Rotorua

The town of Rotorua at first glance is unimpressive giving off an industrial vibe. It didn’t help that the lakeside view was obstructed by a major renovation. However, a dig below the surface is highly recommended. And literally below the surface are geothermal pools and geysers which emit steam and vapor clouds throughout the town creating an alien landscape.

Kuirau Park, Geyser City

Our lodging was in the city centre and we didn’t have to walk far to access Kuirau Park, a public geothermal park that is continuously bubbling and hissing and erupting. Well designed, wooden walkways connect you to fenced off pools. Steam surrounds you and a somewhat hellish sulphur smell permeates the air.  A cement rectangular hot pool awaited us at the end of our stroll–a perfect respite.

Real Rotorua, Tour Company

The tour company Real Rotorua lived up to its name. We would not have seen a fraction of what Rotorua has to offer without it. With several itineraries to choose from, we opted for the Morning Lakes tour. Steve, our tour guide, took us far afield into the outskirts of Rotorua. Our first stop, the Hamurana Springs Nature Reserve immediately exceeded our expectations. Famous for having the deepest natural water fresh spring in New Zealand, it is formed by underground volcanic activity. Gasp worthy, the crystal clear celadon-green streams with deep emerald grasses and monster-sized trout were truly stunning. Standing on the Te Puna-i-Hangarua’s wooden platform, looking down at  50 feet deep spring water source, the swirling tunnel of midnight blue water percolates and continuously pumps deeply into the earth. Easy walking trails deviate from the stream for a stroll through a redwood forest. I didn’t have the heart to mention to our proud guide that our California redwoods would dwarf the tallest of Hamurana’s, but our tour was more than worth our time. 

Waterfall Rafting, Say What?

Onto Okere Falls. On the way over, Steve mentioned that rafters pay to go over a waterfall, but honestly, it didn’t register because it didn’t make any sense. Starting with a truly luscious river trail up to a waterfall viewing point, a curved stone stairway and bridge overlooks a narrow 22 feet frothy waterfall. Standing on the bridge and staring dreamily at the falls, a yellow raft crowded with 8-10 people appeared perched at the tip-top plunging straight down like a Magic Mountain ride. Most rafters fall off, but a few cling on while the raft plucks up the castoffs. It is the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world.

As mentioned, The Real Rotorua has several itineraries. My daughter Jolie and her husband Johnny highly recommend the Noctoural Glowworm Tour where “Literally thousands of glowworms are lit up like the night sky, forming their own constellations all around you.” Glowworms are a species of gnats that literally glow (produce bioluminescence). 

Takeaway

Rotorua is well worth a two-night stay. Our favorite restaurant was Urbano Bistro on Fenton Street where we dined on sweetbreads dripped in lemon-chile mandarin orange sauce and Urbano Chowder, a coconut lime seafood chowder with ciabatta bread. All utterly delicious and truly a gourmet experience. If we had more time, we would have explored the Moori culture more since Rotorua has a higher percentage of the native population. Geothermal spas and hot mud spas are also a huge draw.

Next stop Napier, Art Deco Time Warp!