Something stinks here!
by batgirl1001
Everywhere you go around Rotorua, you will notice a distinctively funky smell. Its the smell of sulphur as Rotorua is known as the Geothermal Capital of NZ.
Honestly I don't know why people complain about the smell of durians. The durian smell is strong but it is sweet.
Rotorua smells like rotten eggs happily rotting in the sun. When we asked the locals, they were already used to the smell and thus see nothing to fuss about.
We on the other hand never quite smell a town like Rotorua. In some parts the smell was quite strong and pervasive and in others, quite faint.
The smells seem to be strongest in the morning and quite near the lake. We also saw (in winter) a lot of escaping gases from the drains around the streets in Rotorua reminding us about this geothermal town.
Again the smell is strongest in summer and many locals who can't take the heat (not the smell) retreat somewhere cooler to escape.
The Blue Baths
by kiwigal_1
The Blue Baths are recently restored thermal pools. They were built in the 1930's in the Spanish architectural style but fell into disrepair and was closed until it was restored. The building is now protected by the New Zealand Historic Places trust. There are tearooms inside that are also a sight to behold.
Indulge yourself at the Polynesian Spa
by allikat
When in Rotorua, you really must experience bathing in a natural hot spring, and the Polynesian Spa (which, incidentally, has been voted as one of the top 10 spas in the world!) is a great place to do just that.
They have arranged things so that if you want to be thoroughly pampered and spoilt, choose the Lake Spa Retreat, which is for adults only and offers a landscaped lakeside garden with hot pools as well as a therapy area, relaxation lounge and a bar. Sumptious fluffy robes provided!
Then you have the Priests Spa area, also adults only, and refurbished in October 2004. Again, the rock pools are overlooking Lake Rotorua, and there is also a large hot mineral swimming pool.
Got kiddies? No worries, mums and dads have their own hot pools near to the children and toddlers freshwater pools.
The Polynesian Spa also has a great gift shop (go on, you know you want a Rotorua Mud Mask!) and a good cafe. The spa makes a great way to end a day taking in the sights of Rotorua, and is open until 10pm.
PARADISE VALLEY SPRINGS
by kiwigal_1
Paradise Valley is one of two places to see the Rainbow Trout that the Rotorua and Taupo areas are famous for (amongst other things!). There is also a Lion Pride that has a feeding time at 2.30pm daily. The Valley is a nice place to walk around leisurely looking at the fish and other animals. I recommend buying the little pellets at the reception desk before you head off if you do want to feed the animals.
LAKE ROTORUA
by I-Believe-I-Can-Fly
The only thing that we overlook while visiting Rotorua is its lake. Lake Rotorua is pretty with dark color water. It is a large volcanic lake. Mokoia island which lies at the center of the lake can be seen from the shore. And Rotorua itself lies on the shore of Lake Rotorua.
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Freefall Xtreme
Rotorua from the top of the Gondolas
Devil's Hole
Night Scene of Tourism Rotorua Building
