Located on the southern shore of Lake Rotorua, in the North Island of New Zealand, the city of Rotorua derived its name from the lake. The city is also known as the ‘sulphur city,’ as it has a large number of sulphur deposits spread across the city.

Long before one reaches the city, visitors are greeted by a particular vile odour that greets their nostrils. The odour of sulphur that resembles the smell of rotten eggs is spread throughout the city. One may perhaps be turned off from the putrid smell, but if one can be patient and hold it in for a while, there are plenty of pleasant surprises with numerous wonderful attractions that the Sulphur city has in store.

Wai-O-Tapu

The Champagne Pools is a unique attraction in Rotorua (Photo: Rotorua official)

One of the reasons why thousands of tourists turn up to visit the city of Rotorua every year is the unique phenomena of active geothermal activities that it has been experiencing over the years. Wai-O-Tapu is the perfect destination to witness it. With a striking showcase of New Zealand’s most unique and vivid geothermal elements, visitors are sure to be filled with awe.

The Champagne Pools, that are hot springs in palettes of different shades of colours with steam emitting from them, are one of the highlights and certain to mesmerise visitors for the picturesque view it provides.

One should also visit the famous Lady Knox Geyser, which is a geyser that induces an enormous eruption of water reaching to the height of at least 20 m every day. An interesting aspect is that The Lady Knox Geyser was named after the daughter of the 15th Governor of New Zealand.

Free Hot springs

Rotorua is home to numerous number of hot springs with medicinal properties (Photo: Rotorua official)

With a vast number of hot springs in and around Rotorua, one will be delighted to know that the city also provides numerous free hot springs. Known to have medicinal properties, the waters in these springs are sure to relieve and soothe visitors. The Kerosene Creek allows bathers to sit under the 2m high waterfall and the Kuirau Park will let them dip feet in its geothermal water.

Tamaki Maori village

The Maoris are New Zealand’s indigenous people (Photo: Rotorua official)

Being one of the centres of New Zealand’s indigenous people, the Maoris, the ‘Tamaki Maori village’, gives visitors an insight into their lifestyle. Head along to the village and immerse yourself to what it was like to stay in a Maori village. You will get the chance to learn about the skills and crafts and enjoy a traditional ‘Hangi’ cooked dinner. If you wish to extend your stay, overnight stays are also welcome.

Mountain Biking

Rotorua is famous for hosting its annual Rotorua Bike Festival (Photo: Rotorua official)

Adventure junkies are sure to love this one. With some of the best biking trails, the city is popular for hosting the annual Rotorua Bike Festival, where every year some of the best mountain bikers from around the world, gather.

Two of the best spots to visit for trails perfect for mountain biking are the Redwoods, where one can find 130 km of trails that is sure to cater all levels of mountain bikers, and the Skyline Gondola Park, where bikers can find 10.5 km of downhill trails to explore.

Mount Tarawera

Mount Tarawera is famous for being the site of the country’s biggest eruptions (photo: Rotorua official)

Be sure to marvel at the magnificent gigantic volcano Mount Tarawera, before deciding to climb it. Famous for being the site of New Zealand’s biggest eruptions, the volcanic mountain is a sight to behold. Its rugged and rocky landscapes are sure to challenge fitness enthusiasts and can exert even the fittest of all by the end of the day. Home to a number of birds such as Tui, Fantail or Bellbird, the area is filled with a beautiful chorus of chirps which is sure to elevate anyone’s mood. The volcano is also surrounded by numerous charming lakes that came into being after Mount Tarawera caused after an eruption in 1886. Lake Tarawera is one of the largest and pristine amongst them.