When you arrive in Rotorua, you'll know you're somewhere special. This region is a geothermal wonderland of mud pools and geysers. It is also a showcase of Maori culture and is home to 11 major lakes, many ideal for swimming, boating and fishing.
Waitomo offers a much more adventure-driven experience. The famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves are the best-known of the district's subterranean offering that includes the astounding Ruakuri Cave and the must-do activity of black water rafting.
Lake Taupo is one of New Zealand's leading holiday destinations. From skiing to jetboating, just about any outdoor experience you could ask for is within easy reach.
Travel the Thermal Explorer Highway and indulge in the action wherever you go.
Rotorua
Make sure you don't miss the Park Heritage Rotorua Hotel's traditional Maori Cultural Show and Feast. A Maori Cultural Show and Feast is performed each night at 6.45pm in the hotel's Pohutu Cultural Theatre.
Beginning in the hotel lobby with a traditional welcome, you then move through to the purpose-built Pohutu Cultural Theatre to your table where you will find an extensive selection of seafood, pate, smoked eel and raw marinated fish with fresh breads and infused oils to sample prior to the performance commencing.
Rotorua
Destroyed by the eruption of Mt Tarawera in 1886, the village of Te Wairoa (The Buried Village) is today a living museum where visitors can experience a unique piece of New Zealand history. The Museum of Te Wairoa takes visitors on an emotional journey telling the fascinating story of the village, the voyages to the Pink and White Terraces and the eruption of Mt Tarawera.
The excavated site, the only one to be open for public viewing in New Zealand, offers a first hand insight into the devastation, chaos and mayhem that transpired on the night Mt Tarawera erupted.
Wander the scenic pathways that link the sites, enjoy pristine native bush, view the sensational wilderness above the Wairere Falls looking out over remote volcanic scenery and catch a glimpse of the wild rainbow trout that inhibit the stream.
Nature Connection New Zealand operates a range of fully guided walks and tours in the Rotorua region that offer personalised, small group touring for independent travellers as well as walking and special interest tours for groups.
Ruakuri, or “den of dogs” as it literally translates into the English language, was first discovered by local Maori between 400 and 500 years ago. It takes its name from the wild dogs that made their home in the cave entrance.
Newly reopened after an interval of 18 years, Ruakuri offers a captivating blend of Waitomo’s most compelling subterranean experiences. In any one tour, your guide will bring you up close to glowworms, elaborate cave formations, underground rivers, myths, legends and sacred Maori sites.
Rotorua
Opportunities to come face to face with Maori culture abound in Rotorua - in performances and in expertly conceived displays, and in your encounters with the descendants of the original Te Arawa tribes who made Rotorua their home.
Rotorua, the heartland of New Zealand's Maori culture. Enveloping warmth, a proud spirit, a deep sense of history and a quick humour - you'll find all these qualities in your experiences with Maori culture. It's the sensation we call manaakitanga.
Visit Rotorua Museum and share the great stories which have shaped the past and present of this unique region.
Located in the world famous Bath House building, an architectural icon in itself, Rotorua Museum is the ideal start to your Rotorua adventure. Be thrilled by the cinema experience Rotorua Stories and enjoy a range of dynamic exhibitions.