Rotorua
Rotorua, an industrial city in the north-central North Island, New Zealand, is located at the north side of Lake Rotorua. 221 kilometers away from Auckland, the city is endowed with many natural hot springs and is known as a community of the Maori and a tourist resort. "Rotorua” in Maori language means "twin lake”. Lake Rotorua covers an of 23 square kilometers. Hot spring are scattered all over the city and thick forests decorate the suburbs. The rippling lakes, the blurred mountains, the swimming birds, the flying seagulls, the sulfur filling the air, and the fascinating Maori cultures, all attract millions of travelers.
Main Attractions:
1. Mount Tarawera
Mount Tarawera witnesses the evolution of New Zealand and plays an essential role in the history of Rotorua. The mountain is the sacred land of the local Maoris and protected by the tribe of Ngati Rangitihi.
In the 17th century, Tarawera was a major tourist destination in New Zealand. Travelers around the world came here to appreciate the pink and white terrace which was named as "world’s eighth wonder”.
Unfortunately, on June 10th, 2886, a volcanic eruption destroyed the wonder. The death toll in the eruption climbed up to over 150. Besides, it also completely changed the surrounding terrain, creating many massive craters, one of which is Lake Rotomahana.
Climbing to the mountain top, you can overlook the massive red crater. If you have the ability and like adventures, you can also walk down the crater to explore the bottom.
2. Mokoia Island
Mokoia Island is at the center of Lake Rotorua. A lover story related to the island is widespread in New Zealand. In the story, the heroin Hinemoa and the hero Tutanekai fall in love in the island. The beautiful Hinemoa is the daughter of the then chief of a tribe. She lives at the east coast of the sacred Lake Rotorua. It means that the tribe is going to marry her to a named person. Many men have ever proposed to her but are refused by the tribe.
At that time, a family lives in Mokoia Island. Tutanekai is the youngest son.
In a tribal gathering, young warriors want to practice their fighting skills. It is in the gathering Tutanekai happens to meet Hinemoa and fall in love with her. The excellent fighting skills and handsome appearance of Tutanekai also draw Hinemoa’s attention and heart. However, they cannot see the future of getting together, because Tutanekai is of low birth and it is impossible for him to marry her.
Poor Tutanekai can only sit on the coast of the island every day, drowning his sorrow in his flute. The sound of flute drifts across the lake and falls on Hinemoa’s ears. However, the tribe notices the situation, and to completely cut off the flute sound, the tribe even erects an enormous canoe on the beach. Whereas, they underestimate the intelligence of Hinemoa.
One night, Hinemoa, who is determined to look for her lover, ties a gourd around her body as a life jacket and then swim to Tutanekai with the guidance of his flute sound. Finally she arrives in Mokoia Island. For swimming in the cold sea for a long time, she is frozen and shivers. Then she immediately goes to Hinemoa Spring which makes her feel warm again. The slave of Tutanekai happens to draw water from the spring. A hoarse voice asks, "who do you draw water for?” The slave answers, "for Tutanekai.” Hearing the name, Hinemoa grabs the bailer in the slave’s hand and smashes it. Then the slave goes for Tutanekai and tells it to him who later goes to the spring to find out what happens. Then the lovers meet again and get together. The tribe also agrees to their marriage and the story ends happily.
Travelers who choose to go to Mokoia Island can enjoy themselves in Hinemoa Spring.
3. Whakarewarewa Forest Park
The most beautiful scenic spot in Rotorua should be Whakarewarewa Forest Park, which is only five minutes’ ride from the city center. You can walk in the dense California Redwoods Forest or hike in the suburbs and lake areas. Besides, you can also ride a horse or rent a mountain bike to go sightseeing. These are all ideal choices.
4. Okere Falls Scenic Reserve
Okere Falls Scenic Reserve, 21 kilometers away from Rotorua, is located on the Trout Pool Road which is near the National Highway No.33 (connecting Rotorua and Tauranga). There is a famous lane in a mountain. Standing on the observation tower, you can overlook the waterfalls of Oreke River, a historic river. It is the cradle of Ngatipijo tribe (a branch of Te Arawa tribe), who have lived here for a long time .
5. Whirinaki Forest Park
Whirinaki Forest Park, 90 kilometers southeast of Rutorua, is located near the National Highway No.38. The park enjoys the reputation of "ancient forest” and has many towering trees that are over one hundred years old. Travelers can visit bulky Podocarpus macrophyllus and ancient lava flows and caves that are thrust by rivers. Remains in the caves are found to be the relics of Taupo volcanic eruption 2,000 years ago.
6. Ohinemutu
Ohinemutu is the domicile of the native Ngati Whakaue who chose to live in the geothermal village because of the rich geothermal resources. Taking advantage of geothermal energy, they cook, bathe and warm themselves.
Saint Faiths Church, founded in 1910, is a special scenic spot in Ohinemutu. The internal building is mainly decorated with colorful woven goods. Looking out the windows, you can find the Maori Saint who stands on the lack in a cloak.
