World's Interesting Places: Rotorua, New Zealand

Rotorua is a city on the southern shores of the lake of the same name, in the Bay of Plenty region of the North Island of New Zealand. The city is the seat of the Rotorua District, a territorial authority encompassing the city and several other nearby towns. Rotorua city has an estimated permanent population of 55,600, with the Rotorua district having a total estimated population of 68,000. The city is in the heart of the North Island, just 60 kilometres (37 mi) south of Tauranga, 80 kilometres (50 mi) north of Taupo, 105 kilometres (65 mi) east of Hamilton, and 230 kilometres (140 mi) southeast of Auckland.

Rotorua city is renowned for its unique sulphur aroma, which is caused by the geothermal activity releasing hydrogen sulphide into the atmosphere.

Rotorua is also home to the largest tertiary institute outside of the university centres, Waiariki Institute of Technology.

Rotorua has many Buildings, Sites, and Structures of historic interest, although our City has a relatively young history in world terms. Such as The Bath House (Rotorua Museum), Old Post Office, Prince's Gate Archway, Blue Baths, The Landmark, Te Runanga Tea House, Wohlmann House, Te Amorangi Museum, Spencer Mausoleum, etc.

The Rotorua district has a multi-cultural population of approximately 70,000 people; some 35% are Maori. Rotorua city is located on the southern shore of Lake Rotorua , while the district includes a number of rural and lakeside communities.

An international tourism icon, Rotorua is renowned as the heartland of Maori culture.

There are 16 lakes in the vicinity of Rotorua, many of which are fishable lakes packed with rainbow and brown trout. The lakes, all formed from the craters of extinct volcanoes, are a popular attraction for many water-based activities. From the moment visitors enter Rotorua they know they're somewhere quite different. Whether it's the sneaky threads of steam finding unlikely escape routes in parks, pathways and streets or the distinct scent of sulphur wafting through geothermal hot spots, Rotorua offers an impressive welcome.

How to get there?
Located in the central North Island, Rotorua is well connected to the rest of New Zealand, and the world, through a network of air and road links. The city is a leisurely three-hour drive from Auckland (234km), and a 5-6-hour drive from Wellington (457km). Rotorua Airport is one of the busiest domestic terminals in the country, offering services to Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown. Trans-Tasman services are likely to be offered from mid to late 2009.

Passengers departing from Rotorua Airport must pay a NZD$5 departure tax after check-in and prior to proceeding to the departure lounge.

All purchases in New Zealand are subject to 12.5% GST (Goods and Services Tax). This is usually included in published retail prices for all goods and services. Overseas visitors who get their purchase sent home directly by the retailer do not have to pay GST.

Rotorua enjoys a pleasant climate; plenty of sun shin e in summer with crisp, clear days in winter. Rotorua averages more than 2000 sunshine hours and just over 140cm of rain annually.

Temperatures:
* Summer (Dec – Feb): Daytime 21 – 29ºC
* Autumn (Mar – May): Daytime 15 – 26ºC
* Winter (Jun – Aug): Daytime 9 – 16ºC
* Spring (Sep – Nov): Daytime 13 – 21ºC