Walking around Rotorua’s parks is like stepping back into a land before time. This wonderful area provides the foundations of the New Zealand Maori myths and when you visit you will see why.

The town of Rotorua has a beautiful position on the shores of Lake Rotorua, but the reason this place is so popular is because of what is underground. Rotorua is built on the Taupo volcanic zone and lies in a geothermal hot spot. The result of this are extremely magical and very interesting; walk around some of the parks and you will see steam rising from the ground, with eruptions of mud and hot water as well as colourful displays of natural chemicals and minerals. The odor of Sulphur in the air is, it has to be said, a little less magical but you take the rough with the smooth.

Rotorua is an extremely pretty place and there are a vast number of activities here, I really enjoyed visiting and found it quite calm and relaxing although I didn’t attempt many of the extreme activities on offer.

This land before time is located in the North Island about 3 hours from Auckland so it can be done in a day trip but I would recommend staying at least one night. There are bus services from Auckland and inside the town there are bus and taxi services. Rotorua also has a small airport with flight to a few locations around New Zealand, including Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch

The huge range of activities here means that you have no reason to ever get bored and the extreme activities are tightly controlled and safe. There are lots of lakes around the area and many sedate past times such as fishing and natural spas are on offer. The town’s people are friendly and welcoming and have a tradition of looking after their guests, this is reflected in the hospitable way you are treated wherever you go. Rotorua is a New Zealand wonderland and a great place to visit.