Rotorua is a multicultural district in New Zealand. It is located in the central North Island. It is known as the heart of the Maori culture.
It is well renowned for Maori art, craft, and culture. It is also the home of many contemporary artists, craftsmen, performers, and musicians. It is known as a spa town and a major tourist spot since the 1800s. Rotorua is a major tourist spot in New Zealand and is known for geothermal activities as well as geysers and hot mud pools.
One of its main attraction is mountain biking. It is the location of the Whakarewarewa Forest, which is usually coined as the Disneyland of mountain biking.
Weather
Rotorua has long and hot summers that make it a good place to enjoy various water activities. Spring in the area is warm and is usually characterized by stunning flowers that makes for a beautiful city. Autumns are crisp with spectacular rainbow displays. Winters are cold and frosty in the morning and generally bright and clear during the day. Truly, Rotorua is a beautiful city all through out the year.
Food and Dining
Rotorua has a wide range of cuisine to choose from including Chinese, Japanese, Italian, Korean, Mexican, Mediterranean, and European. With more than 50 restaurants to cater to you in both the formal and casual set up, food and dining is generally enjoyable. You should also try the traditional hangi, which is a feast of Maori food, and that, is uniquely New Zealand.
Sight and Activities
Rotorua offers various activities for people of all ages. Mountain biking of course is the main attraction. Aside from this, there are also several water activities that are available like rafting and kayaking. You can also visit several wildlife parks for an enjoyable activity for the family.
Places to visit
1. The Bath House. It is the house of the Rotorua Museum of Art & History Te Whare Taonga o Te Arawa. It was originally a spa which offers therapeutic treatments and is known as the symbol of the city.
2. The Old Post Office. A building with a clock tower that is an attraction in its own right in Rotorua.
3. The Prince’s Gate Archway. An archway built in honor of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York in 1901. It is now an attraction in the Government Garden after having been moved there after the visit.
4. The Landmark. An old establishment which is one of the few historic homes existing in Rotorua today. The Landmark has served a number of features ever since such as being a family home to being a hotel and restaurant.
5. Te Amorangi Museum. The first house in the area to be connected to electricity. It was donated by Mr. Arthur Sheward to the Diocese of Waiapu and was used as a religious and recreational center in memory of his mother.