ABSTRACT 1

Running head: ROTORUA ABSTRACT

Rotorua Abstract

Rotorua – Spas and Geothermal Fields

Candice Chalmers

Brock University

Dave Brown

Due: February 18 2010

TREN 3F94

ROTORUA ABSTRACT 2

In ’s North Island, a unique and popular tourist attraction can be found.

Rotorua, a district that is filled with “...steaming hot springs, explosive [and] bubbling mud pools...” (Lonely Planet, 2008, p.32) reminds tourists that they are in a destination that is incomparable. The harsh scent of sulphur fills the region, but this harmless element has been created by the geothermal activity that occurs in Rotorua (Bell, 1999). With ‘lunar landscapes’ that have been created by volcanic action and fourteen lakes, Rotorua attracts tourists of all kinds as this destination boasts a distinct natural environment (Ryan & Pike, 2003, p.315). The creation of these natural wonders have been because of Geothermal fields which have been produced by the ingredients of water, heat and access to the earth’s surface for geothermal heat. Once cold water moves through the ground towards the heat, the water naturally warms and moves upwards thus establishing geysers, fumaroles, mud pools and also hot springs (Department of

Conservation). There are five main areas within Rotorua that possess these remarkable sights, and they are known as , , Waimangu, and Orakei Korako

(New Zealand on the Web). All are located in fairly close proximity, making them extremely accessible to visitors. With result many spas have been established throughout Rotorua, as there is undoubtedly an appeal to tourists as many are looking to achieve a personal experience with the natural products.

The Maoris, who are the native people of New Zealand originally used the products derived from the thermal activity for cooking, cleaning and healing purposes (Rotorua Website).

Today a large portion of the spa treatments that are done in the area involve practices that were learned from the Maoris, giving Rotorua a competitive advantage over other destinations.

Rotorua is undoubtedly a destination that should be visited at least once in a lifetime as the natural landscape and properties offered here are unlike any other. ROTORUA ABSTRACT 3

References

Bell, H. (1999). Spotlight on new zealand. Association News, pp. 37.

Department of Conservation. Rotorua's geothermal treasures. Retrieved February 15, 2010, from

http://www.doc.govt.nz/conservation/land-and-freshwater/land/geology/geothermal-

systems/rotoruas-geothermal-treasures/

New Zealand on the Web. Geothermal sites. Retrieved February 15, 2010, from

http://www.rotorua.nz.com/geothermal.aspx

Rawlings-Way, C., Atkinson, B., Bennett, S., Dragicevich, P., & Hunt, E. (2008). New Zealand .

Singapore: Lonely Planet Publications.

Rotorua Official Website. Rotorua geothermal. Retrieved February 16, 2010, from

http://www.rotoruanz.com/interests/geothermal

Ryan, C., & Pike, S. (2003). Maori-based tourism in rotorua: Perceptions of place by domestic

visitors. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 11 (4), 307-321.