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TRAVEL: Rotorua - Something for everyone!

Author
Adam Walker,
Publish Date
Thu, 27 Dec 2012, 12:00AM

TRAVEL: Rotorua - Something for everyone!

Author
Adam Walker,
Publish Date
Thu, 27 Dec 2012, 12:00AM

Boredom isn't a word that should ever be associated with Rotorua. Often in the past I've been involved in buying gifts for friends and family members, some of whom have everything a person could ever need and want, and I would sometimes think, 'what do you get for the person who has everything??'. The answer is simple - a trip away to Rotorua!

PHOTOS: Check out all of our photos of Rotorua here!

This is a city that has something for everybody, and the best part of it is the fact the diverse activities are so close. The adrenalin junkies can be flying down the hill in the Zorb, while those keen on a slower paced activity, could be patting lion cubs at Paradise Valley. More than a century ago this was New Zealand's tourism mecca, and very little has changed since then.

But while everybody is aware of the commercial ventures aimed at luring in the out-of-towners, becoming a local over the last 18 months has allowed me to discover some of Rotorua's hidden gems. There's nothing quite like getting a car load of friends, driving past the large commercial hot pools, packed full of eager tourists on an adventure to some of the 'real' hot spots. Sitting against a rock, thinking 'this is what the original tourists to the city must have experienced', wondering how amazed they would have been at the natural wonders Rotorua allowed them to experience.

But there's so much more to the city than relaxing and getting the aches and pains taken away by what nature provides. In order to indulge in the warm water, you really should deserve it. Take yourself to the extreme. There isn't anywhere else in the country that could be considered a better venue for extreme sports. Whether it's on land or in the water, this region's lakes, rivers and forests are the best in the country for getting wild and becoming one with nature. So it shouldn't come as much of a surprise that some of the country's top mountain bikers, kayakers and rowers come from Rotorua, as it would almost be an injustice to live here and not make use of what's at everybody's door step.

But, as I said at the start, how could anyone not enjoy coming here? And by giving the person who has everything a trip to Rotorua, what they'll really be getting are truly unique memories and an everlasting smile.

By Adam Walker - Newstalk ZB reporter

Photo: RotoruaNZ.com

What do you love about Rotorua? Email your stories and photos to [email protected]

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