Capital of North Island

" If you want something quieter, there is Rotorua Treewalk. The Rotorua Tours, the only local cable car in New Zealand, is another great way to explore the area. The area' s rich geothermic activities provide the Kaituna River and Lake Rotoiti with heated swimming pool and wells.

In the meantime, the resident angling guides John at Cruise and Fish Rotorua offer angling trips on Lake Tarawara. The skyline of Rotorua is situated on Mount Ngongotaha, just a few steps from the centre of Rotorua. "I think New Zealand's most favourite sport of all times must be luging, and I think most Kiwis have seen it over several generations," says Skyline Managing Director Bruce Thomasen.

"it was inaugurated here in Rotorua 31 years ago. "HELLS GATE is one of the most prestigious spa facilities in Rotorua. It is the most beloved flight to Whakaari (White Island) and Mount Tarawera. They are both of great importance for the Pacific Ring of Fire, both culturally and geologically. "Helicopters can be landed on the bottom of a permanent island volume and explored an almost moon-shaped area...".

In 1966, after major renovation work, it was re-opened as the Rotorua Museum - or Te Whare Taonga o Te Arawa. Exhibits show the intriguing story of the complex as well as Nga Pumanawa o Te Arawa or the Beating Hearts of Te Arawa, the Te Arawa Maori's tragic voyage from far across the Pacific to Rotorua.

Polynesian Spa, situated on the premises of the Rotorua Museum, and Hells Gate are two of the most renowned spa resorts in the area, both with their own inns. "They are both treated with local Rotorua sludge. "Te Puia, a Maori culture centre, is crucial to the preservation of Maori craftsmanship through the use of its own tourist legacy (the Te Arawa were the first tourist leaders in the region).

Maori Heritage Centre shows vivid Maori civilization in day and night events. "Much more than the activity of the area, the local community is the true attraction of Rotorua," says Takurua Mutu, Managing Editor of Multi-Day Adventures NZ. "We have a vast Maori community that is one of a kind and our civilization is widespread - it' s about white aungatanga and manaak titanga (relationships and care).