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 Rotorua
an exciting city, with an immense portrayal of history, tradition
and culture. Its popular tourist attractions and dare daring
activities provide an endless amount of satisfaction for the
tourist visiting the heart of our country. Surrounded by the
unmistakable smell of bubbling sulphuric geysers, Rotorua is a
hydrothermal experience of a lifetime.
Maori History the amazing discovery of Rotorua occurred in the 14th century, the founder being a Maori explorer named Ihenga.
Arrivals of the first Maori inhabitants came shortly after,
previously transported by canoe from Hawaiki (the legendary home
of all Maori in Eastern Polynesia).
The settlers had a great involvement in the early construction of
villages and made use of the thermal areas boiling water. This
natural resource successfully aided them in the use of cooking
and warmth for houses, eliminating the dependence of fire. Today
urban Rotorua is constructed around these sites.
 The region is made up of four main thermal
areas: Whakarewarewa, Waimangu, Wai-o-tapu and Hell’s gate.
The lively Pohutu geyser at Whakarewarewa offers spectacular
views with eruptions occurring approximately twenty times per
day, while the Waimangu Volcanic Valley is renowned for its
stunning blue steaming waters and famous walls of the Inferno
Crater.
The most colourful of the volcanic areas is Waiotapu, featuring
ochre-coloured waters of the Champagne Pool and the unique
cascade of mineral water and terraced silica formations of the
Bridal Veil Falls. Popular highlights of the area include the
daily eruption of Lady Knox Geyser and the largest remarkably
formed terraces of the Southern Hemisphere, the Primrose
Terraces.
 Hells Gate, the last of the main thermal areas,
offers rest and relaxation with the convenient location of
soothing thermal hot pools.
Food and Cuisine - Rotorua specialises in a wide range of cuisine
to cater for all temptations. Varieties include a range of
inexpensive bar meals and snacks, ethnic cuisine, popular
takeaway outlets, fine restaurant dining and the traditional
Maori feast (hangi), which provides a delightful mouth watering
sensation.
The unique and tantalizing Hangi combines a great tasting mixture
of Kumara (sweet potato), lamb, chicken, wild game, pork, beef
and potato. The preparation process involves the digging of a
large hole, lined with hot stones and covered in vegetation. The
food is placed on top and sprinkled with water before the
underground furnace is sealed with remaining vegetation and fresh
earth. The hot stones aid in the generation of heat and steam to
complete the cooking process. (Continue...)
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