Depart Wellington at 11:45am on Air New Zealand flight 8584 and arrive Rotorua at 12:55pm.
On arrival in Rotorua pick-up your rental car.
All types of natural activities abound in the Rotorua region, but best known are the hot springs, dramatic geysers, soothing mineral baths and simmering mud pools.
Rotorua is an ideal base for exploring the contrasting features of the region: crystal-clear trout streams, dense forests and the Maori culture. This afternoon visit the award winning Rotorua Museum and discover the essence of this unique area: its people, culture and volcanic landscape. The museum is located in the famous "Bath House" within the Edwardian elegance of the Government Gardens, surrounded by bush walks, geothermal fields and the shores of Lake Rotorua. A unique cinema experience explains the fascinating history, mythology and geology of the Rotorua area.
Later a short walk to the Polynesian Spa, to enjoy a relaxing bathe in the Lake Spa Retreat. The soft alkaline water in the bathing pools, flows from a boiling spring 100 metres from the complex. Thousands of visitors have attested to the remedial effect of the hot mineral waters on such ailments as muscular complaints, arthritis and rheumatism. The alkaline waters have a very soothing effect on the skin. A perfect opportunity to completely relax.
This Evening - Welcome to our world! This evening visit Rotowhio Marae at Whakarewarewa for "Mai Ora" - the excitement of Rotorua and heart of Maoridom. Experience an authentic Powhiri ( welcome ceremony), the Wero is a challenge to the chief of the visitors issued by a warrior of the hometribe.
Speeches and songs are exchanged before the visitors are accepted with a handshake and a hongi ( a gentle pressing of noses ) - this lifts the sacredness ( tapu ) of the visitors which they have inherited entering through the marae ( sacred courtyard ).
A cultural performance features traditional musical instruments, the use of poi, weapons, songs, games and dances. The hangi dinner has been prepared by heating river stones by fire in a pit. Food baskets are placed on the hot stones, then covered with wet sack and finally earth for up to three hours. The dining room depicts a special atmosphere unique to a typical marae dining room
Day 15 - Rotorua continued Overnight: The Springs
Rotorua Guide -Ben
Ben has been a guide in the Rotorua region for 20 years now, this large handsome Maori man always wears a smile, has a great sense of humour and is an accomplished singer. We are sure if you ask him to sing you a Maori song he will burst in to Song to the delight of all around. Learn about Maori traditions, visit a Maori Marae (meeting house), experience geothermal reserves and bubbling mud pools, hike through the spectacular Waimangu Volcanic Valley, discover the region around Rotorua and Taupo that is the ancestral land of Ben's Iwi (tribe), but most of all, simply experience Ben! A day with Ben is a day to remember for a lifetime.
Each of the four guest rooms is luxuriously appointed with every modern facility. King or twin beds have crisp cotton sheets, cozy wool comforters and plumped up pillows. The rooms all enjoy ensuite bathrooms, walk-in-closet with luggage storage, individual central heating, ceiling fans, robes, hairdryer, iron, telephone, television, fresh flowers and doors to a private patio overlooking the garden filled with Iceberg roses.
Awaken each morning to the inviting aroma of freshly brewed coffee, hot muffins, fresh salmon fillets on lemon scented couscous, sizzling bacon or tender New Zealand lamb cutlets served with breakfast potatoes and oven roasted tomatoes. Our blueberry buttermilk pancakes are legendary! A light breakfast, including an egg white vegetarian omelette, is also available.
Address : 10544 W. Pico Blvd , West Los Angeles, CA 90064-2320, USA FreePhone : (800) 528-6129 - Tel : (310) 202-3900 - Fax : (310) 202-3907 Email :visitnz@bestofnz.net - About us CST No : 1018531-40
Ben has been a guide in the Rotorua region for 20 years now, this large handsome Maori man always wears a smile, has a great sense of humour and is an accomplished singer. We are sure if you ask him to sing you a Maori song he will burst in to Song to the delight of all around. Learn about Maori traditions, visit a Maori Marae (meeting house), experience geothermal reserves and bubbling mud pools, hike through the spectacular Waimangu Volcanic Valley, discover the region around Rotorua and Taupo that is the ancestral land of Ben's Iwi (tribe), but most of all, simply experience Ben! A day with Ben is a day to remember for a lifetime. 
Each of the four guest rooms is luxuriously appointed with every modern facility. King or twin beds have crisp cotton sheets, cozy wool comforters and plumped up pillows. The rooms all enjoy ensuite bathrooms, walk-in-closet with luggage storage, individual central heating, ceiling fans, robes, hairdryer, iron, telephone, television, fresh flowers and doors to a private patio overlooking the garden filled with Iceberg roses. 
Awaken each morning to the inviting aroma of freshly brewed coffee, hot muffins, fresh salmon fillets on lemon scented couscous, sizzling bacon or tender New Zealand lamb cutlets served with breakfast potatoes and oven roasted tomatoes. Our blueberry buttermilk pancakes are legendary! A light breakfast, including an egg white vegetarian omelette, is also available. 
