Rotorua: Hot Springs, Mud Baths and Natural Beauty
Rotorua is a city in the Bay of Plenty Region in New Zealand. It’s known as the heart of North Island and it attracts thousands of local and international tourists alike. The city is popular for its scenic view and natural beauty. There are gorgeous lakes and lush forests that would give you that relaxing feel. It’s also famous for its geothermal activities. Although the smell of sulfur may not be that good, it’s still worth visiting its numerous hot springs and geysers. It’s also rich in history and archeological sites that can bring you back to the past. If planning to visit the city, here are some of the things that you shouldn’t miss.
Enjoy Nature at Whirinaki Forest Park
Rotorua is blessed with natural beauty and one of the proofs is the Whirinaki Forest Park. You’ll feel close to nature with its lush green trees and plants, and the clean river. Take the trail and experience its amazing environment. It’s possible to walk the trail for just a day or for several days if you want to make the most out of this adventure. You can also go mountain biking, hiking and camping.
Take the Tarawera Trail
Outdoor enthusiasts would have a fantastic time in the city. Another trail that you can take on your trip is the Tarawera Trail. You’ll be amazed with the gorgeousness that surrounds you. The lush forest in one side and the majestic lake on the other side as you walk the trail on the shoreline. There are camping grounds where you can set up your camp if you decide to complete the trail. Waiting for you at the end of the journey is the Te Rata Bay or Hot Water Beach where you can relax your tired feet in the warm water.
Spot Indigenous Bird at Mokoia Island
Hop in a guided tour and explore the magical Mokoia Island. Get a chance to spot some indigenous birds that call this island their home. This is also a great way for you to get to know more about the history, culture and tradition of the Maori people. You will also be thought on how the natural resources like the flora are used for cooking and medicinal purposes.
Check Out Hobbiton
If you love the Lord of the Rings trilogy and Hobbit movies, you will be thrilled to visit the Hobbiton. It’s located in Matamata, which is a small town where the said movies were filmed. The owners preserved the place as it is after filming. They now serve guided tours to the fanatics. It’s an extra ordinary experience as you would see the exact location where the movies were shoot with your own two eyes.
Visit the Waitomo Glowworm Caves
This is another popular tourist attraction in Rotorua. The glowworms make the walls and ceiling of the caves sparkle like magic. There are also unique formations of stalactites, stalagmites and limestones. Some of the caves can be accessed by foot, while others can be explored by boats. There are boat tours every half an hour that would let you check out the other caves closer.
See the Hells Gate Geothermal Park
Since the city is known for its geothermal activity, your trip wouldn’t be complete without witnessing this. Hells Gate Geothermal Park is one of the popular spots hot waterfall and muds that can reach up to 100˚C. It’s quite a sight although it wouldn’t possible to dip in as it’s extremely hot. However, the Hells Gate spa facilities nearby would let you soak in mud baths and hot springs with bearable heat.
Are you interested in visiting Rotorua? Which do you feel is the most interesting thing to do on your trip? Type your comments in the box below.
Photo Attribution:
Featured and 1st image by Frederik Vanrenterghem (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
2nd image by Pseudopanax at en.wikipedia (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
3rd image by http://www.businesscompass.co.nz [CC BY-SA 3.0 nz (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/nz/deed.en)], via Wikimedia Commons
