About Rotorua & Taupō
Rotorua sits on a volcanic plateau where the earth quite literally breathes. Steam rises through city streets, hot pools bubble in suburban parks, and geysers erupt in vibrant geothermal valleys.
It is also the cultural heartland of the Māori people. Few places in the world offer such an intimate window into living indigenous culture — from marae visits to traditional hāngī feasts cooked in the earth.
What to See
Highlights
Te Puia & Pōhutu Geyser
Watch the Southern Hemisphere's largest active geyser erupt up to 30 metres into the air.
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
Champagne Pool, Devil's Bath and Lady Knox Geyser — a riot of geothermal colour.
Tamaki Māori Village
Authentic evening experience with welcome ceremony, cultural performance and traditional hāngī.
Lake Taupō
New Zealand's largest lake (the caldera of a super-volcano) — Huka Falls, fishing, sailing and the Tongariro Crossing nearby.
For Your Group
Signature Experiences
- Traditional Māori cultural evening with hāngī dinner
- Polynesian Spa thermal bathing on the lake edge
- Whakarewarewa living Māori village tour
- Huka Falls jet boat ride
- Mountain biking the Whakarewarewa Forest
When to Visit
Year-round destination — geothermal attractions are spectacular in any season; summer (December–March) is warmest.
Plan a Tour to Rotorua & TaupōKeep Exploring
Other Regions in New Zealand
Bay of Islands
144 subtropical islands at the birthplace of modern New Zealand
Queenstown & Wānaka
The adventure capital of the world
Mount Cook & Fiordland
Snow-capped peaks, glacial lakes and the eighth wonder of the world
West Coast
Wild coastline, ancient rainforest and twin glaciers
Canterbury & Kaikōura
Garden city, French village and the world's best whale-watching coast