Rotorua is ~225kms from Auckland, a driving distance of ~3 hours. You can take a detour and visit Waitomo caves before proceeding to Rotorua. I could not manage because I woke up at 9.30am!
Rotorua is renowned for its Geothermal activity and is certainly a must see destination in New Zealand. There are bubbling mud pools and naturally active as well artificially activated geysers. Rotorua is also home to a living Maori village. Maoris are the indigenous people of New Zealand. Places to see in Rotorua include the following:
Lake Rotorua– second largest lake in New Zealand by surface area, the lake has a high sulphur content.
Rotorua Museum, a beautiful building in its own right.
Polynesian spa, a number of thermal pools at varying temperatures, there is no better way to relax. And mineral rich water is believed to be very good for health
Wai-O-Tapu thermal wonderland, incredibly colorful springs, mud pools and geysers. A must see. Can take upto 3 hours to go around. Get there by 10am so you can watch the Lady Knox geyser show at 10.15am.Te-Puia, home to the largest active geyser in the southern hemisphere. Called Pohutu, it erupts every hour and can reach a height of 100ft. It did not get to that height while I was there but the view is spectacular. There are other smaller active and dormant geysers plus boiling mud pools. You can also see New Zealand’s national bird-Kiwi– the highly endangered flightless bird. Again a must see.
Rotorua is a small town and the shopping area is worth a stroll. I managed to find a restaurant that served hot idlis and dosas!
Champagne pool, Wai-O-Tapu, Rotorua, New Zealand Pohutu geyser, Rotorua, New Zealand Rotorua lake, New Zealand Rotorua museum, New Zealand Hot pool, Wai-O-Tapu, Rotorua, New Zealand