There's more to New Zealand's volcanic capital than just Hobbits. Located in the middle of New Zealand's north island - Rotorua is a 2.5 hour drive south of Auckland.

Year on year both Kiwis and international travellers pass through the 'Sulphur City" - a nickname granted by the smell of rotten egg that lingers throughout the town (don't worry - you get used to it)!

Rotorua literally sits upon geothermal activity which gives the city much of its appeal as a tourist destination. You will find volcanic crater lakes, erupting geysers, hot mud pools and bubbling pits of steam and volcanic activity scattered throughout the entire city. Take our word for it... Rotorua is like nowhere else on this planet!

Still not convinced? Here are 18 Reasons to add Rotorua to your New Zealand bucket list...

1. Lake Rotorua

2. Redwoods Forest

 

#redwoodsrotorua #rotorua #newzealand

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3. Mamaku Forest

4. Mt Tarawera

 

The view from the top of Mt Tarawera, captured by @kaitiakiadventures #RotoruaNZ #NZmustDo

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5. Hobbiton

6. White Water Rafting at Kaituna River

 

White Water Rafting at Kaituna River @kaitiakiadventures #newzealand #rotorua #nzmustdo #rafting #travel #travelgram #basebackpackers

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7. Bungy Jumping at Agroventures Park

8. Zorb

9. Wai - O - Tapu Geothermal Wonderland

10. And again...

11. Te Puia Maori Culture

 

Welcome to Te Puia #tepuia

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12. Skyline Gondola

 

Views from Skyline Rotorua #newzealand #rotorua #purenz #travel #travelgram #summer #city #picoftheday #photooftheday #sky

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13. Rotorua Museum

14. World Class Mountain Biking Trails

15. Lady Knox Geyser

16. Eat Street

17. Volcanic Activity EVERYWHERE!

 

Geyser strolls #tepuia

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Keen to explore Rotorua? Check out some free or cheap things to do in Rotorua.

For more Travel Tips and Bucket List Inspiration - join the #XBASE journey on Instagram --- instagram.com/basehostels

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