Rotorua Attractions

Whakarewarewa State Forest Southeast of town, the tranquil trails of this forest park offer a relaxing break in sightseeing activity. Stop at the Forest Information Centre on Long Mile Road for a trail map.

A favorite destination is the Redwood Memorial Grove bordering Long Mile Road. Planted in 1901, the towering trees here are part of an experimental reforestation project begun after the Tarawera eruption devastated the area.

The large park extends from the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve and the Taupo highway east to the Blue and Green lakes. Other popular trails include the Blue Lake walk around the shoreline, a climb to the Tokorangi Pa site, and walks in the Green Lake Picnic Area.

Little Village. Near the exit from the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve, the Little Village on Tryon Street offers an intriguing collection of tourist and craft shops in a colonial village atmosphere. Often you'll see artisans at work on the premises.

Kuirau Park. Children will love Kuirau Park, located at Ranolf and Pukuatua streets; the park features the "Toot In' Whistle" miniature steam railway, a children's playground, an aquarium, sports fields, and an aquatic center. Walkways meander around the park's small lake, boiling mud pools, and large thermal fountain.

In addition to luring visitors to its superb fishing lakes and thermal attractions, the resort of Rotorua also puts you in touch with Maori culture.

Getting there. Mount Cook Line flights link Rotorua with Auckland and Kerikeri (Bay of Islands); Air New Zealand flights connect Rotorua with Wellington and Tauranga. Both also fly here from Christchurch and other South Island tourist centers. Railways Road Services motorcoaches serve Rotorua from many North Island cities and towns.

Accommodations. Large tourist hotels are located in town (Hyatt Kingsgate, Travelodge); near Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve (THC Rotorua International, Sheraton); and along Fenton Street Highway 5 connecting the two (Rotorua Hotel, Four Canoes Inn). Many smaller hotels and motels also cater to visitors.

Travelers seeking a bit of luxury can try Muriaroha, on Old Taupo Road, where a few guests stay in a gracious home filled with antiques and art. Excellent fishing and a serene lakeside setting draw guests to Solitaire Lodge on Lake Tarawera; also popular with anglers is Lake Okataina Tourist Lodge.

Getting around. Half day and full day motorcoach excursions depart from the N.Z.R. Travel Centre on Amohau Street. The short tour covers city sights, the Agrodome, trout springs, and thermal attractions; longer trips travel to the Waitomo Caves and the Taupo district. Sightseeing flights over the lakes and thermal areas depart from Rotorua Airport, float plane trips from the Lake Rotorua waterfront. Other excursion choices include lake cruises and a four wheel drive trip up the slopes of Mount Tarawera.

Tourist information. For assistance with travel arrangements, tours, and accommodations throughout the country, stop at the Government Tourist Bureau at the comer of Fenton and Haupapa streets. Information on local tours is also available at the N. Z. R. Travel Centre The Public Relations Office is on Haupapa Street.