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New Zealand >
Bay of Plenty > Rotorua
 Clouds of steam
appearing 'magically' out of the
ground, the unmistakable smell of
sulphur, erupting geysers, hot
thermal springs and bubbling mud
cauldrons - you could only be in
Rotorua. Everywhere you go you will
see steam rising from the ground and
even the motels offer thermal baths.
Vents from volcanic action can appear
in the most unlikely places and even
the golf courses have heat rising
from them.
Whakarewarewa,
Waimangu, Waiotapu, Hells Gate and
the Hidden Valley are the most
popular reserves, where thermal
rivers, mud pools, volcanic terraces,
geysers, and bubbling pools
demonstrate the mercurial properties
of this geothermal wonderland.
The
living village of Whakarewarewa
is one of Rotorua’s most active
thermal areas. Here you will find the
Pohutu geyser which erupts about 20
times a day and can spout up to 100
feet high. Waimangu Volcanic
Valley features the Inferno
Crater with blue steaming water and
sheer crater walls providing an
'other world' atmosphere.
Don't
forget to visit the Wai-o-tapu
Thermal Wonderland just 27 kms
south of Rotorua. It is the most
colourful of the volcanic areas,
where you can visit Bridal Veil Falls
and the Champagne Pool.
 Hell’s
Gate features savage thermal
activity side by side with hot
mineral pools where you can soak away
your cares.
Go
back in time at the Hidden Valley
of Orakei Korako and see some of the
largest silica terraces in the world.
Descend into the earth and just sit
and ponder the wonders of the Ruatapu
Caves and commune with the spirits of
the ancestors who protect the sacred
pool.
Rotorua
offers some unique activities apart
from the geothermal displays. Does
adrenaline-pumping
"EXTREME" adventure sound
more like you? Then you've come to
the right place. Whether its rafting
the mighty Kaituna 'Grade 5+' River,
rap jumping off the face of a
mountain, stunt flying in a bi-plane
or white-water sledging down
awe-inspiring rapids, Rotorua is the
place to be. For a truly radical
experience, try being strapped inside
the Zorb and tumble down a hillside.
Those
seeking a slower pace try golf with a
difference. Instead of sand bunkers -
hungry bubbling mud pools wait to
swallow your ball. Or if the idea of
catching a fat Rainbow trout is your
idea of a great day's activity then
the Rotorua Lakes region offers a
unique trout fishing opportunity
whether first-timer or experienced
angler. For tranquillity with a
twist, after time spent angling, just
pull into the shore and dig your own
hot pool on the lake's edge and soak
your aches away.
Rotorua
offers its own unique blend of
thrilling, invigorating, and
tirelessly appealing pursuits. It's a
place where you can either rest or
test your body, indulge your senses
and rejuvenate your soul. A place to
experience the warm laughter, songs
and stories of a unique Maori
culture. It's a place you'll want to
return to again and again - its
simply..... Rotorua.
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