Museum and History.
by kiwi
Rotorua Museum of Art and History, Te Whare Taonga O Te Arawa.
Built at the beginning of the 20th Century, this building was originally the Bath House. New Zealand's history is very young, but this is one of the earlier gems. Of course the influence of the British settlers is apparent, this building is an architectural icon of New Zealand.
The museum exhibits the history of the people of the Te Arawa tribe, orginating in their ancient homeland of Hawaiki.
There is also exhibits on the maori involvement in WWII and of the history of Mount Tarawera and it's eruption which counts as the countries worst ever natural disaster. The museum is situated in Government Gardens and is surrounded by lake shores, bush walks and geothermal fields.
tel: 07 349 4350
www.rotoruamuseum.co.nz
Open daily except Christmas Day:
0900 - 1700 hrs (winter)
0900 - 1800 hrs (summer)
Long Drive through the countryside
by b1bob
We passed by hills more remote and even more populated by sheep. Someone brought along a cassette, but all the songs were American by the likes of Jimmy Buffet, whose songs with a tropical theme such as "Margaritaville" and "Cheeseburger in Paradise" were somewhat out of place in this winter's climate influenced by the Antarctic. It is true that when I go overseas for a long time, I miss music from Don Williams and other singers from Nashville. In general, I believe that listening to American music on a visit of just two weeks is a sin equal to visiting a McDonald's in Tahiti.
Hells Gate Rotorua's most active goethermal field
by Lozza_9
At Helll's gate you will walk past steaming fumeroles and pools of boiling mud so violent they are unnerving. No need to heed the warning signs, you'll want to hug the path.
The walk through Hells gate takes about 1 hour.
Cost: Adult $16 Child $8 ( under 16) Family $40
There's also med pools available. I would recommend them
$50 Adult $20 Child $120 Family
Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Reserve
by david1982
Another one of the geothermal areas in the Rotorua vicinity. THis is larger and more touristy than Hells Gate, so be prepared for crowds, especially around the geyser.
Champagne pools, Sulphur Lakes, all very interesting and gives you an insight into the Rotorua area.
Buried Village of Te Wairoa
by ATXtraveler
One of the most historical things you can do when you go to Rotorua is to visit the Buried Village. Rotorua used to be the starting point for visitors to come when they were on their way to see the 8th Wonder of the World, the Pink and White Terraces in which steaming hot water slowly made its way down the mountain into pools at the bottom.
A great volcanic explosion buried these terraces as well as the village of Te Wairoa, which ended for the most part most of the tourism to this region. The historians of the area began digging out this village and have turned it into a historical place to come and learn about that tragedy.
Geysers starting their activity
Geothermal activity is Rotorua's main asset.
Mud Volcano
Joining the show
