Rotorua
Hailed as the heartland of Maori culture, Rotorua is a natural wonderland of raw thermal power and scenic beauty interwoven with adventure sport.
Set deep amongst the central North Island’s sprawling pine forests, the city has 16 beautiful lakes and geothermal parks of bubbling hot mud pools and explosive geysers.
Steam escapes from cracks in the ground. Hot rivers cut through native bush. Sulphur scents the air of what is undoubtedly one of the most active thermal sites in the world.
There are also world-renowned mountain bike tracks in thick forest, jet boats and white water rafting adventures on churning rivers, and some of the world’s most pristine trout fishing holes.
The city offers rich cultural encounters with Maori, and the chance to feast on a traditional hangi - where food is wrapped in flax and steamed underground on hot stones.
Rotorua is also known for its relaxing and rejuvenating spa retreats where guests soak stresses away in its naturally soothing waters: A perfect end to the day’s adventures.