Rotorua is one of the most famous destinations in New Zealand, and has a long history of welcoming visitors...
From the moment people arrive in Rotorua they know they're somewhere quite different. There is a scent of sulphur in the air, and at nearby geothermal hotspots there are spouting geysers, acrid-smelling mud pools bubbling and belching, and warm geothermal pools and ponds that create a kaleidoscope of colour.
Rotorua is also the heartland of New Zealand's Maori culture, and visitors can enjoy a performance of song and dance, followed by food cooked in a traditional hangi (cooked in an earthen oven).
With 11 major lakes, the Rotorua region is one of the country's prime trout fishing spots where you are practically guaranteed a catch, especially if a local professional guide is hired.
Activities and Attractions abound, with something to satisfy everyone from sightseeing to adrenaline pumping adventure options. Visitors can get up close and personal with New Zealand farm life, walk through geothermal hot spots, have a thrilling 4WD experience through native bush or up a volcano, raft or sledge the mighty local rivers and much, much more.
After a hard day's sightseeing or strenuous activity, a soak in a natural hot thermal mineral spa is totally relaxing. Rotorua is also the Spa & Wellness centre of New Zealand and offers a wide range of Spa & Wellness treatments to relax and rejuvenate.
Rotorua has over 13,000 visitor beds on offer each night to cater for a myriad of visitor expectations. International hotels have recently been built and/or refurbished to cater up to a 4 star deluxe option. Luxury lodges are scattered amongst the natural environment featuring privacy and seclusion. As well, a wide range of middle-of-the-road and budget priced accommodation is available.
Rotorua has something for everyone, from family groups, to the independent traveller, from budget travellers to those seeking luxury accommodation, from conference and incentive groups to those looking to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, from weekend getaways to week long stays.
Check out the Destination Rotorua Tourism Marketing DVD - produced in Rotorua by bluedogTV and filteredvision...
07/01/09 ...the week in Rotovegas...Big 1 lappers return!
• BIKEVEGAS SUMMER CUP...Three race series of big one lappers is on again...Round 1 is on this Sunday January 11 and the COURSE MAP is up on the Nduro web site - enter online now...
• 09 BikeNZ/MTBNZ Raboplus North Island Cup Series...
Rotorua hosted the first North Island XC on Saturday January 3 - Mike Northcott of Mangakino and Rotorua's Annika Smail won the Elite categories - FULL RESULTS.
• Downhill Round 1 was on Sunday January 4, on The Taniwha - Scotland's Ben Cathro and Emmeline Ragot of France took out the Elite titles - FULL RESULTS.
• 2009 RABOPLUS NORTH & SOUTH ISLAND MTB CUPS...Rotorua will host DH North Island Cup Round 2 on Jan 16 & 17... VOLUNTEERS NEEDED...
The Whakarewarewa Forest will also be the venue for the NZ Marathon Champs in April as part of THE HIGHLANDER...
• TRAILS: Top week in Rotorua - fine and mild for the next few days.
Even with the rain since Xmas, the trails are drying out fast.
Just a little bit of mud - so, no skidding, please.
Generally, the trails are in excellent condition following a good mix of long, dry spells and a bit of rain to keep the dust down. Overgrown in places, but with rain and warmth it's perfect growing weather.
Great holiday season riding...
• WEATHER UPDATE... COMING UP...
• AY-UP 24/12 HOURS of ROTORUA...Summer night race returns - the 24 Solo category is the qualifier for the World Champs of Adrenalin - enter now
• 2009 PIG & WHISTLE NZ SINGLESPEEDS...entries are open for the Anzac Weekend event.
• CATEYE MOONRIDE...24/12/6 hour race on May 9, 2009...
• TOP CLASS BIKE TRIALS RETURNS IN 2009... Rotorua will host the fifth and final round of the UCI Trials World Cup series...
• BIKE TRIALS 06...Take a look back at the 06 Trials World Champs in Rotorua...
• Classic New Zealand Mountain Bike Rides...Edition 7 of the legendary Kennett Bros MTB guide out now...
• NEW TRAILS: DRAGON'S TAIL... off Red Tank Road just down from the Pipeline/Direct Road intersection and on the opposite side to Be Rude Not To. TURKISH DELIGHT... from the end of Lion to Nursery Road between Tokorangi Pa and Katore Roads..
• IMBA TRAIL BUILDING...Definitive guide on video, on line,
on Ride Rotorua...
