Rotorua

Description

Rotorua is a city located in the Bay of Plenty area of the North Island of New Zealand. It is one of New Zealand’s most diverse and popular vacation destinations and is definitely a must-visit. This hot spot is mostly known for its geysers and hot springs, Maori culture and hot mud pools and is therefore known as the thermal wonderland of New Zealand. It is also known for its many lakes, water activities, adventure activities, parks and reserves, waterfalls and forests. Rotorua is so diverse that it attracts those looking for a bit of relaxation to those looking for some adrenaline pumping adventure. The city does not have a large Muslim population but Muslim tourists will be able to find a few specific Muslim-friendly facilities including Halal food and prayer areas in Rotorua.

This city sits right on the Pacific Rim of Fire and has one of the world’s most active fields of geothermal activity. Waimangu Volcanic Valley is one of the most visited attractions in Rotorua and is definitely a worth-while eco-experience. There are exciting sightseeing tours that visitors can take to experience the area’s one of a kind ecology, rare botany and captivating geothermal features. Visitors can also take self-guided eco walks and guided ones, as well as advanced hikes and a boat ride on Lake Rotomahana. One of the geothermal park’s main features is its steaming volcanic crater lakes. The park is located just 20 minutes south of Rotorua and is easily accessible. Waimangu Volcanic Valley has something for everyone and therefore should be on the top of your must-visit list when in Rotorua. 

Tutea Falls is another must-visit for those seeking to get to know Rotorua even better. It has a 7 metre high drop and is the highest commercially rafted falls in the world. For those looking for something adventurous to do, why not go white water rafting? But for visitors looking to see the surroundings, the area around the falls is beautiful and a walk through the forest will ensure fabulous scenery and great views of the falls and the river along with its rapids. Tourists will also come across small glow-worm caves on this walk. 

As mentioned before, Rotorua is definitely the ideal place for those looking to spend some time in the great outdoors. It is home to one of the best mountain bike circuits in New Zealand and is the entrance to some fantastic skiing and snowboarding fields such as Mount Ruapehu, during the winter. Mount Ruapehu is also one of the world’s most active volcanoes and is popular for being the setting of some of the scenes from Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy.

Nearby Airports

Rotorua International Airport is located in the heart of the North Island approximately 10 kilometres from the centre of Rotorua, and operates both international and domestic flights. There are also a few other domestic airports such as the Tauranga Airport and the Whakatane Airport, which are both located some distance away.

Halal Restaurants

There are a few Muslim-friendly restaurants in Rotorua that serve a variety of cuisines. Mecca Kebabs and Ali Babas's Tunisian Cuisine are just a few of them.

Mosques

There are a couple of mosques in Rotorua that Muslim visitors could use. The Rotorua Islamic Centre serves the city’s small Muslim community and tourists alike. In addition to offering all five prayers, the centre also holds Jummah prayers as well as Taraweeh and Eid prayers, and the centre also offers Arabic classes.

Things to Do and See in Rotorua

• Government Garden
• Okere Falls
• Waimangu Volcanic Valley
• Te Puia
• Hells Gate
• Lake Rotorua
• Mount Tarawera
• Rainbow Springs Kiwi Wildlife Park
• Hamurana Springs
• The Agrodome
• The Buried Village