Holiday information for Rotorua
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The city of Rotorua is located in New Zealand's geothermal belt in the central region of the country's North Island. This is one of the world's most active geothermal regions and has been the location of some of the largest volcanic eruptions that the world has ever seen. Nearby Lake Taupo is the crater of an ancient eruption that was a hundred times larger than the Mt St Helens eruption in the USA. The lava is still close to the surface and its heat escapes through many vents around the region. In the center of Rotorua is the geothermal National Park where you can visit and see the geysers sprouting pillars of steam and water regularly every twenty minutes plus pools of boiling mud or water. All around the region clouds of steam erupt from creek beds and valleys to remind you of what is happening below the ground.
The region now generates electricity by diverting the underground steam through turbines to generate much of the regions electrical needs. It is a great renewable energy project and new power stations are now being built in the area to increase its production. Rotorua is mostly a tourist town and consequently there is plenty of accommodation available and all budgets are catered for. There are also plenty of restaurants and cafes selling great New Zealand produce. Close to Rotorua is Lake Taupo and the city of Taupo. There is also plenty of excellent visitor accommodation here and the lake is a popular destination for international sports fishermen looking to catch one of the legendary Taupo trout or salmon.
The Waitomo Caves are another attraction in the Rotorua region. These caves are world famous and they have a fantastic glow worm display. The Bay of Plenty is also only a short drive and well worth visiting while you are in the region. Many international skiers coming to ski at the nearby ski resort on Mt Ruapehu visit the region and stay in the accommodation here and commute to the mountains each day. Mt Ruapehu is itself an active volcano and is the highest mountain on the North Island and part of the Tongoriro National Park.
Rotorua is one of the icons of tourist attractions in New Zealand and all tours that travel through the North Island of New Zealand will visit Rotorua.
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