Rotorua – This New Zealand city is positioned amid some of the most stunning and volatile landscapes on earth and has become …

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 the earth’s most ancient adventure playgrounds. A playground, in which high adrenaline adventures take place amongst volcanic mountains and rivers. Where hot mud bubbles, and steam rises from cracks in the earth.

And where the Te Arawa people co-exist with the landscape, as they have for more than 600 years. Just a five-minute walk from the centre of town is Whakarewarewa a living village that has around 500 hot pools and active geysers. At the Te Puia Cultural Centre,

Learn more about Maori traditions such as carving and tattooing, or taste buttery sweetcorn pulled straight from the hot mineral pool. To experience a dramatic chapter in the region’s history, visit Te Wairoa, the Buried Village, just a short drive out of town. In 1886 Mt Tarawera erupted,

Engulfing several villages and entombing more than 150 people. Today many of those houses and buildings have been excavated and the surviving artefacts 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 to see the breathtaking landscape created by that devastating eruption. But from that devastation came new life, fed by the pure, primordial waters of springs like those at Hamurana, the deepest on the North Island. Although this crystal clear stream looks peaceful,

At its source it releases an astonishing 1,000,000 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 grade 5 rapids though the spectacular gorges of 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 centres or

Enjoy one of the hugely popular farm shows at the Agrodome. Back in town, take a gondola ride up 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 a day spent exploring nature’s playground,

Soothe your weary limbs and rejuvenate the spirit in Rotorua’s healing waters. Waters that have travelled from deep within the earth, to meet travellers from all over the world, for centuries.

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