Rotorua And Taupo Area
Rotorua has always been a significant part of New Zealand. It was at the heart of the early tourism era for the country. It earned worldwide renown in the late 19th century when it became known as a spa destination. It has continued to capitalise on the geothermal activity ever since then. The geysers found at Whakawerawera have been a draw for a long time now, but more activities were added in the 1970s. That was when the Rainbow and Fairy Springs, the Argodome, and the Skyline Gondola and Luge were added. Further additions were made in the 2000s when the Zorb balling and whitewater rafting activities were added.
Mountain biking is a major attraction in Rotorua. There are a number of forest trails that can easily be accessed from the city itself. There’s a clear influence of the Te Arawa tribe in the tourism industry as the Te Puia Maori Arts and Crafts Institute becoming a major attraction by itself. Rotorua is home to some 56,000 people who enjoy having access to hundreds of schools and a dedicated hospital. Advanced secondary and tertiary education is provided by the Waiariki Institute of Technology.
Taupo is on the north-eastern shores of the largest lake in New Zealand, which is also where the name for the city comes from. It remains a perennial summertime destination and is the largest town near Mt Ruapehu ski fields and Tongariro Crossing. Take a short trip out of town, and you’ll be at the spectacular Huka Falls.