Rotorua has countless activities to entertain children on holiday. Several wildlife sanctuaries operate in the vicinity and many of them work closely with the native kiwi bird in hatch-and-release programmes. Boating and fishing on Lake Taupo are relaxing ways for parents and their children to enjoy a few hours together, and travel agents can arrange equipment and transport for many of these activities

Lady Knox Geyser
Located in Waiotapu thermal area (arguably the best such region in Rotorua), Lady Geyser consistently thrills children every day with its regular 10:15 eruption. In the geothermal realm, this sort of regularity is difficult to come by. Park officials pour soap powder down the geyser’s gullet daily; the alkaline soap dissolves the water’s surface tension, leading to a rapid boil and build-up of pressure. The result is an easily-predicted burst of steam every morning. Waiotapu also holds several boiling mud pots, silica terraces and green-coloured ponds. A walking tract heads to the lake (1 hour, 30 minutes) where buses shuttle passengers back to the park’s entrance. Phone: +64 7 366 6333; website: www.geyserland.co.nz.

Lake Taupo
The family-oriented resort here is built on the shores of New Zealand’s largest lake, and there is ample accommodation and plenty of activities to keep children and parents occupied. The rivers that feed the lake are teeming with large trout and so fishermen come in droves to fish where the streams converge on the lake. While local legislation prevents restaurants from serving local trout, it’s not unheard of for local establishments to prepare diner’s own fish. Children are delighted with the opportunity to eat dinner featuring their very own fresh catch. Kayaking and adventure sports are also on the agenda here. Phone: +64 7 376 0027; website: www.laketauponz.com.

Paradise Valley Springs Wildlife Sanctuary
While there are several wildlife parks and animal sanctuaries in the Rotorua area, Paradise Valley Springs caters best for young visitors. Trout feeding is a popular activity with children, but there are numerous other animals onsite too. In addition to indigenous birds, you’ll find domesticated livestock, enormous eels, deer and wallabies—many of which can be hand-fed under safe conditions. The wildlife sanctuary is also home to a pride of lions, and children can safely pet and cuddle a lion cub here. Also of interest is the elevated canopy walk that gives visitors a heightened perspective on life in forest. Phone: +64 7 348 9667; website: www.paradisev.co.nz.

Above all, a visit to Rotorua brings visitors into close contact with the indigenous Maori culture. There are countless ways to learn more about Maori traditions and even take part in ceremonies like the powhiri (welcoming ceremony) or a traditional hangi (Maori barbecue). The Rotorua Museum is filled with relics relating to the region before the eruption of Mount Tarawera. Meanwhile, St Faiths stands on the lakefront and assimilates the traditions of distant Europe and the local Maori in an evocative way.

Maori Art and Crafts Institute
Located in the midst of a Maori community that sprang up after the devastating eruption of Mount Tarawera, this cultural institute specialises in Maori craftsmanship. Watch indigenous artisans at work, weaving flax and carving intricate designs in wood and bone. Onsite you'll also find some nice silica terraces and a kiwi habitat. Above the archway to the institute is a carved depiction of Tutanekai and Hinemoa (two tribal leaders who eventually formed an alliance) making peace with one another. Phone: +64 7 348 9047; www.nzmaori.co.nz.

Rotorua Museum of Art and History
Built as a spa and later converted into a regional museum, this institute specialises in local history, Maori culture and archaeology. A collection of period spa equipment introduces visitors to the (seemingly barbaric) implements used in the old-world spa culture, including a bath that delivers an electrical shock to its patrons. A short film in the museum outlines Rotorua's volcanic history, and there are a number of interesting exhibits related to the 19th century eruption of Tarawera including several artefacts unearthed from the villages buried in the aftermath. Phone: +64 7 349 4350; website: www.rotoruamuseum.co.nz.

St Faith's
This Anglican church was constructed in Tudor style and finished in 1910. It is the focal point of Ohinemutu village and seamlessly blends Maori and European cultures. The inside of St Faith's is lavishly decorated with carvings, mother of pearl insets, painted scrolls and woven tapestries. Most notable is the etched window which shows Jesus dressed in a Maori garment known as a korowai. In this rendition he is walking, not on the waters of Lake Galilee, but over Lake Rotorua. A cemetery on the premises holds several notable community leaders.

Tamaki Maori Village
While the Tamaki Village is only a replica of a Maori settlement, it does provide an enthralling and educational experience for tourists. The village aims to recreate an authentic version of what Rotorua looked like before the first European explorers initiated contact and trade with the Maori. A visit to Tamaki includes a traditional hangi (barbeque), in which seafood, meats and vegetables are steamed over heated vents. Periodic workshops related to Maori arts and crafts are also hosted here, and guests who choose to stay overnight can listen to storytellers relating Maori creation myths. Phone: +64 7 346 2823.

Tamatekapua
An important landmark for the Maori, this meeting house sits adjacent to St Faith's in the Maori settlement of Ohinemutu along the lakefront. Tamatekapua is especially significant with the Arawa tribe, and the house's name honours the Arawa captain who led initial Polynesian migrations to New Zealand. The meeting house took 12 years to finish, and if you look at the centre post in the house you'll see a series of carved stacked figures (much like a totem). At the bottom of this post you'll see Ngatoroirangi, who is credited with bringing fire and geothermal activity to Rotorua.

Te Wairoa
'The Buried Village,' as it translates, was once central to local, 19th century tourism. Groups of tourists were ushered from here to Lake Tarawera where they could view the Pink and White Terraces. In 1886 (eleven days after a Maori chieftain delivered an ominous prophecy) Mount Tarawera exploded, buried the village in ash and mud, and killed 153 people. Excavations have revealed many of the old huts and dwellings, and an onsite museum contains a number of unearthed artefacts and old photographs taken before the eruption. Phone: +64 7 362 8287.

Whakarewarewa Thermal Village and Reserve
An excellent place to learn about Maori culture, this village is open to tours and hosts several activities and educational workshops. The village has harnessed local geo-thermal power, and visitors have access to thermal pools and mineral baths. Don't miss the traditional cooking demonstration where steam pouring from thermal vents is used to prepare meats and seafood. Treks and horseback excursions into the surrounding forests are also offered. Phone: +64 7 349 3463; website: www.whakarewarewa.com.

As an important cultural centre for the indigenous Maori people, Rotorua has a wealth of shopping outlets featuring Maori handicrafts and artwork. In many cases, it is possible to watch artisans at work, crafting jewellery, carving ornaments of wood and bone and weaving flax.

Shoppers will find a variety of items for sale, including traditional clothing hand-woven from flax, hand-carved wooden items depicting iconic animals like the kiwi, and greenstone jewellery. The latter is a variety of jade mined exclusively from the South Island. The raw stone is buffed and carved into a variety of items. Seeing the artisans at work can make the purchase even more meaningful.

The New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute is a good place to take in this craftsmanship. Located on Hemo road, the institute opened in 1963 to help the Maori capitalise on their cultural identity. Onsite artisans deal in all of the mainstream traditional crafts, and buying directly from the source can be rewarding.

The Jade Factory on Fenton street is another good place to purchase local jewellery. Meanwhile, glassware is produced at De Flute Glass Studio. Watching glassblowers at work is a fascinating experience not to be missed.

Sheepskins and woollens are also popular New Zealand products. Everything from rugs to chunky sweaters are available. The Agrodome is a good place to purchase products from the sheep industry, and visitors also have the opportunity to see how these products are produced.

There are several restaurants situated in Rotorua city centre, with menus to suit every budget. The city’s most noteworthy restaurant sits at high altitude at the terminus of the Skyline gondola ride. The Terraces Café operates a buffet and an à la carte menu all day long. Seafood, mutton, smoked salmon and venison are all available, and an onsite tank of mussels ensures patrons receive the freshest mussels possible.

This is the best place in New Zealand to experience the traditional Maori banquet known as a hangi. Festivities begin with an elaborate powhiri (welcoming ceremony), which is followed by a traditional Maori performance featuring dancing and singing. Meanwhile, meats, seafood and vegetables are slow-cooked in an earthen barbecue. After the food has been thoroughly steamed, attention passes from the concert to the meal. For more information about how to sign up for a hangi, enquire with your hotel or a local travel agent.

A number of restaurants are located on or near Fenton street. Many of these restaurants are casual, laid-back establishments offering moderately-priced fare. An Italian restaurant called Ciccio makes cakes in-house, and this establishment is wildly popular with locals. Chinese and Thai restaurants are also available. For fine dining, head to Bistro 1284 or Herbs Restaurant.

A number of restaurants are operated in conjunction with the area’s nicer hotels. Many of these cosy establishments are well-located in key tourist areas. Oftentimes, restaurants in these hotels capitalise on their lakefront locations and patrons can enjoy nice views while they dine. The best view of Rotorua is found at Terrace Café at the far end of the Skyline gondola.

Rotorua’s volcanic landscape is a fascinating place to explore. Whether cycling, jogging or bushwalking, you’ll find plenty of landmarks and quirky geothermal features to discover. The region is also a fisherman’s mecca, and the numerous lakes and streams are well-stocked with several varieties of trout. Other water-based sports like white-water rafting and kayaking are equally popular. Of course, a trip to New Zealand would be incomplete without a myriad of bazaar adventure sports. Whether zorbing, sledging, or hurling yourself from any number of high vantage points, you’ll be well catered-for in Rotorua.

Adventure Sports
New Zealand has a firm repetition with thrill-seekers. No matter where you travel, you’re sure to find adrenaline junkies leaping from helicopters, careening down rapids and otherwise pushing the limits of their sanity. Tour agencies in Rotorua can set you up on a number of adventure sports including white-water sledging (rafting with little more than a life vest, an extra-buoyant boogie board and a helmet; zorbing (rolling downhill in an inflatable ball); and the Rotorua swoop (an exhilarating freefall adventure). Body flying, in which patrons are lifted 10 feet off the ground in a wind tunnel, is a less terrifying way to get airborne. Many of these activities can be arranged at the Agrodome.

Fishing
Rotorua Lake is well-stocked with a variety of trout species, and there are some large specimens hidden away here for lucky anglers. Visitors are required to purchase a one-day fishing license before casting a line, though you don't have to travel to a government office to pick this up. In most cases, it can be purchased aboard chartered fishing vessels. Boats can be hired for a minimum of two hours, and it's a good idea to seek out a seasoned crew who know the best places to fish. Fly-fishing is possible in many of the area's streams and rivers. Equipment hire is widely available and information on lake conditions can be found at the Visitor Information Centre.

Kayaking
Kayaking, white-water rafting and canoeing are all offered on the local rivers and there are many sets of exhilarating rapids to satisfy the most avid adventure-seekers. Fearless rafters can brave the 21-foot drop over Okere falls along the Kaituna river. Meanwhile, Rangitaiki river boasts spectacular scenery and calmer conditions that are better for beginners or leisure rafters. In either case, numerous outfitters throughout Rotorua can set you up with all the equipment and instruction that you'll need to get started. Tour operators offer a few additional rafting-style sports like jet-boating and sledging.