In the days leading up to the biggest volcanic eruption recorded in New Zealand, the hot spring waters around Lake Rotomahana on the North Island bubbled more frantically than ever. Warning signs of Mt Tarawera’s massive eruption were otherwise scant. What an eruption it was, though.
The official death toll from the eruption on June 10, 1886, was 150, with the eruption burying Te Wairoa village and two smaller villages under hot, heavy ash and mud. The eruption also destroyed the eighth natural wonder of the world, the silica Pink and White Terraces that had cascaded down the side
of Mt Tarawera.
Today, flat-topped Mt Tarawera and the sparsely populated shores of its vast, deep lake are as much a drawcard for tourists as the nearby famous sulfur-smelling city of Rotorua.
Home to a permanent population of about 55,600, Rotorua city is 60km south of the Bay of Plenty’s sunny Tauranga. Its central North Island location – just 230km south-east of Auckland
– makes Rotorua a major destination for both domestic and international tourists.
One of Rotorua’s drawcards is its geothermal activity, which is evident in the sulfurous smell emanating from the many geysers and hot mud pools
in the region.
Another drawcard is Rotorua’s adherence to the historical importance of early Maori culture in the area. You can easily soak up this cultural aspect of the area at the many Maori marae and visitors centres and through cultural activities.
WHERE TO STAY
Solitaire Lodge
Lake Tarawera
T: +64 7 362 8208
solitairelodge.com
Aptly named Solitaire Lodge is nestled on a small, concealed headland that
juts into a quiet part of
Lake Tarawera, 24km
south-east of Rotorua city. The drive alone is worth the vistas from the lake’s shoreline. Solitaire Lodge is a beautiful year-round base for outdoor activities. Long and short walks around the lake are accessible only by boat
(water taxis can be ordered) and there is Hot Water Beach with its natural hot springs. Water sports are offered in summer. Naturally, it’s also tempting to stay put at the lodge and enjoy the excellent food, wine, hospitality and calm surroundings.
Kawaha Point Lodge
171 Kawaha Point Road
T: +64 7 346 3602
kawahalodge.co.nz
On the shore of Lake Rotorua, Kawaha Point Lodge is a luxurious place to stay, eat and enjoy beautiful, serene water views. The resident
chef is Michelin-trained
Silvio Sakrzewski. The rose gardens and large lawns are cared for meticulously.
Sudima Hotel
Lake Rotorua
1000 Eruera Street
T: +64 7 348 1174
sudimarotorua.co.nz
If close proximity to hot pools, lake views and the city centre is high on your list of must-haves, Sudima Hotel (formerly Lake Plaza Rotorua Hotel) is well placed, being adjacent to the Polynesian Spa complex and only a five-minute walk to the centre of Rotorua city.
Anns Volcanic
107 Malfroy Road
T: +64 7 347 1007
rotoruamotel.co.nz
Less than 1km from Rotorua’s volcanic attractions, this evocatively named motel is a member of Green Globe in a bid by the owners to respect the planet and be self-sufficient. Fruit from the motel’s organic orchards, including feijoas, gooseberries, miniature chilean guava, grapes, passionfruit, apples and plums, is seasonally available to guests.
Rotovegas
Explore More
T: +64 9 367 0132
exploremore.co.nz
The RotoVegas camper, with its tongue-in-cheek name, is perfect for taking to camp sites around the region’s many sparsely populated lakes. This two-berth cruising camper is suitable for a couple or a family with a tent to pitch alongside it. Its compact size makes it easy to navigate and park.
It has automatic transmission, an MP3 adapter and a DVD player. Kitchen gear is supplied.
WHERE TO EAT
Capers Epicurean
1181 Eruera Street
T: +64 7 348 8818
capers.co.nz
The spacious, curvaceous Capers Epicurean in Rotorua city is a delicatessen, licensed and BYO café and restaurant. It offers an adventurous array of goodies, including an eclectic choice of high-quality dried foods from around
the world, a dinner menu
and a children’s menu.
Relish
1149 Tutanekai Street
T: +64 7 343 9195
If Relish café’s all-day breakfast menu, relaxed environment and Best Café in Rotorua award aren’t enough to woo you, the salt and pepper squid, pork belly and pizzas definitely will. Relish
is modern and chilled out.
The Thai Restaurant
1141 Tutanekai Street
T: +64 7 348 6677
Renowned for authentic Thai cuisine, this eponymous restaurant is relaxed in style, offering the convenience
of a downtown location and BYO for wine.
The Landing Café
Lake Tarawera
T: +64 7 362 8502
thelandinglaketarawera.co.nz
If there’s a more achingly beautiful view of Lake Tarawera than this – and one that comes complete with
an espresso machine on site
– then I’ve yet to track it down. Tucked away in
a sheltered bay, the Landing Café is open year round, offering an all-day menu that includes gourmet pizzas.
WHAT TO DO
Te Puia
Hemo Road
T: +64 7 348 9047
tepuia.com
Telling ancient stories in a modern context is the approach of Te Puia, a Maori cultural centre incorporating the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve and the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute within its vast grounds. Te Puia’s evening cultural experience, which takes place
at the marae and in other parts of the complex, includes Maori kai (indigenous food), storytelling, singing and the traditional haka and poi dances.
Polynesian Spa
1000 Hinemoa Street
T: +64 7 348 1328
polynesianspa.co.nz
The first building on the site, the Pavilion Bath House, was built in 1882 on the strength of the thermal pool allegedly alleviating Tauranga priest Father Mahoney’s arthritis. Today, the Polynesian Spa complex is the biggest mineral pool facility in Rotorua with its 26 hot mineral spring pools, private spas, therapies and a licensed café.
Paradise Valley Springs
467 Paradise Valley Road
T: +64 7 348 9667
paradisevalleysprings.co.nz
Watch native trout from an underwater viewing area, pat lion cubs and enjoy native birds at this outdoor visitors centre.
Skyline Skyrides
185 Fairy Springs Road
T: +64 7 347 0027
skylineskyrides.co.nz
Skyline Skyrides operates
a gondola on the side of
Mt Ngongotaha that carries you to 487m above sea level,
a 120km/h sky swing, a three-wheel-cart luge ride on three downhill tracks and a scenic restaurant/bar and café.
Rotorua Bungy and Rotorua Swoop
Western Road, Ngongotaha
T: +64 7 357 4747
agroventures.co.nz
Get your adrenaline pumping with the 43m-high Rotorua Bungy jump or the Rotorua Swoop, where groups of three are winched 40m high before swooping through the air at 130km/h. Hourly shuttle service from Fenton Street, Rotorua.
Buried Village
Tarawera Road
T: +64 7 362 8287
buriedvillage.co.nz
Established by a missionary in 1848, Te Wairoa village was
buried in the eruption of
Mt Tarawera on June 10, 1886. The village was bombarded with rocks, ash and boiling-hot mud for at least four terrifying hours. Excavation was started in 1931. The site is open to visitors to view the remnants and artefacts recovered.
Helipro
Helicopter flightseeing
Te Puia, Hemo Road
T: +64 7 357 2512
helipro.co.nz
Land on Mt Tarawera volcano, White Island or Mokoia Island or take a more adventurous helicopter ride to go fishing, golfing or visiting vineyards further south.
