Ever wanted to see and feel volcanic energy? Look no further than Rotorua on the North Island of New Zealand.

Rotorua is known as a “geothermal wonderland” as it’s home to many bubbling mud pools, natural thermal hot springs, geothermal parks and volcanic landscapes. Witness volcanic eruptions to heights of 10 or 20 metres and photograph the most colourful landscapes and forests.

Learn about New Zealand’s Maori culture through a variety of local tours and experiences. Observe traditional Maori performances and indulge in delicious local cuisine. Here are five highlights of Rotorua which are not to be missed.

Mitai Maori Village

Get a true experience of New Zealand’s Maori culture at the Mitai Maori Village. Here you will be able to witness warriors, dressed in their traditional outfits, paddle an ancient warrior canoe down the Wai-o-whiro stream and hear their traditional songs. Learn about the culture through dance performances, historic carvings, a traditionally cooked hangi meal and tattoo art. You’ll also see the local glow worms in their natural habitat.

Wai-o-tapu Thermal Valley

Explore one of New Zealand’s most colourful and diverse geothermal attractions. The Wai-o-tapu Thermal Valley is a unique landscape with enormous bright orange and turquoise ‘champagne’ pool. Visitors can join guided tours to witness the bubbling mud pools and volcanic craters which have developed over thousands of years.

Rotorua Canopy Tours

Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the Redwood forest by ziplining through the trees with the Rotorua Canopy Tours. Alternatively, you can explore Rotorua’s newest eco- tourism attraction, the Redwoods TreeWalk, and walk along a series of suspended bridges and living platforms elevated 12 metres above the ground. After dusk, experience the Redwoods Nightlights where 30 designer lanterns and 40 colour spots illuminate the 117-year-old redwood trees, forest ferns and pungas.

Hell’s Gate

Visit one of the most active thermal parks in Rotorua at Hell’s Gate. Wander past erupting geysers, steaming fumaroles, bubbling mud baths and steamy thermal springs. Enjoy a sulphur, mud or twilight spa or a guided bush walk to see the Kakahi Falls, Cooking Pools, Steaming Lakes or Medicine Lake.

Hobbiton Movie Set

Just an hour’s drive from Rotorua is the renowned Hobbiton Movie Set featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Book a guided tour to explore the 12-acre set and see the Hobbit Holes, the Mill and world-famous Green Dragon Inn.