'R' Is for Rest, Relaxation, and Rotorua New Zealand!

An immediate essence of ethereal spirituality fills the body and soul of any avid backpacker tramping through Rotorua, New Zealand. New Zealand culture and history greet travelers with folkloric, east Polynesian primitive Maori carved sentinels at the city’s gate, an inkling of Rotorua attractions to be enjoyed in this northernmost bay of island region.

The instant you enter Rotorua New Zealand, you are enveloped in awe striking geothermal activity, breathtaking scenery, and cultural tradition.

“Rotorua,” which literally translates as “two lake” of the fifteen discovered by Maori settlers between the 13th and 15th centuries, is the most popular destination in the north island, and tourism marketing has plenty to tout. Rich cultural events, activities, and natural wonders characterize this stunning pocket of New Zealand tourism.

Maori heritage is found in intricate art, cultural artifact symbols and weapons, demonstrations of traditional war dance, Poi dance, music, crafts and legends, as well as in the opportunity to learn Maori language.

Located to the southeast of Auckland and directly above the Pacific Ring of Fire, the Rotorua map region with its aptly named Bay of Plenty holds abundant adrenalin-producing adventures.

Backpackers can enjoy jet boating, river rafting, kayaking, or white water sledging, fly fishing in crystal clear crater lakes and trout streams, racing down mountains by luge or zorb, bungee jumping, horseback or 4-WD safaris, mountain biking and hiking, or take it all in by air with flight-seeing excursions to White Island (New Zealand’s only active marine volcano) or the dormant landmark red crater of Mount Tarawera.

Hissing steam rising from the pavement, spouting geyser roars, hot springs and volcanic craters, and the scent of sulfur permeating the lake filled region evidence the geothermal vigor of this New Zealand mecca, where nearly a million visitors tour annually. While only little more than an hour’s flight from Christchurch, NZ, Rotorua can transport your senses to a whole other world with its mystic physical properties and cultural fascination.

The ultimate backpacker’s respite from high adventure will restore the traveler’s well being in hot water beaches and natural thermal mineral pools that profess to have healing powers and soothing mud baths that gurgle amidst the area’s stunning scenery. Most of Rotorua hotels and motels offer thermal pools for long hot soaks. The Polynesian Spa therapy further rejuvenates with pampering mud wraps, massages, and skin treatments.

Relaxing paddleboat New Zealand cruises on Lake Rotorua offer lunch, morning or afternoon tea, and dinner. At the end of the day, backpackers have their pick of hostel retreats offering city settings with active nightlife, shopping, and cafes, or more remote tranquil locations with unique, boutique-like features and quiet, amazing vistas.

This geological gem makes Rotorua, New Zealand a top New Zealand vacation choice for NZ-style spiritual and physical rejuvenation.