Mount Tarawera - a sacred volcano, a landmark and a playground:  Mount Tarawera plays an important role in the history of New Zealand and the Rotorua region.  It is sacred and under the guardianship of the Ngati Rangtihi Maori tribe.  The Tarawera region was the centre of tourism in New Zealand in the 1800s.  Its view of the famous Pink and White Silica Terraces which were known as the "Eighth Wonder of the World" attracted many tourists from all over the world. 

Forest Trails & Waterfalls: Whakarewarewa Forest, just a five-minute-drive from the city centre, is one of Rotorua's most beautiful natural assets.  Okere Falls Scenic Reserve is located 21 kilometres from Rotorua on Trout Pool Road off SH33, the Rotorua to Tauranga highway.   There is a well-formed walking track with scenic lookouts over the Okere River and its spectacular waterfalls.  The Okere River is the traditional river of Ngati Pikiao, a Te Arawa sub-tribe, who have made their home here for many years.  90 kilometres south-east of Rotorua, there exists  the Whirinaki Forest Park, known as a dinosaur forest which has many tall old trees lasting for centuries.

Ohinemutu at the Edge of the Lake: The thermal village of Ohinemutu was the region's original Ngati Whakaue settlement.  A feature of Ohinemutu is St. Faiths Church, built in Tudor style in 1910.  Its interior is richly decorated in woven and painted wall hangings and decorations.  A window looking out over the lake shows a Maori Christ, in a traditional Maori cloak, who appears to be walking on the water.

Coastal Highlights:  Its position between the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea allows New Zealand to have coastline on a grand scale, adding beaches, bays, harbours and cliff edges.  You are going to find everything from the tropical attractiveness of turquoise water and sand to the soulful drama of surf.

Historical & Cultural Highlights:  The people and places you will encouter in New Zealand all are unique and having stories to disclose.  The great Polynesian navigator Kupe first found his way here around 1000AD, then Captain Cook's arrival in 1769 unleashed a sea of change for the land of its inhabitants.  You can trace the modern New Zealand from its past events.

Island Highlights:  A range of islands varied by sizes are scattered all around the edges of New Zealand's coastline, where rare bird species or escape hatches for city dwellers can be found.

Park & Reserve Highlights:  Enjoy nature, culture or the fruits of somebody else's obsession through beautiful places and created spaces.  New Zealand's graderners and conservationists are famous for their perfectionism. 

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by Royal Exclusive Travel