Spring in Rotorua
Summer in Rotorua
Autumn in Rotorua
Winter in Rotorua
Feel the spirit which encompasses it all - our cultural diversity, stunning natural environment, awe-inspiring earth forces, sense of adventure, our people, and the spirit of a progressive community. Manaakitanga is a deep-rooted concept in Maori culture. It is a challenge, a responsibility upon us as your host to give you the very best of ourselves. It is also your invitation to experience the essence of this extraordinary slice of New Zealand - by day and by night. With picturesque cobbled streets, beautifully designed gardens and striking Tudor architecture, Rotorua has been voted New Zealand's most beautiful city three times.
Rotorua has a proud tradition of hosting guests from all over the world. We offer an abundance of accommodation options from luxurious hotels and exclusive lodges to friendly motels and backpacker hostels. In between there are holiday parks, bed and breakfast establishments, farm stays and home stays. In Rotorua experience and enjoy the essence of New Zealand, all in one place.
Spring in Rotorua
Forests, lakes and volcanic cones make Rotorua a natural place for hikes. Spring is a good time to get into Rotorua's outdoors.
Rotorua is spiritual home to the Maori of Te Arawa, and is set amidst a myriad of crystal clear crater lakes. Here you will experience nature's awesome earth forces, bubbling mudpools, spouting geysers and hot water beaches. At the end of a spring day, why not wind down and enjoy a well-deserved soak in natural geothermal mineral pools.
New Zealand has the best trout fishing in the world and spring means fishing in the lakes and rivers around Rotorua. The trout season normally runs from early October through to the end of April. The best time for fly-fishing is October to March. Prolific smelting occurs in Rotorua's lakes, with excellent harling and fly-fishing (seasonal and a permit is required).
Summer in Rotorua
Summer is possibly the best time of the year to savour the delights of New Zealand's favourite family holiday city. With the smell of sunscreen and barbecues in the air, visitors and locals alike flock to the area's 15 easily accessible lakes to enjoy a variety of water-based activities. From water-skiing and sailing to trout fishing and wake boarding, from windsurfing and jet skiing to cruising and swimming, there are options for everyone. Alternatively find a shady spot, relax and drink in the scenic beauty that abounds.
An impressive array of cafes and restaurants, bars and clubs offer food, wine and entertainment from all over the world to tempt the palate and the senses. Don't forget to try the hangi, a traditional Maori feast, and sample traditional Maori culture. A vast array of sporting, cultural and fun events add another dimension to our multi-faceted city all through the year. Minutes from town you'll discover a myriad of forests, lakes and scenic reserves, for hiking, biking or picnicking.
November
Lockwood Aria, the country's largest aria competition attracts fine young singers from throughout Australasia.
The International Trout Fishing Tournament is New Zealand's longest running fishing tournament attracting anglers from around the world for fly and boat fishing.
December
Te Arawa Maori Cultural Festival.
New Year's Eve Mardi Gras sees the people of Rotorua as they celebrate New Year at the Rotorua Lakefront.
January
Rotorua Offshore Power Boat Race. V8 powered boats bring the shores of Lake Rotorua to life with noise, color and action.
January - February
Lakeside 2005 is a spectacular showcase of local and national musical and entertainment talent ending with an awesome fireworks display.
For further information on events in Rotorua, visit www.rotoruanz.com/events
Autumn in Rotorua
Autumn - the season of mellow fruitfulness. Autumn in Rotorua traditionally means misty mornings, falling leaves, the end of summer daylight saving and a drop in average temperatures - a great excuse to turn on the thermal heating and indulge in long relaxing hot baths.
It can also mean indulging in antics like the annual 24-hour "Cateye Moonride" mountain biking race when thousands of madcap mountain bikers from around New Zealand and the world converge on Whakarewarewa Forest. The 2005 race will be held on 14 May. More information and entry forms may be found on http://www.eventpromotions.co.nz/.
With a long history of hospitality, Rotorua also plays host to a number of other high profile sporting events which bring thousands of additional visitors to the city during the March to May autumn period. Among them are the Fletcher Challenge Marathon, the internationally rated Xterra off-road triathlon, the Avanti 100k Flyer Rotorua to Taupo bike ride, the annual Tagged Trout fishing contest, the Watties Creamed Rice half marathon around Mt Ngongotaha, and the national duathlon championships.
Winter in Rotorua
Rotorua is a great place to head for in winter. Cold nights and crisp, frosty mornings often herald beautiful clear blue days when the temperatures can reach 16º Celsius (average daytime range is 9-16ºC through May, June and July).
Days like these offer a chance to go cruising on tranquil lakes, catch trophy-sized trout (many of Rotorua's 15 fishable lakes are open to anglers all year round), sample some of world's best mountain biking trails and delight in some winter sunshine while enjoying the best of local food and wine alfresco style at cafes and restaurants.
Adventure options are at hand at every turn, and winter is no barrier to rafting, jet boating (full wetsuits, spray jackets and life vests supplied), tandem parachuting, bungy jumping, zorbing or luging.
Even if it rains you can stay indoors and learn a little (or a lot) at educational places like the Agrodome's Organic Visitor Centre, a New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute one-on-one tour which includes a choice of hands-on traditional Maori activities, the Rotorua Museum's interactive displays and theatrettes or by attending an evening (or even an overnight stay) on a marae to experience Maori food, history and customs.
Whatever the weather, winter is the ideal time to relax in a hot mineral pool, wallow in a geothermal mud bath, enjoy an Aix massage under warm mineral water or indulge in a host of health and wellness spa options from warm wax foot treatments to a hot volcanic rock massage.
When completely relaxed, what better way to end the day than to retire to a cosy, thermally heated room for a blissful night's sleep.
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