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    Crazy Kiwi Experience in Rotorua

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    Rotorua is a relatively small town (around 60,000 inhabitants) in the North Island of New Zealand and it is famous for its geothermal activity. It is also the centre of Maori language and culture in New Zealand and you will see many Maoris around. Also, like Queenstown in the South Island, Rotorua offers many action-packed activities.

    It is perfectly possible to spend several days in Rotorua without getting bored for a single second, especially if you like extreme sports.

    First of all, you should start your visit with the Agrodome Theme Park where you will be able to witness sheep shearing and learn all about these cute but stupid creatures. Adrenaline-junkies will love Zorbing (rolling down a hill in an inflated rubber ball), Swooping and Bungee-Jumping.

    After this, when you are high with adrenaline buzzes, you could go to Rotorua Museum where you will learn about Maori Culture and Handicrafts. The exhibits are astounding and definitely worth seeing to witness the skills of Maori craftsmen. You can also visit a Marae (Maori house of visitors) where Maori women will explain you all about the Maoris still living in New Zealand while showing you their sewing skills.

    The main thermal areas of Rotorua are Whakarewarewa, Wai-O-Tapu, Waimangu and Hell’s Gate. However, these areas are paying sites and if you want to see the geothermal wonders of the region, head towards Taupo where you can visit Wairakei geothermal area for free.

    When the adrenaline high starts to dissipate, you could get another rush with jetboat rides, white-water rafting and skydiving in the area. Or if you want a more quiet way of ending your stay in the town, you can have a ride on the Skyline gondola to have views on the city.

    Rotorua is as much fun for kids as it is for adults. Do not miss it! ${QuickSuggestions} - www.rotoruanz.com is a great site with all the information you need about Rotorua. It contains the list of activities, and you can even book some of them on it.

    - The Rotorua Information and Travel office in Fenton Street is helpful and can arrange packaged activities for you including transportation. You will find plenty of folders to bring back home as a souvenir of your adrenaline-packed activities.

    - If you intend to zorb in the Agrodome (see my review), bring dry clothes with you and a towel especially if you do the 'Hydro Zorb'. You will save 2 NZ dollars.

    - Rotorua, like any New Zealand city providing outdoor activities, has many shops where you can buy great outdoor gear. If you have trouble finding good stuff for hiking/trekking (or just sportswear) in your home country, buy it while you are in New Zealand. Prices are decent even though it is not as cheap as you would expect it to be.

    - While in New Zealand, you should not be vegetarian. Meat is incredibly tasty (if you have been to Argentina before, you will know what I am talking about), and meat pies are delicious and a cheap way to feed yourself. Since there are 80 million sheep in the country, you will have ample opportunity to taste lamb meat. In my opinion, the best meat is found in New Zealand (and Argentina).

    - If you intend to do only one bungee-jump while in New Zealand, I would recommend you to go to Queenstown instead as you can choose between one to three jumps in better surroundings. (In 2002, I paid 249 NZD for 3 jumps in Queenstown, one of them being 134m high.)

    - You do not greet Maoris with a handshake or a hug, but with noses touching each other three times (if I remember well). ${BestWay} Rotorua is about two hours from Auckland and one hour from Taupo and it is very easy to go there from both cities (by car, bus, train, or plane). There is a domestic airport close to the city centre with flights incoming from Auckland and Wellington among other New-Zealand cities. However, it is still best to use a coach or a train as this is cheaper.

    The best way to get around in Rotorua is by bus (or shuttle bus) to visit its main attractions and by walk to go from your hotel to shops and restaurants. There are many shuttles from the Tourist Office to the main attractions in the area.

    When you arrive in Rotorua, the first thing you should do is enquire at the Rotorua Information and Travel office in Fenton Street (city centre) about the various possibilities of transportation coupled with activities. It will cost you less money and some shuttles are free if you book a visit/activity before.
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