By chance I managed to get to New Zealand after all. After an incredibly long journey with a one-night stopover in Sydney, I arrived in Rotorua. I had some time to look around now and made some small excursions into the surroundings of Rotorua.
At the heart of New Zealand’s North Island lies Rotorua, a place where earth, water, fire, and culture come together in a way that feels almost otherworldly. Known for its geothermal wonders and rich Māori heritage, Rotorua is more than just a destination – it’s an experience that touches all the senses. In this video, we take you on a journey of discoveries around Rotorua, from steaming geysers and sacred forests to sparkling lakes and adrenaline-fueled adventures.
The first thing you notice about Rotorua is the energy beneath your feet. The region is alive with geothermal activity: geysers erupt in clouds of steam, mud pools bubble like cauldrons, and hot springs invite you to soak and relax. At Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, vibrant pools shimmer in shades of orange, green, and turquoise, each created by unique mineral deposits. At Te Puia, the famous Pōhutu Geyser erupts up to 30 meters high, a dramatic reminder that the earth here is constantly in motion. The nearby Whakarewarewa Living Māori Village combines geothermal features with cultural storytelling, showing how locals have lived alongside these forces for centuries.
Beyond its geothermal landscapes, Rotorua is also a cultural heart of Aotearoa. Visitors are welcomed with traditional pōwhiri ceremonies, experience the powerful energy of the haka, and taste food cooked in the earth itself through a hāngī feast. Carvings, weaving, and storytelling connect you to Māori traditions that remain vibrant and deeply tied to the land. These encounters are not performances, but living expressions of identity and community.
Surrounding Rotorua are some of the most beautiful lakes in New Zealand – over a dozen in total. Lake Rotorua itself is the largest, but nearby Lake Tarawera is a jewel of calm waters and volcanic history. Here, you can soak in natural hot pools on the lake’s edge or paddle out in a kayak at dawn, watching mist rise from the water. Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake) and Lake Rotokakahi (Green Lake) sit side by side, their contrasting colors separated only by a ridge of native forest. Each lake tells a story, each offers a chance to slow down, swim, or simply take in the quiet beauty of nature.
Adventure seekers will find no shortage of thrills. The Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest is a haven for walkers, runners, and world-class mountain bikers, with towering Californian redwoods creating a cathedral-like canopy. A treetop walkway with suspension bridges offers a magical perspective of the forest, especially at night when it is lit with glowing lanterns. For something faster, Rotorua is home to the original Zorb – giant inflatable balls you can roll down grassy hills in, laughing all the way. Whitewater rafting on the nearby Kaituna River delivers an adrenaline rush like no other, with the famous Tutea Falls, the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world.
Even the quieter corners of Rotorua reveal wonder. The Craters of the Moon geothermal area is a surreal landscape of steaming vents and bubbling mud. The Government Gardens and historic Bath House (now the Rotorua Museum) showcase elegant Edwardian architecture alongside beautifully manicured grounds. At Kuirau Park, right in the city, you can walk among bubbling mud pools and soak your feet in hot mineral pools – for free.
Rotorua is a place of contrasts: fire and water, thrill and relaxation, ancient tradition and modern innovation. It is a city where you can start the day with a cultural performance, hike among giant redwoods in the afternoon, soak in a natural hot spring at sunset, and finish with stargazing under clear night skies. Few destinations offer so many discoveries in one place.
Practical tips: Rotorua is about a three-hour drive from Auckland and easily combined with trips to Hobbiton, Tauranga, or Lake Taupō. Accommodation ranges from campgrounds to luxury lodges, and with so many attractions nearby, it’s best to allow at least three days. Don’t forget to bring swimwear for the hot pools, good shoes for forest walks, and a sense of curiosity – Rotorua rewards those who take the time to explore.
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