Top Things to See
Rotorua is a thriving centre for tourists, and there is an endless array of historic sites, nature reserves and theme parks to visit. The most popular attractions centre on the region's geothermal activity. In fact, no matter where you travel in Rotorua, the smell of sulphur is a constant reminder of what's going on underground. The Agrodome is a major draw card, and visitors here have fun learning about New Zealand's thriving sheep industry.
 Agrodome
For visitors, it's often unclear whether the Agrodome is a theme park or just a farm with lots of visitors. In any event, it's a lot of fun. Tourists flock here to taken in sheep-shearing, bottle-feed adorable lambs, and watch sheep dogs perform stunts that far exceed the average border collie's barnyard repertoire. Daily performances show off champion rams, and the gift shop sells a dizzying array of woollen and sheepskin goods. If all the bleating and barking is getting to you, consider engaging in the Agrodome's peripheral attractions like bungee-jumping or zorbing. The latter places tourists into large, plastic balls before sending them rolling downhill. Phone: +64 7 357 1050; website: www.agrodome.co.nz.
Blue Baths
The Blue Baths opened in the 1930s during New Zealand's campaign to become the British Empire's pre-eminent spa centre. When it opened, this was the only place that both genders could swim together in public pools. The building itself, an excellent specimen of Spanish mission-style architecture, has been carefully restored and now holds a mix of heated pools and formal tearooms and banquet halls. An onsite museum has a wealth of information regarding the history of the Blue Baths. Phone: +64 7 350 2119; website: www.bluebaths.co.nz.
 Government Gardens
The Maori word for this area translates as 'evil-smelling place,' an apt description given the haze of hydrogen sulphide that hisses from the hissing geothermal pits and sulphur springs. Undaunted by the smell, the city government has converted this land into a series of marvellous gardens, rose beds and croquet greens framing the front of the Museum of Art and History. The gardens are at their best in November when the roses are in full bloom.
 Hell's Gate
This is an extremely active thermal reserve - the best of its kind in Rotorua. A myriad of perpetual volcanic activity is the attraction for tourists, who come to see steaming cauldrons, a boiling whirlpool, and sulphuric mists. Kakahi Falls is the southern hemisphere's tallest heated waterfall, and the ancient Maori believed that the natural sulphur bath had healing, anti-septic properties. In fact, legend states that Maori warriors would cleanse their wounds here after battle. Onsite is the Wai Ora Spa which offers traditional Maori treatments and massage. Phone: +64 7 345 3151; website: www.hellsgaterotorua.co.nz.
 Kuirau Park
A collection of boiling mud cauldrons, erupting geysers and hissing steam vents, Kuirau Park was transformed from swampland to parkland in the 1930s. The park is situated along the Rotorua Walkway, adjacent to the city centre, and as the terrain here is somewhat unstable, visitors are urged to stick to the walking paths. There are a number of pleasant picnic areas and a safe children's play area along with a warm lake, fresh-scented gardens and a thermal pool where visitors can soak their tired feet.
 Okere Falls
Northeast of Lake Rotorua, Okere falls is located along Trout Pool road (off Highway 33) where the Kaituna river spills into Lake Rotoiti. This is a nice place to indulge in some easy bushwalking, as the trail meanders through a series of lookout points before arriving at the spectacular waterfall. At the base of the falls is a beautiful (though turbulent) pool.
 Rainbow Springs Nature Park
Located on Fairy Springs road, this nature conservatory has been working to preserve New Zealand's wildlife for 75 years. The facility's foremost attraction is the brown, rainbow and tiger trout that teem in the fern-framed pools. Also on display is the peculiar tuatara lizard, so primitive that it's said to be a living dinosaur. Perhaps the park's greatest contribution to conservation efforts, kiwi eggs are brought in from the wild, incubated, cared for and then re-released—a programme that greatly increases this delicate species' chance of survival. Phone: +64 7 350 0440; website: www.rainbowsprings.co.nz.
 Whakarewarewa Forest
Locally known as The Redwoods, this forest reserve is conveniently located within a five-minute drive of Rotorua city centre. A collection of exotic trees from all around the world were brought in at the turn of the 20th century, and of all those planted, the California redwoods have fared the best. There are several walking trails through the forest that explore various tracts of trees. The Waitawa Walk hosts the greatest variety of species while the Pohaturoa Track affords the best panoramic views of Rotorua and the lake. The Redwood Walk is a short, easy trail that brings visitors into stands of these towering imports.
Top Things to Do
 Dine in the tearooms. Dating to the 1930s, the tearooms at the Blue Baths facility offer an elegant dining experience. From your dinner table, you'll enjoy an excellent view of the Government Gardens. Of course, you'll also have the chance to swim in the vintage heated pools.
 Experience a hangi. The traditional Maori feast is an outstanding cultural experience that should not be missed. In addition to sampling meats and vegetables prepared in earthen steamers, you'll also experience elements of Maori culture including the powhiri and an elaborate performance.
 Explore the volcanic terrain. First and foremost, Rotorua is characterised by its geothermal features. Thermal vents, predictable geysers and boiling mud pots are located throughout the area. While the Volcanic Caldera Area is the most popular place to begin, there are many more interesting sites across the countryside.
 Get your adrenaline pumping. New Zealand has a reputation as the thrill-seekers capital of the world. Zorbing at the Agrodome is one of the most outlandish ways to push your limits. Participants climb inside an inflated sphere, and a bucket of water is dumped inside before the ball is sent rolling downhill.
 Have a picnic at Okere falls. Popular with white-water rafters, Okere falls area is also a nice place to just take an hour and enjoy the view. After a picnic lunch, intrepid visitors may wish to explore the surrounding small caves which hold colonies of glow-worms.
 Take up fly fishing. Rotorua is well-known for its lakes—all of which are well-stocked with several varieties of trout. However, the tributaries of these lakes also hold thriving trout populations, and local outfitters can set you up with all the tackle you'll need.
 Ride the gondola. Skyline Skyrides ascends Rotorua's Mount Ngongotaha, where a number of adventure sports are made available. The Terrace Café also operates at the end of the line, and the view from here is unparalleled. Tour operators couple gondola rides with downhill mountain biking excursions.
| 
