What tourist attractions to visit in Rotorua?
3 MAGICAL TOURIST PLACES WHICH YOU HAVE TO VISIT THERE!
1. THE MAORI VILLAGE TE PUIA
Te Puia is a fortified Maori village, where you pay the entrance fee, but you will learn a lot of interesting things about Maori culture, architecture, and also about the history of New Zealand, either with a guide or just reading information boards. You will also meet bubbling mud here, you will see geysers, of which the most interesting is the Pōhutu geyser, and you will have the opportunity to see places with boiling water, which are still used for cooking.
In Te Puia, you also have the unique opportunity to see up close the national icon of New Zealand, which is undoubtedly the living night bird kiwi - and not just one. Here you will learn how to protect such an endangered species. You can also get some interesting information about the local plants. You will find out, for example, how they are used in the food industry, the medical industry, or how they are processed in traditional crafts. In Te Puia, you have a unique opportunity to see talented students from all over New Zealand under the guidance of the best masters who are dedicated to traditional carving, weaving, and other types of traditional art.
However, the greatest experience of Te Puia for many tourists remains a cultural performance in the traditional sacred house of Rotowhio marae, preceded by a Maori welcoming ceremony called Pōwhiri. The whole ceremony takes place outside. Subsequently, everyone is invited inside to see the performance of traditional Maori culture in the form of stories, songs, and dances. Of course, the program also includes the famous Haka war dance and some surprises at the end :).
2. WHAKAREWAREWA - THE UNIQUE MAORI VILLAGE
Whakarewarewa is home to the people of the Maori tribe Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao, who have shared their life with visitors from all over the world for more than 200 years. These people were the pioneers of the tourism industry in New Zealand. Their goal is to continue the inheritance and follow the steps of their ancestors. As early as the beginning of the year 180, the people of the tribe welcomed guests to their homes, shared their Maori culture with them, and demonstrated the use of natural geothermal wonders in cooking, bathing, and also heating. And this all still fascinates many visitors who are coming to visit Whakarewarewa.
3. MAORI VILLAGE SET OHINEMUTU
Maori village set Ohinemutu is home to the Ngāti Whakaue tribe and is a 10-minute walk from the city centre near Lake Rotorua. Visitors can come to the village for free, but it is necessary to follow the marked paths, due to geothermal activity.
Tamatekapua - the largest sacred house in the city that you can see in the village set of Ohinemutu. Tamatekapua is used for meetings of local people on important occasions, but the interior of this building is not accessible to tourists. So you can at least admire the beautiful Maori carvings and shells from the outside.
The St Faith's church - The church from 1914 stands on the shores of Lake Rotorua and can be visited for a small fee. It is open daily from 8 am. The exterior of the church is in the Tudor style, while the interior was already strongly influenced by Maori culture. The highlight of this historic building is a window with a picture of Jesus in a Maori cloak, which looks as if he was walking on the surface of a lake. If you want, you can attend a bilingual service. It takes place every Sunday at 9 am.