Nature & WildlifeOnly minutes from Distinction Rotorua Hotel, the main centre of Rotorua is set right on the picturesque shores of Lake Rotorua, the largest of more than eleven lakes in the region!
Rotorua is full of geothermal activity, and these world-famous natural wonders are a 'must see'. All of these activity options can be organised by our experienced team, and are perfect for corporate team building or conference group events.
Rotorua Lakes
The sparkling Lakes in the Rotorua region have been created and re-created by a series of violent volcanic eruptions and earthquakes in the country's history, and many of the lakes are steeped in Maori legend and history.
In the summer months, The Blue Lake & Lake Okeraka are just beautiful to swim in! For those colder months, try a boat ride to Hot Water Beach- thr natural hot springs at Lake Tarawera.
Boating (whether you hire a boat or go on a chartered cruise) is a great way to spend a day, or if you prefer getting the blood pumping, why not try Water Skiing, Wake Boarding or Jet Skiing!
This region is a Trout Fishing Heaven, and we boast some of the world's finest fly fishing waters.
Geothermal Wonders
Geysers, Bubbling Mud Pools, Hot Springs and more...
Rotorua is renowned for its geothermal activity - this is a simply spectacular place. With geysers, hissing steam, bubbling mud and natural hot springs this world-famous Rotorua attraction is a 'must see'.
This ancient volcanic landscape provides some of nature's most astounding sights -Geysers erupting up to 100 feet into the air, boiling mud pools that bubble and spit, steam hissing as it escapes from vents that go deep into the earth, massive craters, and natural hot springs to bathe in.
Some of the best geothermal attractions are only a few kilometres from Distinction Rotorua and include:
Orakei Korako - 'The Hidden Valley'
This startling pocket of land has been described by Lonely Planet as one of the finest thermal areas in the world. Stroll through a hidden valley of colour, hot springs, gushing geysers, silica terraces and breath-taking natural beauty. The short boat ride across Lake Ohakuri to reach 'the hidden valley' is also a magical part of this experience.
Hells Gate
Discover remarkable formations, New Zealand’s largest active mud volcano, the largest hot waterfall in the southern hemisphere and largest boiling whirlpool and so much more. You can also bathe in hot mud pools or the natural thermal water springs.
Wai-O-Tapu
Another ‘must see’ on your visit to Rotorua: See the Champagne Pool – unique in the world, this is a fifth of a hectare of bubbling, hissing water with a beautiful ochre-coloured petrified edge. Witness the sheer power of Mother Nature as the Lady Knox Geyser erupts, shooting scalding water up to 20 feet into the air!
Waimangu Volcanic Valley
Seven massive craters formed from devastating volcanic eruptions today make up the Waimangu Volcanic Valley. This multi-award winning eco-tourism destination includes Echo Crater and Frying Pan Lake – the world’s largest hot water spring, Inferno Crater – the world’s largest geyser-like feature - and much, much more.
White Island
Take a tour by boat or helicopter to this active volcano – in the middle of the ocean! Don your gas mask and other safety equipment before you walk around the almost moon-like surface of the volcano - seeing crater lakes, towering steam columns, bizarre rock formations, the relics of a destroyed mining village and more…
Tarawera Volcano
Mount Tarawera erupted with cataclysmic force in 1886, drowning the surrounding areas in layers of ash and mud, and splitting the mountain virtually in two.
Today, you can take a helicopter ride or walking tour to the summit of this sacred volcano. Look inside the massive crater at its peak, marvel at panoramic views beyond and below you, and learn about the amazing history of this landscape and the devastation of the 1886 eruption.
Standing on the top of an ancient volcano is an experience not to be passed by.
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