Rotorua Tours: Top 5 Sightseeing & Cruise Picks for You

Thinking of checking out Rotorua, right? You are, too, I suppose. This town is basically like the geothermal hotspot of New Zealand, famous because it is, you know, for geysers that shoot high up, hot springs that bubble, and, of course, that distinctive sulfur smell that, in a way, kind of lets you know you’ve arrived. You’ll discover places where Māori culture comes alive and landscapes that look almost otherworldly. So, if you’re planning a visit, here is a look at five experiences to remember.

1. Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland: A Geothermal Spectacle

You have Wai-O-Tapu; is that what you are thinking? This spot gets called a “wonderland” and with good reason too, because it’s packed with geothermal stuff that’s quite something. The colors? Vivid. It’s almost like somebody spilled a bunch of paint. That, is it; they used it all in one place! So, the Champagne Pool is probably the most well-known feature. The bubbling mud pools will remind you that Earth’s surface still gets pretty hot just underneath your feet. They do that because it’s actually a geothermal area with various volcanic processes that happen beneath the surface.

Don’t forget to catch the Lady Knox Geyser eruption at 10:15 am, since that tends to be one thing everyone recommends. But that is if you are awake and out of bed early enough. Anyway, because, with a bit of human help, this geyser can shoot water really, really high into the air every day, in a way it marks the day’s first thing that most people see, I suppose. That area lets you get around pretty easily. Paved paths mean you don’t need proper hiking gear to explore. That’s right, the tour usually takes a couple of hours. So you want to make sure you wear comfortable shoes. But it is almost worth the travel, it is truly out of this world.

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2. Polynesian Spa: Relaxing in Geothermal Waters

Feel like a bit of pampering? Right, because you are going to want to think about the Polynesian Spa. Right? You could say this location mixes the idea of relaxing with all that geothermal goodness Rotorua has to offer. People mention it quite often. So, that would lead you to believe that it might be something that would be enjoyable.

The spa gives you a few pools, that’s right; so some are family-friendly, too, you see. Then, they are some that are designed for those who want some peace. This area lets you soak in mineral-rich waters that look over Lake Rotorua. Therefore it almost looks unreal with some of the sunrises and sunsets. Also, the mineral water will very, very probably soothe your muscles, leaving you basically relaxed and rejuvenated; so you are going to probably want to consider spending a few hours there at least.

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3. Mitai Māori Village: An Authentic Cultural Experience

Thinking about something a bit cultural? Good. So, because it is really a trip to Rotorua, you almost need to get a Māori cultural experience; right? So, the Mitai Māori Village could almost give you that and, too it’s almost better. Here you get to see traditional dances, also you get a Hangi feast that has been cooked in the ground, too.

This village lets you in on a look into Māori traditions. Actually, in some respects it seems really hands on, to be honest. Guided tours can also point you to glowworms that just add to the already captivating location. What is great here is that everyone in your family gets to find something cool; from the cultural shows to watching the warriors in traditional dress, to a good meal, the dinner will really bring that experience home.

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4. Rotorua Duck Tours: Sightseeing with a Splash

Looking for something different when it comes to seeing the place? Right? I would recommend checking out Rotorua Duck Tours, if that is something that you want to do. Very, very often people overlook these bus tours and they are just what you might be after if that is what you need.

Basically you’ll be riding in an amphibious vehicle, and so you will be getting views from both on land and water without leaving your seat; so you could potentially see both the sights in the town plus checking out the lakes around Rotorua, too. Arguably, this will be very insightful; if not at least something to sit down and not hike for a while. So you would get to sit and check out spots, like Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake) and Lake Rotorua while also gaining local stories; is that interesting to you?

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5. Skyline Rotorua: Gondola Rides and Views

Right, for sights from up high, almost like a birds-eye look, what is on your mind? Right. A spot that would potentially be a good option would be Skyline Rotorua; right? A gondola brings you high above, therefore you can, too, experience stunning scenes.

There, that location gives you all kinds of adventures that basically anyone will have something to like. They are some Luges – little carts that, in a way, you race down a hill on. It almost doesn’t get more touristy that that. They also have ziplines and mountain biking pathways; if those are for you, too. So, arguably it’s a spot to spend almost half of your day. Grab lunch with sights, too. The panoramic look is worth it.

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