Rotorua travel guide (source taken from Expedia’s YouTube channel)

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Rotorua is an ancient place, 50 miles from the Bay of Plenty, on New Zealand’s North Island. The region sits on a massive volcanic fault line, and seismic forces have forged a spectacular landscape, right on the doorstep of this charming city,

Today those same forces continue to provide dramatic displays of the earth’s power, making it a magnet for thrill seekers and nature lovers from all over the world. Rotorua is one of earth’s most ancient adventure playgrounds. A playground, in which high-adrenaline adventures take place amongst volcanic mountains and rivers. Where the hot mud bubbles, and steam rises from cracks in the earth. And where the Aotearoa people co-exist with the landscape, as they have for more than 600 years.

Just a 5-minute walk from the center of town, is Whakarewarewa, a living village that has around 500 hot pools and active geysers.

At the Te Puia Cultural Center, learn more about Maori traditions, such as carving and tattooing, or taste buttery sweet corn, pulled straight from the hot mineral pool.

To experience the dramatic chapter in the region’s history, visit Te Wairoa, the Buried Village, just a short drive out of town. In 1886, Mount Tarawera erupted, engulfing several villages, and entombing more than 150 people. Today many of those houses and buildings have been excavated, and the surviving artifacts stand as a humbling reminder, of the power of nature and a fascinating window into the past.

Just south of Te Wairoa, is the Waimangu Volcanic Valley. Head to one of the lookouts, and see the breathtaking landscape created at a devastating eruption.

But from that devastation came new life, fed by the pure, primordial waters, of springs like those at Hamurama, the deepest in the North Island. Although this crystal-clear spring looks peaceful, at its source it releases an astonishing 100 million gallons, every hour. Follow the spring, as it turns into a stream, and flows through a redwood forest, before joining Lake Rotorua.

But to really feel the awesome power of nature, jump into it. Shoot the great fire of rapids through the spectacular gorges of the Kaituna River. Or take a ride on a high-speed jet boat for high-octane thrills.

For a change of pace, take a duck tour, rent a motor boat, or enjoy a quiet paddle, on Lake Rotoiti.

Visit Rainbow Springs to learn about one of the country’s most successful kiwi conservation centers.

Or enjoy one of the hugely popular farm shows, at the Agrodome.

Back in town, take a gondola ride up to Mount Ngongotaha, for views out over the lake.

But for the very best views of all, take a helicopter ride over this geothermal wonderland.

At the end of the day spent exploring nature’s playground, soothe your weary limbs and rejuvenate the spirit, in Rotorua’s healing waters. Waters that have traveled from deep within the earth, to meet travelers from all over the world, for centuries.