Rotorua, New Zealand, is an enchanting travel destination that engages the senses with its characters, climate and history. It's easy to get around while you're here too which makes it better still.
But, never mind Rotorua, where's New Zealand?
That's the first question
that comes up when we travel overseas and no, it's not in Australia as a lot of people seem to think. We're our own
separate, dinky little country located in the Southern Pacific ocean. Looking on a
map, New Zealand is situated to the bottom-right of Australia.
When we refer to
New Zealand we're actually talking about three islands. The North
Island (Te Ika-a-Māui), the South Island (Te Wai Pounamu) and Stewart
Island (Te Punga o Te Waka a Māui).
As for Rotorua. It is located in the central North Island of New Zealand, about 2½hrs south of Auckland city.
Auckland is a major inbound link to New Zealand as is Christchurch and Wellington.
The map below shows Rotorua' proximity to the major centres of New Zealand. Zoom in and out to get more detail.
Just zoomed out on the map myself and we don't seem to be that far from the Antarctic, brrr. No wonder it gets so cold here.
Although young in years - compared to the likes of Europe that is - we have had our share of high drama. The historical events timeline will give you a blow by blow account from when the Te Arawa people arrived in NZ up to present times.
The city is compact so it is easy enough to get around. No vehicle, no problem, our local buses are the way to go. They're reasonably modern and not uncomfortable. They're also the one thing you'll see blatting around a lot while you're here with their distinctive bright green colour.
There is nothing worse when travelling than turning up with the wrong clothing for the weather. Our weather has its own peculiarities that you can check out with this link.
October 2017 - School Holidays...
November 2017 - Saturday Night Fever...
December 2017 - Mudtopia & Christmas!!!
Visit Velocity Valley to experience all the action of Freefall Xtreme, Swoop, Rotorua Bungy, Agrojet Schweeb and Freestyle Airbag? Why not do the lot!
Mokoia Island Tours come with a twist. Not only informative, they include a hair-raising ride with Kawarau Jet.
Surico - Have fun and find out why alpaca appeal to so many on this 60-90min personalised tour of a working farm.
"We are a family of four from Sydney Australia and love nature - bush to beach.
We love your website and found your tips on things to do in Rotorua very valuable - exactly what we look for in destinations."
Anita —Sydney
"Thank you Karen! I think you site is wonderful. We followed your ideas today for blue lake and green lake, and went to the Landing Cafe first, brilliant we would have missed Lake Tarawera otherwise and it is so beautiful and peaceful."
Rosie
"Thank you for your prompt response. I have managed to get a great deal through 'book me', so once again thank you so much. Great service. " :-)
Chris
"Awesome website all about Rotorua. Well done Karen Shelford."
Amiria Tomoana - Global Traveller
"Yes, really worthwile information for those visiting Rotorua. Take it from someone who used it. Thank you, so much easier."
Karen Hubbard - Sydney, Australia
"...
your website is the best resource for planning a trip there that I have
encountered! It answers all of the questions you end up having after
reading other sites, and presents information in such a clear and
concise way.
... wish I'd encountered your site before printing off reams of info that will probably be whittled down to one page.
... hope the local government and tourism people realise what a great asset and ambassador they have in you! :P"
Vicky Fairchild - Auckland, New Zealand
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