nature

Whakarewarewa is the biggest thermal feature, Hells Gate claims to be the sternest, Waiotapu seem to be the most colourful, Waimangu is the youngest, while Orakei Korako, as proclaimed by Lonely Planet, is the finest in the world.

Museum today was originally opened as bathhouse in 1908, but ceased operations in 1969, making way for the display of art and history. However next to it, the 1930s built Blue Bath still exists and its Hollywood-inspired, two geothermal heated swimming pools invite locals and visitors for rejuvenating dips.

Maori culture

Geothermal assets were a key attraction for Maoris to settle in

Rotorua. Many of them still use the thermal water for bathing, cooking, healing and heating. Their past and present lifestyle, century old beliefs, traditions and practices are well recorded in the Rotorua Museum where an ensemble of multimedia exhibitions unfold amazing accounts of a human race. The museum is located in front of the well laid out Government Garden, the beauty of which justifies a stroll in its own right.

However, the best place for a direct encounter with traditional Maori life is Te Puia, the nation’s premier cultural centre where their artistic skills and talents are brought alive by amazing crafting, carving and weaving demonstrations, and sensational music and dance performances. However what stands out is the storytelling by friendly guides, deeply engaging to feel you are one of them. Located inside the

Whakarewarewa reserve, Te Puia is crowded by gushing waters, steaming vents, boiling mud pools and spectacular geysers, most famous being the Pohotu geyser that erupts almost every hour, spectacularly hurling water up to 30m in the air. It’s a grand spectacle to watch at night, when the precinct is brightly illuminated.

Clockwise:

Geothermal wonderland

Maori dancers

Alike hell

Rotorua Museum

Dancing Maori Government Gardens

A fuming crater

Travel noTebook R OTOR uA

Getting There

Air New Zealand (www.airnewzealand.com.au) has direct flights from Sydney to Rotorua twice a week; or Qantas (www.qantas.com.au) and Air New Zealand have flights from major Australian cities to Auckland from where Rotorua is 3 hours by road.

stay food

There is no shortage of accommodation to suit one’s budget; however the 250 room Sudima Hotel (www.sudimarotorua.co.nz) overlooking Lake Rotorua is good choice because of its scenic setting and closeness most of the attractions.

Every type of cuisine that you may fancy is available, however if mouthwatering Indian is your preference, drop in at Indian Star (www.indianstar.co.nz) or Tandoori Place (www.tandooripalace.co.nz ) for delicious meals.

M ore infor Mation

Rotorua Tourism (www.rotoruanz.com)