Top 5 things to do in Rotorua
The city of Rotorua is located on the southern shores of Lake Rotorua, in the Bay of Plenty region of North Island, New Zealand. It is the center of Rotorua District which is a territorial authority around the city and a number of nearby towns.Rotorua has a population of approximately 55,900, and the Rotorua District has a total population of about 68,600. The city is situated in the center of North Island ―60 kilometers south of Tauranga, 80 kilometers north of Taupo, 105 kilometers east of Hamilton, and 230 kilometers southeast of Auckland.
The city is also home to the largest tertiary institute outside of the university centers ―the Waiariki Institute of Technology.
Rotorua has been a key destination for both domestic and international tourists. And their tourism industry is considered the largest industry throughout the district.
Geothermal activity such as geysers and hot mud pools made Rotorua’s tourism industry boom. Rotorua’s thermal activity is the heart of its tourist appeal thus receiving the nickname “Sulphur City”.
Aside from the thermal activities, Rotorua region is also an aquatic paradise because of its 17 lakes. You can go fishing, waterskiing, and swimming to your heart’s content.
Because of the many tourist attractions in Rotorua, here are 5 of the activities that are considered the best things to do while in the city.
1. NZ Riverjet Thermal Safari
See the wildlife and scenery on the Waitako River with NZ Riverjet Thermal Safari
Travel at a leisurely pace while absorbing the amazing wildlife and beautiful views on Waitako River to the Orakei Thermal Reserve.
Along the trip, you’ll be able to witness the magnificent Tutukao Gorge where the canyon walls are up to 50 meters above the water.
After passing the Tutukao Gorge, you’ll arrive at the Orakei Thermal Reserve. Be ready because you’ll be given the chance to see the “best thermal area in New Zealand”.
The trip doesn’t have any boring parts because on your way back, you’ll be given the privilege to experience a ride at the famous Hamilton jet. You’ll definitely enjoy the adrenalin pumping ride as you spin on a high speed adventure.
2. Elite Adventures
Have a tour around the thermal and cultural capital of New Zealand, Rotorua aboard Elite Adventures
Elite Adventures has acquired a government standard of excellence ―Qualmark. They will surely give you a safe, comfortable, and informative insight to New Zealand’s ecology and culture.
Elite Adventures offers Exclusive Tours where you can have a tour exclusive for you, Eco Thermal Tour and Ultimate Escape Tour where you’ll visit Rotorua’s most natural and popular geothermal parks, and the Cultural Eco Tour where you’ll experience a tour around geothermal parks combined with a tour with New Zealand’s indigenous Maori history and culture.
3. White Island Volcano
Stir up your senses and visit the White Island Volcano
White Island is one of New Zealand's most active volcanoes.
If you’re up for adventures, have an exploratory trek on an island where volcanic activity can be seen in every direction.
Steam vaporizing up from shallow lakes, bubbling mud pools, boiling and erupting geysers, and the hanging smell of rotten eggs in the air.
These are the amazing things that you will encounter in the White Island Volcano.
4. Wai-o-tapu Thermal Wonderland
Let your jaw drop at the sights in the Wai-o-tapu Thermal Wonderland
Wai-o-tapu Thermal Wonderland is New Zealand’s most multihued natural volcanic area. A natural beauty that took thousands of years to finish but is only a 20-minute drive south of Rotorua.
A walk around this volcanic area is about 30 to 75 minutes and you will be able to see its 26 natural features which include the world famous, multi-colored Champagne Pool.
Hot springs, geysers, huge volcanic craters, mineral terraces and mud pools ―you’ll be in awed by the expansive, colorful, breathtaking vistas.
5. Nzone Skydive
Skydive and experience sensory overload with Nzone Skydive – Rotorua
15,000 feet above the ground, you and your Jumpmaster will step out of the aircraft door and freefall for about 60 seconds, experience Terminal Velocity ―nose-dive at the speed of 200km/hr.
But don’t worry, your Jumpmaster is really experienced that you will be wondering how did the landings became so soft even if you thought that your brain matter was blown away because of the adrenalin heightening dive.
