6 Top Rotorua Must-Do's

Whereas most regions boasting 18 lakes and a wealth of fascinating Māori culture might leave it at that, Rotorua ramps up its hot spots with, well, even more hot spots. As a geothermal Shangri-La, the entire landscape spews, steams and gurgles to mesmerising effect.

© AA Traveller 2021

1. Te Puia

Discover over 500 geothermal wonders, Māori culture and performances. Pohutu Geyser is the southern hemisphere’s largest, erupting up to 20 times per day, to heights of 30m.

2. The Redwoods

The towering California redwood trees are spellbinding. If you have two wheels, there are 180km of all-ranging mountain bike trails and if you have stamina, several walking paths. Grab a free map from The Redwoods Visitor Centre and follow the colour-coded trail markers.

Whakarewarewa Forest, Rotorua © The Redwoods Tree Walk

3. Government Gardens

In the late 1800s, Māori gifted 20ha of Rotorua land with natural bush and geothermal activity to the crown. It was transformed into a Tudor-style spa bath house and elegant garden. Today it houses a museum and an award-winning exhibition detailing the area's popularity as a 20th century spa attraction.

4. Whakarewarewa

Home of the Tūhourangi, Ngāti Wāhiao. Take a guided tour of their fully functioning village. New for 2020, the Whaka Geothermal Trails traverse a Jurassic-like landscape, encountering hot spring lakes, mud pools and geysers.

5. Buried Village of Te Wairoa

© Buried Village

New Zealand’s most-visited archaeological site is where stories of devastation and resilience following the 1886 eruption of Mt Tarawera come to life. Relics are housed in the museum; there’s also a 4.8ha excavation site to explore and waterfall trails, too.

6. Wai-o-tapu Thermal Wonderland

Arguably the most famous thermal park in Rotorua, Champagne Pools are widely recognised for their bright orange crust, while Lady Knox Geyser blows every day at 10.15am. Under renovation at time of print – please check online before you visit.

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