Get hot in Rotorua.
And smelly, too. Not because the place is a dump, quite the opposite, but because it is a highly volcanic area where you can not only do spas and steam baths, but it is also the best place in New Zealand where you can learn about Maori culture and understand the cultural heritage of this distant country (New Zealand is, after all, far from everywhere).
We arrived in Rotorua from the north with our motorhome, and we were sure we were on the right track when the southerly winds brought the stench of sulfur through our noses (sulfur smells like rotten eggs. It naturally emanates from volcanoes, an element very present in the core of the Earth), making Liza and I look at each other as if wondering who had hmm…errrr…a fart…before remembering where we were going to end up.
Rotorua is a nice city: small, well laid out, clean, with some photo areas, quite walkable and has plenty of places near the lake (Lake Rotorua) where you can park the motorhome or pitch the tent for the night.
Most visitors come to Rotorua to see the geothermal activity within the city, take part in any of the extreme sports that are popular in the area (skydiving steals the show), and visit any of the Maori cultural performances that abound. These don’t vary too much in content, but they do vary a lot in price, with some costing up to 200 NZD per person for a 4-hour show. When asking in a souvenir shop what are the best activities in Rotorua, he suggested among other things that we visit one of these shows, but not one of the expensive ones (like Te Puia) but the cheapest one.
The reason is that where, like in expensive shows, everything is staged, Te Whakarewarewa has a small dance show (which I admit is not that good) and also includes a guided tour of the town of Te Whakarewarewa, and that is what sets it apart. the rest. . In this town people continue to live as they did more than 400 years ago, in the middle of an area of high geothermal energy (some houses have had to be abandoned for safety reasons), and there is a pleasant walk to enjoy nearby. forest. The very entertaining guide explains how they live in harmony with nature and the many uses they make of geothermal energy. This tour costs 28 NZD and is very good value for money in my opinion. Highly recommended (you can learn more at http://www.whakarewarewa.com).
Other things to do include a walk around the lake, visit any of the city’s museums, hop on a speedboat for a quick race against time, visit the nearby redwood forest and as a personal suggestion I recommend visiting Lake Okareka which it’s just a 15 minute drive, towards Lake Okataina. In fact, if you sleep in a caravan or in a tent, spend the night there. Right next to the pier there is a small car park with a green area and camping tables. The scenery here is breathtaking, both during sunset and in the morning, making you feel alive as soon as you look at the close of the day or welcome a new one. Also, the ducks that want your food are a great source of entertainment. Again, if you’re a photography buff, have your camera ready. You will not regret!
Unless you want to experience all the extreme activities in the area or are a very slow walker, two days is enough to see and enjoy what Rotorua and the surrounding area has to offer, but no less. It’s a must see on your tour of the North Island and a place you won’t forget. Don’t you think?
