WHERE IS ROTORUA?
The City of Rotorua is known worldwide as the premier tourist destination in N.Z. and is located in the heart of the North Island of New Zealand, 240 kilometres south of Auckland International Airport. Auckland is New Zealand's largest city with a population of one million.

This satellite photo of the region shows the many lakes, ideal for boating and fishing. Lake Rotorua is the largest, on the left of the picture. It is about 40 km (25 miles ) round the shore.

THE PEOPLE
There are around 3.5 million people in New Zealand with over 65,000 in Rotorua. Rotorua, with one third of its population Maori, is one of the strong centres of Maori culture in New Zealand. The local Te Arawa confederation of tribes has trained much of the traditions and crafts of their ancestors, who arrived in the district from Hawaiki about 600 years ago. Maori people today speak English, and live and work in much the same manner as their European neighbours.

Many have strong links to their unique culture, practising the Maori language and participating in tribal activities on their marae (meeting place). Throughout the year, visitors are able to watch Maori crafts people practising traditional skills of craving and weaving that have been handed down from generation to generation. Performance of songs, dances and the haka (war dance) may also be seen at the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, on a marae, and in major Rotorua hotels.

The Rotorua Museum - once a famed Bath House and spa, now fully restored with fine exhibits.

FISHING
Rotorua is an anglers paradise with 11 main fishable lakes and numerous rivers and crystal clear springs teeming with rainbow and brown trout. The lakes, many of which are extinct volcanoes, are an integral feature of the Rotorua District - even the township is built on the shores of the largest lake - Lake Rotorua. All lakes are easily accessible by car within a 30 minute drive from the city.

Both beginners and experienced anglers are encouraged to enjoy the myriad of fishing opportunities available in and around Rotorua. Should you wish to be completely immersed in the trout fishing experience, stay at one of Rotorua's exclusive lakeside lodges or resorts which specialise in catching and preparing the fish.

Many professional fishing guides live in and around Rotorua and are dedicated to providing an unforgettable fishing experience by personally tailoring each adventure to suit the needs of the angler. These guides not only have trolling, jigging, harling and fly fishing expertise, they also know all the best spots and will provide all of the gear. Chances are they will even guarantee your catch, as Rotorua is the easiest place in New Zealand to catch a fish.

ACCOMMODATION
With a long history of hospitality, Rotorua has developed a very wide wange of accommodation options with over 10,000 beds to suit every need. From up-market lodges and international hotels, to self-contained motels, through a guest houses, farm stays, backpacker's lodges and caravan parks, you will find the service professional and the prices very competitive.

LINKS

These are some of the local attractions for you to look at on the web:

Here's a regional map over on the right. Bear in mind that a place like Murupara only has a couple of thousand people in the whole area.