Rotorua

Rotorua, pop. 56,200, is a city in New Zealand’s North Island located on the shores of Lake Rotorua. Rotorua is best known for its geothermal activity, particularly its hot mud pools and the unique odour they impart to the area. Rotorua has been nicknamed ‘Sulphur City’ thanks to the hydrogen sulphide emissions from the bubbling mud; however, this doesn’t stop Rotorua from being a major destination for tourists from far and wide drawn to its geysers, hot springs and mud pools, the area’s 18 lakes and myriad forest walks, not to mention the showcase of Maori culture on offer. Tourism is by far the largest sector of the district’s diverse economy, benefitting from nearly three million visitors annually; other local industries include forestry and wood processing, agribusiness and manufacturing.

Rotorua’s name is Maori, meaning ‘second lake.’ The full traditional name is Te Rotorua-nui-a-Kahumatamomoe. The lake was discovered by the Maori chief Ihenga, ancestor of the Te Arawa iwi, who named it in honour of his uncle Kahumatamomoe. The area was settled by the Te Arawa, and European settlement began around 1828. Later, the lakeshore was a major site of fighting in the New Zealand Wars of the 1860s. Rotorua’s potential as a spa destination was recognised early on, and the town was connected to Auckland by rail in 1894. Rotorua grew rapidly as both a town and a tourist destination from this point.

35% of Rotorua’s current population is Maori, a greater proportion than most other New Zealand locations. There are many opportunities to experience authentic Maori culture in and around Rotorua, including several traditional villages hosting cultural performances and historical re-enactments. Traditional hangi meals cooked in a pit oven boosted by geothermal activity are a popular feature of many such tours and events.

Rotorua has a pleasantly warm, temperate climate. Located inland and sheltered from the south and east by high country, it is less windy than many other New Zealand places. Annual sunshine hours average 2117, similar to the national average.

Rotorua’s popularity with international visitors means that its small airport receives seasonal flights from Sydney, following an upgrade to its runways in 2009. There are also flights from the main centres of Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland and the popular southern tourist destination Queenstown. Rotorua is a drive of less than three hours from Auckland via State Highway 27, making it a popular first stop on self-driving tours of the North Island.