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GUIDE - ROTORUA NEW ZEALAND
Rotorua New Zealand
is home to one of the most unique tourism sites in the
world. Aside from the breathtaking scenery of this volcanic
wonderland, the 16 beautiful lakes in the region and the
lush green of the abundant native flora, Rotorua is a
geothermal paradise and the cultural heartland. Play golf,
buy a map, hire a rental car, have an adventure. Rotorua
accommodation from backpackers, bed and breakfast to luxury
hotel and motel. |
Maori Legend
Rotorua
was first discovered 600 years ago by a maori explorer
named Ihenga. He was out hunting one day when one of his
dogs disappeared chasing after a kiwi. The dog returned
some time later with his coat wet, having eaten a meal
of fish. Ihenga realised he must be close to water, so
he searched until he discovered Lake Rotoiti and later,
Rotorua.
Te Arawa people arrived on the Arawa canoe in the mid-14th
century, having travelled from Hawaiki, the legendary
home of all Maori in Eastern Polynesia (Hawaiki). They
moved inland and settled in the Rotorua and Taupo-National
Park area. The Te Arawa Maori of Rotorua began hosting
visitors as far back as the nineteenth century. That is
when people came from all over the world to see the Pink
and White Terraces at Lake Rotomahana.
Fishing
Some
describe Rotorua as the easiest place in the country
to catch a fish. Because of the region�s excellent reputation,
anglers from all over the world relish the prospect
of visiting the Rotorua Lakes. Whatever your level of
angling experience and skill, the Rotorua Lakes region
offers an incredibly wide range of trout fishing opportunities.
There are always fish biting somewhere in the district!
Many of the lakes in the area are world renowned for
the quality and size of fish. Stream fishing through
the centre of Rotorua, chances to catch once-in-a-lifetime
trophy fish, and waters among the most scenic in New
Zealand provide endless experiences to anglers. Rainbow
trout are the predominant fish in most of the lakes,
but Brown and Tiger trout are present in some. The Rotorua
Lakes provide excellent fishing for both first-timers
and experienced anglers, all within 40 minutes' drive
of Rotorua city.
Volcanic
Activity
Reminders of Rotorua�s volcanic history are everywhere.
You�ll see clouds of steam magically appear around the
city - giving it an incredible �other worldly� feel.
Rotorua�s 4 major thermal areas are Whakarewarewa, Waimangu,
Waiotapu and Hell�s Gate.The village of Whakarewarewa
is one of Rotorua�s most active thermal areas. That
is where you�ll find the lively Pohutu geyser, which
erupts about 20 times a day and can spout up to 100
feet. Other attractions at �Whaka� include hot mud pools,
hot springs, and a Maori pa. The Inferno Crater is a
highlight of the Waimangu Volcanic Valley. Powder blue
steaming water and sheer crater walls makes for a stunning
sight. Close to Waimangu, you�ll find the Waiotapu Thermal
Wonderland, which is dubbed �the most colourful� volcanic
area. It features the famous champagne pool, the bridal
veil falls, and large steaming craters.
SightSeeing
Sightseeing takes on a whole new meaning in Rotorua.
The immense power of the earth hits you square between
the eyes. Rotorua is like no other place; its raw beauty
is expressed by a stunning landscape. Stand upon active
volcanoes, peer into massive craters - see boiling mud,
exploding geysers - just some of our thermal and volcanic
wonders. Enjoy unspoiled forests that cloak the land.
You can wander through a natural wonderland of lakes,
rivers and crystal springs, simply admiring their beauty...
or, get out on the water for an adrenalin fix you'll
never forget, such as white water rafting, kayaking,
parasailing or water skiing. Go trout fishing on one
of the 14 fishable lakes... play a round of golf on
a geothermal course (watch those mud pool traps!)...
ride a bucking bronco...try your hand at clay bird shooting...
get your backside trackside and race a high performance
VW off-roader... enjoy the spectacular gondola ride
to the top of a mountain and ride the luge down, - hold
onto the seat of your pants, as thrills and spills are
guaranteed!
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