Travel to Rotorua

Travel to Rotorua

Rotorua is one of the more popular holiday destinations on the North Island, New Zealand. The region is blessed with beautiful lakes, waterfalls and hot springs. Rotorua is also the regional heart of the Maori culture, and there are many cultural delights to experience here. A holiday to Rotorua is memorable for its natural beauty and tranquillity.

Transportation to Rotorua

Rotorua only has a domestic airport, located about 15 minutes drive from the city, and the closest international airports are located at Auckland and Wellington. From either of these airports, as well as the international airport at Christchurch, it is very easy and convenient to fly to Rotorua.

It is also possible to drive to Rotorua, as it is only 3 hours from Auckland and about 5 hours from Wellington. Travellers can also choose to take one of the many bus services to get here and these are very comfortable. Once in Rotorua, it is very easy to get around, as public transportation is easily available. Travellers can also opt to hire a car and self-drive around the city and the surrounding areas.

What to see

Rotorua is famous for its geothermal activity. The pungent smell that hits you when you enter Rotorua isnt pollution, but the sulphuric aroma of geothermal activity in this lake district. There are Maori villages, museums, beautiful lakes, sheep farms, a buried village and much more to explore and enjoy.

Daytrips

An hours scenic drive from Rotorua leads you to an interesting and picturesque working sheep farm (hosting 12,000 sheep and 200 beef cattle) with spectacular views across to the Kaimai Ranges. Farther on lies the site of the Hobbit Village in the famed Lord of the Rings movies. The area surrounding Rotorua holds many other enchanting delights.

Activities and leisure

Rotorua may appear to be a laid back town, but there is plenty to do here. Outdoor activities include kayaking, waterskiing, white water rafting, windsurfing, jet-skiing, sailing, rafting, trout fishing and many other water activities. Land lovers have just as many options including golfing, mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding or walking on scenic forest trails.

For more exciting activities, try tandem skydiving; taking a trip on a helicopter and landing on a dormant or active volcano; or four-wheel driving over rugged landscape. After all that, you may want to catch a cultural show or perhaps, if you have any energy left, dance the night away after a fine meal at one of the top-class restaurants on Fenton Street.

Safety issues

Rotorua has minimal crime levels and enjoys its reputation as being a safe tourist haven. Nevertheless, tourists in any destination are usually the targets for petty thieving, as they are not as aware as the locals and generally carry large amounts of cash. Tourists can enjoy the nightlife, which is safer here than it is in many countries.