Welcome to Rotorua

A playground for adventure and activities, and well renowned as a geothermal wonderland, Rotorua offers amazing attractions and sightseeing right at your doorstep. Also the heartland of Maori culture, a visit to Rotorua is a rich cultural and historical experiences you won't forget.

The district of Rotorua takes its name from the lake that dominates it, Lake Rotorua, a Maori word that means roto: lake and rua: two (The Second Lake). The full name given to the lake was Rotorua-nui-a-kahu (The Second Great Lake of Kahu), it was the second lake discovered by Ihenga who named it after his father-in-law, Kahu-mata-momoe.

Host to some of the world's most incredible earth forces, Rotorua is situated in one of the most active geothermal and volcanic regions in the world and sits astride a major active fault line, which surfaces south of Taupo in the forms of Mt. Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe, and continues through Rotorua and out to sea where it surfaces in the form of White Island.

Rotorua boasts an array of iconic experiences that have become synonymous with the region. Renowned as the heartland of Maori culture; an undeniable spirit, enveloping warmth and a deep sense of history weaves through the many experiences you will encounter during your stay. It is a sensation called manaakitanga, it is a challenge and responsibility that implies guardianship over the land, the treasures, the people and the visitors. The region is rich in culture and heritage, as well as offering the very best in family fun, action and adventure.