Rotorua is situated in the Bay of Plenty Region, in the heart of New Zealand’s North Island. It is just 60 kilometres south of Tauranga, 80 kilometres north of Taupo, 105 kilometres east of Hamilton, and 230 kilometres southeast of New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland.
The Rotorua District has a total estimated population of 68,900 (2011, Statistics New Zealand).
Rotorua is a major destination for both domestic and international tourists; the tourism industry is by far the largest industry in the district. It is known for its geothermal activity, and features geysers – notably the Pohutu Geyser at Whakarewarewa – and hot mud pools. This thermal activity is sourced to the Rotorua caldera, on which the town lies.
Geothermal Areas
Thermal activity is at the heart of much of Rotorua’s tourist appeal. Geysers and bubbling mud pools, hot thermal springs and the Buried Village (Te Wairoa) —so named after it was buried by the 1886 Mount Tarawera eruption— are within easy reach of Rotorua.
In Kuirau Park, to the west end of Rotorua, hot bubbling mud pools dot the park. Visitors can soak their feet in hot pools.
Lakes
The Rotorua region has 18 sparkling lakes, known collectively as the Lakes of Rotorua. Fishing, waterskiing, swimming and other water activities are popular in summer.
Other Activities
One of Rotorua’s main attractions is mountain biking. Whakarewarewa Forest has been described as ‘the Disneyland of mountain biking’ and includes mountain bike trails, where the UCI Mountain Bike and Trials World Championships were held in August 2006.
Rotorua is also home to botanical gardens and historic architecture. Known as a spa town and major tourist resort since the 1800s, many of its buildings hint at this history. Government Gardens, close to the lakeshore at the eastern end of the town, are a particular point of pride.
Rotorua Climate
The Rotorua region has a relatively high altitude (290m/950ft) and enjoys a warm, temperate climate.
The warmest months are January, February and March, where the average temperature can reach 27°C (78°F), dropping to an average of 11.7°C overnight. The coolest months are June, July and August, where the minimum temperature ranges between 9°C-13°C (50°F-55°F), dropping to an average of 3.3°C overnight.
Temperature Ranges:
- Summer (Dec – Feb): Daytime 21°C – 29°C
- Autumn (Mar – May): Daytime 15°C – 26°C
- Winter (Jun – Aug): Daytime 9°C – 16°C
- Spring (Sep – Nov): Daytime 13°C– 21°C
Rotorua has an annual average of 2117 sunshine hours and an average annual rainfall of 1400mm. Rainfall is spread out throughout the year, with the winter months receiving slightly more.
Rotorua is situated inland from the coast and is sheltered by high country to the south and east, resulting in less wind than many other places in New Zealand.
When combined with a varied landscape of forests, mountains, geothermal activity, rivers and lakes, the mild climate of Rotorua makes the region a top travel destination throughout the year.
For more information visit RotoruaNZ.com
Find Us
Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park
463 Old Taupo Road, Rotorua
Contact Us
07 346 3140
info@rotoruathermal.co.nz
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