Rotorua
A cultural and scenic wonderland, Rotorua was first settled
back in the 14th century by Maoris from the Arawa tribe who
originally settled in the Bay of Plenty but began to move
inland as the decades past. It is home to one of the most
impressive and fascinating geothermal landscapes in the world
which has been attracting and enchanting visitors to the region
for over a century and a half. While much of the area is used
for forestry and farming, it is covered with volcanoes, geysers,
boiling mud pools, warm bathing pools with healing waters
and amazing crystal formations.
As well as the natural landscape, however, the culture and traditions of the original settlers to the region has played a very important role in Rotorua’s development both as an urban and a tourist region. Evidence of the Maori presence in the area is still visible in the number of centres which are used to display and preserve these century old customs and artifacts.
Maori Culture
Rotorua, the heartland of New Zealand's Maori culture. Enveloping
warmth, a proud spirit, a deep sense of history and a quick
humour - you'll find all these qualities in your experiences
with Maori culture. It's the sensation we call manaakitanga.
The Te Arawa people of Rotorua were New Zealand's first visitor
guides, leading the way to the natural wonders that have been
part of their home for more than 600 years. Their welcoming
tradition has been carried on from generation to generation
- and you'll find it expressed in Rotorua with true warmth
and energy.
Here you'll be spellbound by stories relayed through song, dance and art. Legends passed on through the years transform the handiwork of two sisters of the spirit world, carrying fire to their frozen and dying brother, into the geothermal energy that abounds in Rotorua today. The 1886 eruption of Mount Tarawera, now a sleeping giant, is steeped in fascinating and mysterious tales. Stories of overpowering love, of tragedy and of the mythical taniwha will enchant and thrill you.
Opportunities
to come face to face with Maori culture abound in Rotorua
- in performances and in expertly conceived displays, and
in your encounters with the descendants of the original Te
Arawa tribes who made Rotorua their home.
The Maori people were the first inhabitants of the District. Although predominantly from the Arawa tribe, other iwi (tribes) are now strongly represented in the District. The earliest Maori villages in the area - around which modern urban Rotorua is based - were situated within close proximity to geothermal sites, including Ohinemutu and Whakarewarewa. Although the Maori community is now predominantly urban, there are around 35 Marae (meeting grounds) in the District, at least 20 of which are situated in rural areas. The Maori community and its culture and traditions have a very significant influence in the District, and are of major interest to visitors.
