Rotorua is the spiritual home to the Maori of Te Arawa, and is set amidst crystal clear crater lakes. There is so much to see and do in Rotorua and a little local advice and knowledge from our experienced team will help you avoid the overcrowded tourist hot spots. If you are keen to visit a thermal park Wai-O-Tapu is about a 30 minute drive from town and is one of the most colourful. Or further afield The Hidden Valley of Orakei Korako which is accessible by boat offers bubbling hot springs, geothermal caves and gushing geysers in a completely natural environment.

Mount Tarawera, a volcano which erupted back in 1886 destroying the local area, dominates the views across the lake. What better way to see the inside of a volcano then landing on the summit by helicopter? You’ll also see the craters and domes along with views of the surrounding lakes district. Or you could venture even further afield to the magnificent  White Island, New Zealand’s only active marine volcano.

There is plenty more on offer: tours with a heritage and cultural emphasis, visits to a local Maori village complete with concert and hangi 4WD bush safaris, ‘Kiwi Encounters’, fishing, rafting… the list is endless.

Taupo is just a short drive from Rotorua and is located on the shores of Lake Taupo – New Zealand’s largest lake (619 square kilometres). Taupo offers many adventure activities and some of the best trout fishing in the country. Many thermal parks are located on the road between here and Rotorua.

From Taupo you can take a helicopter over the lake into the Tongariro National Park for spectacular views of Mt Ruapehu, Mt Tongariro and Mt Ngauruhoe (Mount Doom!) complete with an alpine landing in the Kaimanawa ranges. Alternatively, consider spending some time in Tongariro National Park itself where keen walkers can enjoy the Tongariro Crossing or one of the shorter walks in the region.

For details of  Rotorua, Taupo or Tongariro accommodation or, for tour suggestions, click on the links on the right. Our knowledgeable consultants can easily build any of these experiences into a tailor-made New Zealand holiday quote for you.