Around Rotorua
The area around Rotorua is geological spectacular. You find the largest hot spring and hot waterfall of respectively the world and the southern hemisphere at this place. Besides that you will come across mud pools, craters, blowholes, lakes, forests, geysers and so on. Besides the dynamic of the earth you witness in this area you can also find some adrenaline stimulating activities to undertake and some cultural activities as well; sheep farm, pearl farm and a buried village. Finally: trout lovers will like it over here.
Outdoor
Beaches
Lake Tarawera has a nice hot water beach.
Cruising
You can book a boat cruise on Lake Tarawera.
Extreme(r) sports
In Agrodome Adventure Park you will be able to get some adrenaline rush into your blood. You can make a bungy jump here; do some zorbing or other extreme activities.
Fishing and fish watching
There are trout springs in this area. At Rainbow Springs Nature Park you will be able to see the trout in the springs; this of course will cost some money, but it is a nice thing to undertake.
Thermal pools, areas
Hell’s Gate
After having paid a (reasonable) amount of money you will be able to access this area. This area encompasses the largest hot thermal waterfall on the southern hemisphere. There is also a 2,5 km walking trail and some other interesting sights. You can also find a spa here.
Waimangu Volcanic Valley
This area is only accessible by paying an amount of money (not too much though). You can wander around this geological spectacular sight. You will pass the largest hot spring in the world and many more volcanic and thermal sights, including a crater lake.
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
This thermal wonderland provides a great variety in volcanic and thermal sights. When walking through this sight you will come across Champagne Pool, craters, geysers, blowholes and so on.
Tramping
In Whirinaki Forest Park you can undertake some nice tramps: from short tramps to multiple night tramps; something for each and one of us. For more information about walking please visit a DOC and (or) a tourist office.
Culture and Entertainment
Cultural activity
Agrodome
If you like the sheep in New Zealand (there are about 40 million) and would like to know more about them; visit Agrodome.
Ocean Pearl Farm
Here you can witness the process of optimizing pearls.
Cultural buildings and places
Buried Village of Te Wairoa
In 1886 Mount Tarawera erupted and destroyed some villages; this caused death for many people. This village is one of the Maori villages which have been buried by the lava.