Rotorua

Rotorua's full name is Te Rotorua-nui-a-Kahumatamomoe and means second lake in Maori.

Action and adventure, thrills and spills, Maori heritage, thermal springs and spas, Rotorua has something for everyone.

Over 100km of Mountain biking trails weave their way through Whakarewarewa Forest, there are trails for all abilities and fitness levels, single tracks, forest backroads or for the more adventurous, there are some jump tracks. To date the oldest trail blazer was a sprightly 82.

The OGO is another favourite enjoyed by children and adults alike. The huge double skinned inflatable sphere measures 3.2 metres in diameter. In the H2OGO (water version) the inner sphere contains 40 litres of water - warm in cool weather and cool in hot weather, and can be enjoyed by up to 3 people at a time. Super slippery you slosh and slide in the sphere down a 250 metre track, screams and laughs of delight are caught on camera as you enjoy an experience akin to the gentle cycle of a washing machine.

Other activities include the luge, the gondola, hiking, trekking, running, boating, trout fishing, rafting, kayaking, thermal baths and cruising the lakes.

For those with more of a cultural interest there is the Rotorua Museum which is located in the old Bath house and holds the highest classification given by the New Zealand Historic Act. The museum is home many important images and treasures of the local Arawa people. Short cinematic experiences bringing the history of the people to life.

For something more authentic a private visit to a Marae, traditional welcome and meeting with a Maori chief and his family can be arranged. On such private visits you will learn the history of the Maori, the chief's particular tribe, their customs and values and what issues affect and influence their lives today. In many cases they are as eager to learn from you as you are from them.