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The Lake Rotorua is the second largest lake in New Zealand with a size of 80 square kilometers. It is located on the North Island in the Bay of Plenty region. Photo by Bulach. .

Top 10 Outstanding Facts about Rotorua

Rotorua is a drop-dead gorgeous town in New Zealand. The town though small is a major tourist attraction in New Zealand. Most postcards advertising tourism adventures and activities feature Rotorua town.

It is set on Rotorua lake on New Zealand’s North Island and is renowned for its geothermal activity and Maori culture. It is definitely a must visit on your next trip to New Zealand. Rotorua is a major destination for both domestic and international tourists; the tourism industry is by far the largest industry in the district.

It is known for its geothermal activity, and features geysers 鈥� notably the Pohutu Geyser at Whakarewarewa 鈥� and hot mud pools. This thermal activity is sourced to the Rotorua Caldera, in which the town lies. Here are the top 10 Outstanding Facts about Rotorua.

1. It is nicknamed Sulfur City

One  thing you’ll soon notice upon embarking on your trip to geothermal areas in Rotorua is the smell. The gases which contribute to all the activity here aren’t just visual thing.

For some, the sulphur and various other oxides can be uncomfortable if not overpowering. The sulphur is however a necessary ingredient in what makes the place tick.

The hydrogen sulphide emissions, which gives Rotorua a “rotten eggs” smell, has earned Rotorua the name Sulfur City.

2. The city is known for its geothermal activity

Whakarewarewa – Prince Of Wales Feathers Geyser. Photo by Rob Young. .

Geothermal activity is the heart of much the tourist appeal in Rototuru.  Geysers 鈥� notably the Pohutu Geyser at Whakarewarewa 鈥� bubbling mud pools, and thermal springs are all nearby.  In Kuirau Park, to the west end of the central city, hot bubbling mud pools dot the park.  Visitors can soak their feet in hot water pools.

Wai-o-Tapu is an incredibly colorful grouping of hot springs, geysers and pools each with their own distinct character, shape and texture formed solely by nature itself which sits around 20 minutes south of Rotorua. It’s the most colorful volcanic area in the country and allows visitors some great angles for photos.

3. Rotorua is a beautiful place to go bike riding

Rotorua is a well-known mountain bike heaven, home to an extensive network of tracks in the Whakarewarewa Forest (also known as the redwoods forest). Rotorua also has a mountain bike park with Gondolas to take you and your bike back to the top after every run.

The network of nearly 200 kilometers of purpose-built mountain biking trails in Rotorua鈥檚 Whakarewarewa Forest is world-famous and received Gold Status by the International Mountain Biking Association.

4. Rotorua region has 17 lakes offering myriad of water activities

The Rotorua region has 17 lakes, known collectively as the Lakes of Rotorua. Water activities such as fishing, waterskiing, swimming, kayaking, and other water activities are abounding.

Rotorua which was home to the world rafting championships in 2014.  The nearby Kaituna River features the world鈥檚 highest commercially rafted seven-meter waterfall.

5. Rotorua is a Maori name

The name Rotorua is a Maori word that means 鈥榮econd lake鈥� which is derived from the original name Te Rotorua-nui-a-Kahumatamomoe, 鈥淭he second great lake of Kahumatamomoe鈥�. Just over one-third of Rotorua鈥檚 population is Maori, the highest proportion of any city in New Zealand.

6. You can explore zorbs in Rotorua

Zorbing – Argodome – Rotorua – New Zealand. Photo by Unknown.

The experience of rolling down a hill inside a giant inflatable ball has been an iconic New Zealand  bucket list adventure experience since Andrew and David Akers invented and developed the first operation in the world back in 1995 on this very site.

With four different tracks to choose from, ZORB is the perfect opportunity to let your inner child come out to play. ZORB is the largest ball rolling park in the world and is operated by the inventors of this iconic New Zealand experience.

7. Rotorua is packed with the Maori culture

Rotorua has two such attractions 鈥� the Tamaki and Mitai Maori Villages – both of which are highly regarded and incorporate a blend of ceremonies, music, storytelling, dance and dining into a single package that’s as entertaining as it is informative.

Step back in time 鈥� before the days of European settlement – and explore the Maori way of life, including the small dwellings, the arts and the songs; watch the women weaving, see the warriors training with traditional weapons and openly talk with the villagers about their heritage.

8. The Rotorua Museum is a beautiful place to explore the history of the Maori

Exterior of the Rotorua Museum in Rotorua, Bay of Plenty, North Island of New Zealand. Photo by Krzysztof Golik. .

Rotorua Museum features a robust yet compact display of exhibits that go into great detail on Maori history and art that encompasses relics dating back to the journey of the region’s original inhabitants that made their way across the Pacific Ocean to New Zealand.

Many periods of Maori culture are also covered here, with the origins of the inhabitants, the history of the bath houses era, and the Maori involvement during World War II all touched upon in great detail. Guided tours are also available if you’re looking to gain further insight.

9. Explore the Waimangu Volcanic Valley

Waimangu Volcanic Valley is one of the most popular places to see the seething mud and steaming silica terraces in Rotorua. A series of walkways allow visitors to view the smoke-filled craters and bizarre acid-yellow and lime-green terraces safely.

The inferno crater is a highlight, with its huge geyser billowing into action. The trail meanders all the way to the shore of Lake Rotomahana, where boat trips are offered to view more geothermal features.

10. Rotorua is home to botanical gardens

Government Botanical Gardens. Photo by User:Ageo020. Photo by

One of the botanical gardens is Government Gardens. It is situated along the edge of Lake Rotorua and just minutes from the city centre.

A walk-through Government Gardens takes you to see ancient bubbling geothermal pools, traditional and modern M膩ori-inspired art, sculptures, and perfectly manicured grounds for bowls, croquet, petanque and golf (the Motutara course is leased to private operators).

You鈥檒l also find a soldiers鈥� memorial for the servicemen of the local Te Arawa tribe, the Klamath Falls Rose Gardens, Te Runanga Tearooms, a band rotunda and various buildings of historic interest.