Located on Lake Rotorua, New Zealand, this city is well known for its Maori culture and geothermal activity. The city is also home to a living Maori village and weaving schools.
Government Gardens
Located in Rotorua, Government Gardens is one of New Zealand’s most popular tourist attractions. It’s a free public park with a variety of amenities, including sports and geothermal features. The gardens are located on Queens Drive and are easily accessible from the city center. It is a public space that blends Maori and English traditions.
In the late 1800s, local Maori tribes gave the British Crown 50 acres of land. The land included therapeutic hot springs and geothermal areas. The land was then vested into the New Zealand government in 1898. The land was used to develop the spa industry in Rotorua.
The Bath House was the first major government investment in the New Zealand tourism industry. It was designed by Arthur Wohlmann, a balneologist. The Bath House used water from thermal springs nearby. The design was also assisted by Rotorua architect W.J. Trigg.
The Bath House is the home of the Rotorua Museum of Art and History. It houses exhibitions about Maori history, art and culture. The museum has an active geothermal area. The building features gothic elements and verandahs.
Aside from the museum, Government Gardens features a croquet pavilion and other facilities for sport and recreation. The gardens also have a narrated sightseeing tour. The tour includes a cruise of Lake Rotorua.
The gardens also feature a World War II memorial. The Arawa Soldiers Memorial tells the story of the Arawa waka at Maketu. It also features Rangitihi carvings.
Rotorua is a family friendly city. You can enjoy many recreational activities such as swimming, fishing, golf, and other sports. The Government Gardens are a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery. There are also narrated sightseeing tours to other sites in the region.
Maori Cultural Tours
Taking Maori cultural tours in Rotorua is a great way to get a feel for the ancient history of New Zealand. Besides learning about the indigenous people, you can also experience traditional Maori activities, such as haka, karanga, and carving. You will be invited to join the village’s rituals and ceremonies, where you can listen to the stories of the tribe.
In New Zealand, there are important Maori sites to visit, and these include Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Whakarewarewa, and Te Puia. These are the best places to experience Maori culture in New Zealand.
Waitangi Treaty Grounds is a historic site, where a treaty between the British and Maori was signed in 1840. You can experience a traditional Maori hangi meal at the Treaty Grounds, along with a cultural performance. You can also explore the Treaty House and St. Faith’s Church, as well as the historic Tamatekapua meetinghouse.
Whakarewarewa is a living Maori village, where visitors can explore the eco-system of the village. They can also explore bubbling mud pools and geothermal activity. The village is home to the Tuhourangi – Ngati Wahiao people, and they are happy to welcome visitors.
Te Puia is a cultural centre that offers guided tours of Maori culture. The centre features geothermal activity, native bird life, and a traditional welcome. It is also home to the Pohutu geyser.
Maori culture includes a hangi meal, dancing, carving, and storytelling. Most experiences include a tour of a Maori village, where visitors will learn about traditional cooking methods, communal bathing, and the importance of body art. You can also learn how to carve greenstone pendants.
Rotorua is home to many Maori cultural tours, including the Rotorua Maori Experience. Visitors can choose from several tours, and each one offers a unique experience.
White-water Rafting
Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly experience, or a more challenging adventure, white-water rafting in Rotorua is a great choice. The city is home to the Kaituna River, one of the best white water rafting rivers in New Zealand.
There are many companies offering Rotorua tours. Each one has its own unique set of offerings. A company that offers white-water rafting in Rotorua will provide the equipment, and the guides to make sure you have a fun-filled experience. Some companies also offer scenic trips, so you can see more of the country on your rafting trip.
During your trip, you will see crystal clear water and stunning scenery. You will also experience the adrenaline rush of a white water rafting tour. You’ll be fully equipped with lifejackets, boots, and helmets to keep you safe on the water.
The Kaituna River white water rafting experience includes 14 rapids, including the world-famous Tutea Falls. This is the largest commercially rafted waterfall on the planet. The Kaituna River has high flows, which makes it perfect for summer rafting. You can also opt to take a sledge for an intimate float through the native bush.
The Kaituna Rafting Company has been offering rafting trips for over twenty years. They were one of the first companies to offer a rafting trip in Rotorua. Their trip includes 14 rapids, including the world-famous 7-metre Tutea Falls. The Kaituna River is a grade 5 river, so you’ll need a strong back and some level of fitness for these rapids.
New Zealand offers some of the best white water rafting in the world. The Wairoa river has exciting drops and boulder lined gorges. This is a grade 5-river, and is open 26 days a year.
Exploratory Day Cruises of Nearby Lakes
Located in the Bay of Plenty on the North Island of New Zealand, Rotorua is a geothermal wonderland. There are geysers, bubbling hot pools, and a lot of other attractions. You can also find many guided tours to help you explore the city.
Among the best things to do in Rotorua is visit the Skyline Gondola. It offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the city, including Lake Rotorua. You can also take in the views from the Polynesian Spa, which has four alkaline rock pools. You can also try your luck at the Okere Falls. The Falls is the highest waterfall in the North Island.
While in Rotorua, you should also try the Tiua tour, which sails on Lake Rotoiti. You can also visit the Te Puke Kiwifruit orchard.
If you are in the mood for a more adventurous day, try the Queen Charlotte Sound Kayaking. This is a fantastic opportunity to get out on the water and soak up the mountain scenery. This excursion also offers a gourmet meal and a continental breakfast.
Rotorua is also home to the largest lake in New Zealand, Lake Taupo. You should also check out the Mt Ngauruhoe Mountain Trail for some of the best views of the lake. The best thing about this tour is that it’s only a short drive from the city center. It’s also the only zipline tour in the region, so you can get the thrill of flying through the forest canopy. This tour is limited to only 10 participants, so you don’t have to worry about getting stuck on the ropes.
Rotorua is home to some of the best day cruises of nearby lakes, so check out the options.
Flexipass
Whether you’re looking for a cheap bus pass in New Zealand, or a bus pass that gives you access to all the best Rotorua tours in New Zealand, there are plenty of options out there. Here are a few that are worth considering.
The InterCity FlexiPass is the most complete travel pass available in New Zealand. It gives you access to the largest bus network in the country. You can use it to travel on any bus service, GreatSights day tours, and the Interislander ferry. It also lets you join other travellers for multi-day journeys.
The Agrodome is a great family-friendly attraction in Rotorua. You can enjoy sheep shows, clay pigeon shooting, and ride down centuries-old forestry trails. You can also ride a four-wheel-drive buggy through native bush.
If you want to do something different, you can try the New Zealand glowworm bush-walk. This walk involves a short drive through native bush, and you’ll be able to see some of the rarest glowworms in the country. This is one of the easiest ways to see Aotearoa’s unique habitats.
The Bay of Plenty combo ticket includes spectacular views of Lake Rotorua, clay pigeon shooting, and riding down centuries-old forestry trails. You’ll also experience horseback riding through the countryside. You can also visit the Hobbiton Movie Set, where scenes from the Lord of the Rings movies were filmed.
For the adventurous, there’s also a Bush Safari tour. It includes a four-wheel-drive buggy ride, a guided instruction via two-way radio, and a safety briefing. You’ll also take part in a 4×4 Monster Thrill Ride, a Raceline Karting, and a tour of waterfalls.
You can also add the New Zealand glowworm bush-walk to a Waitomo Caves tour. This will give you a chance to see the glowworms lighting up the night in a few areas across the country.