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          HOME AT FIRST's

New Zealand

ROTORUA & TAUPO

Great caldera lakes mask the violent volcanic past of the central North Island, but spouting geysers, boiling mud,
and steaming rivers hint at the active truth: New Zealand is alive with geothermal activity, and the Rotorua-Taupo
region is its center. The first Europeans may have seen little of economic interest in this plateau pocked with
sulfurous lakes and napping volcanoes. The native Maori who have maintained possession of these badlands can
laugh all the way to the bank: Rotorua and Taupo have become world-class destinations drawing throngs of
international visitors to experience its geological fireworks, to fish for record trout, and, yes, for the rare
 opportunity to encounter normally sequestered Maori culture first hand — all available to paying guests.
ALL PHOTOS © HOME AT FIRST
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Discover Volcanic Worlds. Encounter Maori Culture.
If, as some argue, New Zealand is a great natural theme park, the Rotorua-Taupo region offers some of its best thrills, activities, luxuries, and interactions:
geysers, volcanoes, & other geothermal wonders; great fishing lakes and streams;  elegant natural spas; extreme sports; and native Maori culture.
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Attractions in/around Rotorua:
• GEOTHERMAL PARKS: Two privately
  operated natural geothermal
  reserves offer visitors a close-up
  look at the various wonders of
  one of the world's great geyser
    fields: geysers, fumeroles, and
  Technicolor lakes.
• MAORI CULTURE including the
  native crafts, beliefs, and foods
  is accessible at several Maori-
  operated attractions.
• SUPERB FISHING: Lake Rotorua &
  local streams. Guides available.

Every morning at 10:15AM the 60' high Lady Knox Geyser is
coaxed from its pedestal-spout in the Waiotapu Thermal Wonder-
land, one of two principal geothermal parks in/near Rotorua.

• The Agrodome is an agricultural theme park (sheep! moas!
  possum!) with extreme adventures like jet-boating, bungy,
  and zorbing.
• HONGI & HANGI! Experience a traditional Maori hangi evening
  feast at Tamaki Village.
• Play golf on the Arikikapakapa geo-thermal course.
• Relax in style at luxurious Polynesian Spas. Rotorua has
  shopping, restaurants, parks, even a British bowling green.

Sheep shearer performing at the
Agrodome theme park near Rotorua.

Attractions in/around Taupo:
• Fishing for world class trout on Lake
  Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake.
• the Wairakei geothermal region including
  Huka Falls, the Wairakei Geothermal Power
  Station Visitor Centre, and the Wairakei
  Terraces Maori Cultural Experience with
  traditional Maori evening hangi feast.
• CHALLENGING golf at Wairakei International.
• acclaimed hiking in the active volcanic
  wilderness of Tongariro National Park, a
  UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Lake Taupo with the Tongariro volcanoes.

Lodgings: Top quality bed and breakfast lodges with superb, personalized hosting. Lodging locations in several quiet, convenient locations near Rotorua and Taupo. Your hosts will help with activities recommendations, and, if desired, will make reservations for you.

Stylish, comfortable, and located on a quiet corner of Lake Rotorua's shoreline, Home At First's Rotorua Lodge features a warm welcome from caring hosts. Lake and river fishing is available on-site, and fishing guides are in residence.

Getting around Rotorua and Taupo: Use of a rental car is a must here in order to enjoy the attractions, the scenery, and explore small, out-of-the-way places. Even during the busiest travel season road traffic is relatively light throughout this region.
 

Maori Warrior at Tamaki
Village cultural evening
and hangi feast.

All photos this page © Home At First

Learn more about HOME AT FIRST's travel program to: NEW ZEALAND.

HOME AT FIRST IS A DESIGNATED "KIWI SPECIALIST"
TOUR OPERATOR BY THE NEW ZEALAND TOURISM BOARD.

— HOME AT FIRST —
AFFORDABLE DREAM TRAVEL WITH ALL THE COMFORTS OF HOME.