ROTORUA OFFICIAL VISITOR GUIDE 2019 RotoruaNZ.com Kia Ora welcome Rotorua is a great place for a getaway – there’s a raft of attractions and experiences on offer for everyone from adventure-seekers to those just looking to chill out. In fact, Rotorua has been rated the 4th best place in the world for travel experiences by travel website, TripAdvisor! Make sure to check out our world-class mountain bike trails, 18 lakes, geothermal hot spots and Māori culture experiences. Rotorua is one of New Zealand’s most diverse, exciting and accessible holiday destinations – just a 3 hour drive from Auckland. Inside this guide you’ll get a feel for why we want to share our stunning region with you. We look forward to seeing you soon. We’re always happy to hear from you: RotoruaNZ +64 (0)7 348 5179 RotoruaNZ RotoruaNZ.com RotoruaNZ RotoruaNZ destinationrotorua Cover photo: Mark Smith to Rotorua 2 What’s On: Event Calendar 4 Geothermal Wonders 6 Family Fun 8 Lakes & Forests 10 Instagram Trail 12 Instagram Photos 14 Sustainable Tourism Charter 16 Stay 30 To Do 78 Eat & Drink 88 Travel Kit 90 Maps What’s On: EVENT CALENDAR November 2018 - July 2019 Nov Rotorua Half Marathon Enjoy the spectacular backdrop of one of the most 25 scenic and varied half marathons in the country! Dec GIANT 2W Gravity Enduro – Race 2/3 8 Cruise up and race down. This is the country’s biggest Feb Gravity Enduro series. Choose from either 4-6 stage, 9 shuttled or un-shuttled. Dec Sanitarium Weetbix Kids TRYathlon Popular event for Kiwi kids aged 7-15 years encouraging 9 them to stay active and healthy. A fun day out for all sporting abilities. Dec Glo Festival Glo Festival is a firm family favourite on the Rotorua 31 event calendar and is a fun, festive way to bring in the New Year. Jan RATS Blue Lake Multisport Festival 5 events, 2 days, one great location! There is something 26-27 for the whole family and all fitness levels. Feb Summer Seafood Festival Indulge in the variety of delicious seafood on offer 2 paired with a glass of exquisite New Zealand wine. Feb Tarawera Ultra Marathon Part of the Ultra-Trail World Tour. Runners can complete 6-10 the 20km, 50km, 102km distances, or the 100 Mile Endurance Run. Mar Rotorua Off Road Half Marathon The Copthorne off road half marathon, quarter 3 marathon, 5km event and little devils race. Dec Feb Mar 1-38 2 9 2 | RotoruaNZ.com Mar Rotorua Lakeside Gather the family, blankets and picnics and head to 9 the Village Green where you can join an evening of entertainment, culture and celebrations. Mar The Rotorua Walking Festival The ultimate walking festival! From old to young, 16-17 experienced to newbies - this festival is sure to please and showcases Rotorua’s stunning surroundings. Mar Generation Homes Legend of the Lake Enjoy this exciting swimming event with distances 16-17 ranging from a 5km Ultra through to a 100m race for the kids. This year be sure to check out the new Amphibian event - a run/swim event! Mar Crankworx Rotorua Crankworx brings together the best mountain biking 19-24 pro athletes across a range of disciplines pitting them against one another in an exciting festival atmosphere. Apr XTERRA Rotorua Marathon Enjoy the range of events on offer at the Blue Lake for 6 this festival across multiple disciplines. From multiple running options through to the pinnacle off road triathlon – there’s something for all. May 55th Rotorua Marathon There’s a distance for everyone, including the 5.5km 4 fun run, the half and quarter marathon through the Redwoods and the famous ‘lap of the lake’ for those up for the challenge of the full marathon! Jun 3D Rotorua Multisport Festival This festival of events attracts over a thousand 2 participants from across New Zealand to enjoy some of the best paddling lakes, running and mountain biking trails the country has to offer. Jul Matariki When Matariki reappears in our dawn skies around June or July each year, it heralds the start of te Tau Hou Māori - the Māori New Year. There will be a wide range of Rotorua events for all the family to celebrate this special time of year. Mar Mar Month of 16-17 19-24 Jul What’s On | 3 Geothermal Wonders Rotorua’s geothermal water is known as ‘Waiariki’ or ‘water of the gods’. The soothing water, mineral rich muds, traditional massage and indigenous herbs all play a special role in Rotorua’s unique offerings. From a relaxing soak through to marvelling at geothermal wonders - there’s something for all in Rotorua. Hot Water Beach Situated on Lake Tarawera, Hot Water Beach is accessible by both trail and boat. The beach provides bathing opportunities in the warm waters of Te Rata Bay, fed by a naturally heated hot stream. Lakeside Camping is also available at Hot Water Beach ( check out the DOC website). Polynesian Spa Declared one of the top 10 day spas on the planet by Conde Nast, this iconic complex offers hot mineral bathing with four different areas to choose from and a menu of soothing massage and spa treatments. Waikite Valley Visit Waikite Valley Thermal Pools to experience the ‘Living Waters’ of the Te Manaroa Spring - the largest single source of boiling water in New Zealand. The water cascades into the main settlers pool, the toddlers beach, the sit ‘n’ soak pool and the luxurious garden and pergola pools. Waimangu Volcanic Valley Experience a unique geothermal and eco- tourism attraction on foot and by water to discover the world’s youngest geothermal system. Be sure to venture out on Lake Rotomahana - where you can learn the history of the 1886 Tarawera eruption. 4 | RotoruaNZ.com Geothermal Wonders Te Puia Pōhutu Geyser at Te Puia is the largest active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere. Enjoy watching Pōhutu Geyser erupt once or twice every hour, sometimes reaching heights of 30 metres. Pōhutu means constant splashing in Māori. Blue Baths Mixed bathing in liquid light. Such was the promise of pleasure used to entice visitors to Rotorua’s Blue Baths in the 1930’s, the first venue to daringly offer mixed bathing in New Zealand. The Juvenile Pool sits at 30°C whilst the two hot soak pools vary between 37°C and 42°C. QE Health Bathing in hot mineral water for health benefits and pleasure has been practiced for centuries. The alkaline and sulphurous water at QE Health from the Rachel Spring is renowned for its softening effects on the skin and its relaxing properties. Hells Gate Check out New Zealand’s most active geothermal attraction, with the biggest mud volcano in the country and the largest hot waterfall in the Southern Hemisphere. Be sure to soak in the geothermal mud baths which help to remove excess oils, leaving your skin feeling soft and smooth. Whakarewarewa Living Māori Village Discover the unique lifestyle and traditions at Whakarewarewa Living Māori Village. Set within a landscape of erupting geothermal activity, thermal hot springs and bubbling mud, the village people live in harmony with Mother Nature in this unique environment. Geothermal Wonders | 5 Family Fun Rotorua is a great place to get away for that fun filled family weekend. Whether it be a three hour drive from Auckland, or a direct flight from Christchurch or Wellington - Rotorua is your one stop shop for all things fun! If you need advice on what to do and where to stay then visit our i-Site when you get into Rotorua. Hobbiton Movie Set Tours Step into the world of Bilbo Baggins. If you are driving from Auckland this is a great option to break up the journey if the kids get restless in the backseat. Otherwise Hobbiton has two daily tours that depart Rotorua. 3D Trick Art Gallery The first and only 3D Trick Art Gallery in New Zealand. In the gallery you become the star of the artwork and can create masterpieces of your own. Rotorua Duck Tours See the best of Rotorua by land and water. Take a tour of Rotorua city and some of the 18 lakes aboard a World War 2 amphibious craft affectionately known as “The Duck”. Rainbow Springs Get up close with the wonderful birds, bugs and beasts that call New Zealand home. Keep an eye out for the daily animal encounters to get that little bit closer to some of the animals. 6 | RotoruaNZ.com Family Fun aMAZEme Ever wanted to lose the kids? Well here’s your chance to test your skills in the 1.4km hedge maze. The kids will also love the small animal petting experience. It’s all about good, old fashioned, family fun! Kuirau Park Take a walk and discover the steaming, hissing and boiling geothermal activity in the heart of Rotorua at New Zealand’s only geothermal public park. Government Gardens Wander through the Government Gardens and enjoy the beauty of the Museum building, the rose gardens, geothermal wonders and water features. Why not take a picnic along and relax in beautiful surroundings. Agrodome The iconic Farm Show is a chance for a laugh and to learn a thing or two about farming and the animals themselves. There is a wide range of products on offer but one not to be missed is the Farmyard Nursery. Skyline Rotorua Whether you want to relax at the top of the gondola with a drink to admire the breath- taking views or you’d prefer an adrenaline fix, then Skyline has you covered.