Land of five spirits
The features that inspired Captain James Cook in naming the Bay of Plenty are still attractions today. They include landmarks like the mountain Maungapōhatu, Ōhiwa Harbour and Whakaari (White Island), sacred to the tribes of this curving coastline, and the famous geothermal areas around Rotorua.
The birthplace of New Zealand tourism in the 1800s, Rotorua is still the place to experience Māori performing arts, geothermal geysers and boiling mud pools in a mystical natural environment.
The people of Rotorua like to talk of five spirits. Feel the spirit of the earth as it rumbles beneath your feet and escapes, hissing, through geysers. Witness the spirit of Māori culture, with authentic village and performance experiences.
Rejuvenate your spirit by soaking in a natural hot spring and set it free with outdoor adventures like kayaking and mountain biking. And if your spirit is especially spirited, treat it to an adrenalin rush by sky-diving and zorbing.
Rotorua is an easy drive from the golden beaches of the Bay of Plenty and the bustling port city of Tauranga.
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Did you know?
Local Rugby stories
More than 100 Bay of Plenty players have represented the New Zealand Māori team including members of the first New Zealand team to tour overseas.
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NZ History
Surf’s up 40s style
Watch a film showing teams taking part in the formal parade during the National Lifesaving Championships held at Waihī Beach in 1949.
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Te Ara: Encyclopedia of New Zealand
