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About Rotorua

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The sulphuric smell that pervades Rotorua, a city on the southern shore of the North Island's Lake Rotorua, is unmistakable. This geothermal wonderland of mud pools, geysers and hot springs has been luring people to its therapeutic waters for centuries.

Waimangu Volcanic Valley is one of the best spots to witness Rotorua's unique geothermal landscapes. Formed after Mount Tarawera erupted in 1886, the area is now home to volcanic craters, rare flora and fauna and Frying Pan Lake – the world's largest hot spring. More attractions await at Wai-O-Tapu, including Lake Knox Geyser and a surreal-looking green pool.

Spas are an indulgent way to experience Rotorua's hot springs firsthand. Polynesian Spa features a relaxing outdoor mud bath, while Hell's Gate Geothermal Park & Mud Spa offers sightseeing trips between bathing sessions to see its hot waterfall and mud volcano.

Nearly a third of Rotorua's population is Maori, and their cultural presence is evident. Traditional hangi banquets and tribal performances rival the area's natural landscapes in popularity. At Te Puia, you can visit a weaving and carving school after seeing the geothermal valley. In Tamaki Maori Village, visitors can learn about and participate in the haka, listen to master storytellers and even stay overnight.

As one of the larger cities in New Zealand, Rotorua offers much in the way of entertainment. Catch a rugby match at Rotorua International Stadium, or spot endemic species such as kiwi, kea and tuatara at Rainbow Springs Wildlife Park.

Tonight

From per night

This weekend

From $143 per night

Next weekend

From $193 per night

Most popular time to visit October-December
Cheapest time to visit January-March
Local currency NZD 10 = $6.06
Language English
Average weekend price $7 per night
Average weekday price $7 per night
Average stay 1 night

Rotorua reviews

What other travelers say about Rotorua

6.0

Like the location

May 25, 2023

Like the location But dislike this one room apartment because they put another 2 beds at dinning room. Better go for 2 bedrooms apartment if you have more than 2 people and want to do own cooking because they don't provide hood

Alice
Alice
8.0

CT Club Rotorua is a hidden Gem.

May 21, 2023

CT Club Rotorua is a hidden Gem. Great place for a meal and drink. Superb venue in great location. Locals who don't have this venue on their social list are missing out on a great experience. Buffet outstanding, pork roast brilliant with heaps of crackling.

Paul
Paul
10

It was nice to stay overnight at a warm, welcoming,...

May 20, 2023

It was nice to stay overnight at a warm, welcoming, comfortable hotel after a 5hour bus trip to Rotorua. I enjoyed a breakfast coffee at the the fabulous Capers Cafe, and a peruse around their gourmet shop on site should not to be missed for buying gifts and goodies.:)

clare
clare New Zealand
10

An amazing array of different activities for everyone!

May 16, 2023

An amazing array of different activities for everyone! So many natural and man made attractions to keep you busy. The culture tours in the villages are great and informative, the luge and gondola ride were a real highlight for us all. We missed out on the Whakarewarewa forest walk due to weather but would have loved to go. Any of the geothermal areas are so unique and fun to see. Lots of adventurous activities too like the Zorb.

Zalie
Zalie Australia
8.0

Picnic Cafe offered all diet options, beautifully cooked and...

May 15, 2023

Picnic Cafe offered all diet options, beautifully cooked and presented food and the most wonderful hot chocolate. Pizzas and Lamb Shanks from Hell's Pizza were wonderful to take back to room at Ibis. Ibis well situated, close to amenities and Events Centre. Cutlery would have been appreciated in rooms.

Val Williams
Val Williams New Zealand
8.0

There has been a lot of discussion about Rotorua struggling...

May 7, 2023

There has been a lot of discussion about Rotorua struggling after Covid and I was expecting it to look a bit neglected with lots of vacant shops and quiet neglected streets. This was definitely not the case and although we weren't there for very long, I was pleasantly surprised at how vibrant it was - despite the really bad weather. (it was a marathon weekend) Will definitely come back and spend more time.

WatsonNZFamily
WatsonNZFamily New Zealand

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