bit touristy so it pays to check around. Just outside of Rotorua is Tamaki Village, essentially they have reconstructed  a traditional village to give you an insight into the Maori way of life. They can book out in summer so it pays to book early. Ask your accommodation provider.

Other great places

Other great places to check out include the Agrodome which, aside from it's very informative and amusing farm show also offers a number of adrenaline pumping activities including a bungy, the agrojet mini jet sprint boat, and of course the revolutionary new Zorb.

Rainbow and Fairy springs are located at the bottom of Mt Ngongotaha on the western side of Lake Rotorua a few kilometres from the SH5 turn off. They feature a number of large natural trout pools where enormous Rainbow and Brown trout come for a free meal courtesy of curious tourists. The stream leads directly in the lake and the trout are able to come and go as they choose, life's pretty easy for them here so there's always plenty around. They also feature a nocturnal kiwi house, a great opportunity to see these rare birds up close and personal.

The redwood forest just south of Whakarewarea offers some great short walks. This forest was planted as an experiment to see which types of tree would grow best in these conditions for forestry.

White water Rafting

If you are after something a little more adventurous check out some white water rafting. Rotorua is home to the Kaituna River, site of the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world. At around 21 feet this grade 5+ river will definitely keep you on your toes! For more information contact the crew at Kaitiaki.

The Kaituna river (kaituna literally means to eat eels..) was and still is of great significance to the local tribe Ngati Pikiao, easy access to an abundance of eels made the kaituna a highly sought after location by the ancient tribes of the Rotorua lakes district.  Ngati Pikiao established their rights to the land and the river through victory over original occupants centuries ago. Still today, they retain the river.  Used as an ancient burial site the kaituna is still very tapu (sacred) to the local tribe today, however the tapu has been lifted making it safe to raft and the river has now become an important part of Ngati Pikiao's identity.

Links

Check out the following links:

• Book walking tours and boat cruises with Waimangu
• Go rafting with Kaitiaki

Zorbing

Zorbing: the sport of rolling down a hill at speed inside a giant inflatable sphere.� Zorbing is the next adventure activity from New Zealand the nation that developed bungee jumping and a host of ever-more-outrageous thrill pursuits. The Rotorua Zorb was the first in the world and has a down hill course of about 150m� reaching speeds of up to 30km/hr.� Customers can enjoy Hydro or Harness Zorb rides. In the Hydro Zorb, water is added before launching so Zorbonauts can run, tumble, flip or slide inside as the Zorb hurtles downhill.� This is great on your own, even better with up to two friends.� Dry clothes and towels are available, cool water is used in summer and warm water in winter!� The new Zig-Zag Hydro Zorb ride is described as a cross between a waterfall and a rollercoaster!�� In the dry "G-Force" Zorb, you are safely harnessed inside before being sent rolling head over heels downhill.

� Go Zorbing!