The Majestic Huka Falls
At Huka Falls you can witness the phenomenon of natural hydro power with more than 220,000 litres of water per sec barreling over an 11 metre high waterfall.
Wai O Tapu, Rotorua
Wai O Tapu is an active geothermal area at the southern end of the Okataina Volcanic Centre, just north of the Reporoa caldera, in New Zealand's Taupo Volcanic Zone - it is a spectacular showcase of the most colourful and unique geothermal elements sculpted by thousands of years of geothermal activity, in New Zealand.
Walk this at your own pace, you will be given a map to take a look around. Kids love this thermal park. Has it’s own cafe. Toilets are right by the entrance prior to the tour. Would recommend taking bottles of water, can get pretty hot down here not just because it’s a thermal park.
The entire loop can be covered in around 45 minutes but I would recommend 90 minutes to take in all the spots, get some great photos and just immerse in the wonder of this place!
Lots of parking, areas and up a bit further for motorhomes, campervans and other larger vehicles.
Can pre purchase tickets that are valid for a few months so you aare not restricted to a specific booking date and time.
Open seven days a week, 8:30am - 4:30pm, with the final admission at 3pm. Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland is a cashless site. All major credit cards and EFTPOS are accepted.
201 Waiotapu Loop Road, Rotorua 3073
If you are heading from Rotorua and your next stop is Taupo, this is on the way.
Powhiri - welcome on a Marae
Interested in seeing our Maori culture live?
Powhiri - welcome onto a marae (meeting house)
Traditionally, a pōwhiri begins at the waharoa (entrance to the marae), starting with an initial karanga (ceremonial call of welcome) usually conducted by the kaikaranga (women caller) who stands at the front. The manuhiri (visitors) are called on by a kaikaranga who begins the karanga, to which the manuhiri kaikaranga responds to. The manuhiri move up slowly behind the kaikaranga, until they reach the mahau (porch). The karanga will continue until the manuhiri reach the mahau of the marae.
This removes the tapu (sacredness) from the manuhiri, who are referred to as waewae tapu (sacred feet) if they are first-time visitors to that particular marae.
Wero/Waerea
A challenge that attempts to determine the intent of the manuhiri (visitors), which, once established, clears the way for the rest of the welcome ceremony. They may carry a taiaha (spear-like weapon) and will lay down a token, often a small branch, for the visitors to pick up to show they come in peace.