Adventure: Rotorua's natural settings allow you to enjoy a wide range of adventurous activities for the most daring. Run, slip and slide down the slope of an extinct volcano. Race down a mountain side on a luge track or jump from bungy towers. And Throw yourself down white water rapids on a raft, or take a wild ride on the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the south.

Popular Historic Adventures: Popular Historic Adventures include the 4 wheel-drive safari tour of the extinct volcano, Mount Tarawera. An abundance of history and knowledge are provided on the spectacular sites viewed during the 120 km tour. As well, the eruption occurred in 1886, destroyed the fantastic Pink and White Terraces, the eighth wonder of the world.

Hunting & Fishing: Rotorua is surrounded by a hunting game of many species, including Oppossum, Rabbit, Wild Pig, Wallaby and number of Deer species such as Red, Roosa, Sika, Fallow, and Sambar. You can also enjoy fishing in both freshwater which includes Rainbow and Brown Trout, and saltwater, including gamefishing for Marlin/Tuna and bottom fishing and surfcasting.

Shopping: Rotorua provides dozens and dozens of shops to cater to the needs of all, for example, clothing and fashion, appliances, arts and crafts, and much more with its city centre or main shopping area easily convenient and accessible. Tutanekai and Hinemoa are the two main streets while the City Focus Square is just within walking distance, providing an information centre and the services of a community police office. The popular attractions within the square are perhaps the daily shows and performances.

Getting Here & Away

By Road: There are three major state highways (SH5, SH30, SH33) intersact with Rotorua. The region is 234 kilometres from Auckland and 457 kilometres from Wellington. Rotorua is a key destination on the touring route known as the Thermal Explorer Highway. Major coach companies are also there to provide daily services to Rotorua.
By Air: Rotorua is just 40 minutes by flight from Auckland, 75 minutes from Christchurch and 2 1/2 hours from Queenstown. You can also fly to Rotorua from many provincial airports.


Getting around Rotorua

Most of the major attractions around Rotorua are within a few kilometres of the city - so drive yourself! All the major hotels are also within walking distance of Rotorua's city centre.

Shuttle services (free or nominal cost), taxis and a good city bus service are also available if you prefer not to drive. As well, independent tour operators are willing to take you to wherever you want to go. The surf beaches of Waihi, Mt Maunganui and Ohope; the National Parks of Tongariro and Urewera; Lake Taupo; and the cities of Hamilton, Tauranga, Taupo and Whakatane are within a 150 kilometre radius (two hours drive).