Days 14 and 15 - Rotorua Accommodation and Activities with the Luxury Royal Tour of New Zealand and the Best Of New Zealand

Days 1 & 2-3 | 3-5 | 6-9 | 10-12 | 13 | 14 & 15 | 16 & 17

Day 14 - Rotorua
Overnight: The Springs

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.

Watch a day with Ben

Accommodation

The Springs

Each of the ..., 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.