Rotorua, New Zealand tourism
Rotorua New Zealand is popular sight for tourism. Situated in the North Island of New Zealand and famous for its geothermal activity it is now one of that country's most popular destinations.
Situated in the top half of the North Island of New Zealand, Rotorua (Row-toe-ru-a)
is one of the most famous geothermal areas in the world. Originally the Te
Arawa people who arrived in the Arawa Canoe from Hawaiki (the legendary home
of the Maori people situated in Eastern Polynesia) settled the area in the
middle of the 14th century. The tribe began hosting visitors in the 19th century
when newly arrived settlers to the country would come to see the famous Pink
and White Terraces (originally advertised as one of the seven wonders of the
world) at Lake Rotomahana. This tradition continues today with their descendents
hosting tourists from all around the world.
On first arriving in Rotorua the visitor is struck by the unusual smell of
sulphur (resembling rotten eggs). Clouds of steam appear seemingly from nowhere
around the city giving an eerie atmosphere. In fact, there are four main geothermal
areas, all of which are open to visitors. "Whakarewarewa" is the
most active of these with its main claim to fame being the Pohutu Geyser which
erupts twenty times a day with a spout of boiling water rising to around 100
feet. It also boasts bubbling mud pools, hot springs and a Maori Pa (meeting
house). "Waiotapu" and Waimangu" are two other areas, the latter
famous for its beautifully coloured displays. Created on 10 June 1886 as the
result of the eruption of Mt. Tarawera, Waimungu is situated 27 km south of
Rotorua. Its most well-known features are the Inferno Crater with its steaming
water of bright blue, champagne pools, bridal veil falls and the Lady Knox
Geyser which erupts promptly at 10:15 am each day. The fourth geothermal area
is "Hell's Gate", a Maori owned park with a mud volcano and various
fierce mud pools.
Of Rotorua's many attractions The Polynesian Spa is a popular stop for visitors to the city. Comprised of 35 bathing pools (including a large mineral pool and hot springs for adults), a family spa with fresh water pool, toddling pool, and a small hydro slide, it is open 365 days a year. It also is well known for offering patrons "Aix massage" in the Lake Spa mineral pool where hot jets of water pound into the sore muscles of the back and limbs. Rotorua offers a variety of activities for adventure minded travellers. There is something for everyone from rap jumping off a mountain, white water sledging down the rapids, stunt flying in a biplane, volcano tours, 4 wheel drive safaris, horse riding treks, to mountain biking. Golf players can take the opportunity to play on a geothermal golf course and anglers can try trout fishing on one of the 14 lakes that are within 40 minutes of the city. Some other attractions are the amazing wildlife that live in the bush (native forest) around the city. Travelers can enjoy a farm visit and learn about New Zealand's agricultural background and get to meet some of its most famous residents -the humble sheep! A visit to a local Marae or Maori meeting place can be arranged in order to give a close look at some of the customs of this ancient people from their arts and crafts to song and dance. Most Maraes will provide a "Hangi" (Hung-eel), a delicious dining experience not to be missed. Early in the morning a great hole will be dug in the ground, lined with hot stones and covered with vegetation. Lamb, kumara (sweet potato), chicken, beef and pork will be laid on top of this, sprinkled with water and covered with yet more leaves and branches. The hole is then filled in again and left for several hours while the food cooks before it is uncovered and served piping hot. Sometimes the food will be put in a "kit" (a basket woven from flax) and lowered into a pool of boiling water. The resulting meal is tender beyond belief. Accommodation is plentiful ranging from luxury lodges situated on the shores of one of the many beautiful lakes surrounding Rotorua, to 4 star motels within walking distance of the city. There are farm and homestay establishments where visitors get a valuable opportunity to interact with New Zealanders on an informal basis while still enjoying a high quality of service. For those with a more limited income there are backpacker hostels, holiday parks and camping grounds with self-contained motels, tourist flats, family cabins and tent sites. Many Marae also allow overnight stays hosted by the "Whanau" or Maori family. Sleeping arrangements in this case are communal with bedrolls being provided so that people can sleep on the floor of the meetinghouse. In nearly every case accommodation will have access to a private thermal spa for weary visitors to soak away their tiredness after a busy day of sight seeing. Rotorua gives a unique insight into the forces that formed the earth. In this respect it is a living museum giving visitors a glimpse back in time and allowing them to wonder at the magic of nature. Coupled with its friendly citizens it is no wonder that it is one of the most popular of New Zealand's many beauty spots. |
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