(CNN)Rotorua, on New Zealand"s North Island, was attracting international visitors long before "Lord of the Rings" director Peter Jackson made the country"s landscape irresistible to the world.
Its Pink and White Terraces, dubbed the country"s first tourist attractions, were the world"s largest siliceous sinter deposits before they were destroyed in an 1886 volcanic eruption.
Though the stunning site is no more, Rotorua has re-invented itself as the adventure capital of North Island.
The unique combination of forests, lakes, geothermal activity and Maori culture makes it a must-visit on any North Island tour.
At least three to four days is recommended. Most attractions are all within five to 20 minutes of the main town.
On land
For amazing geothermal experiences there"s Volcanic Air"s scenic flights.
The most popular fly to Whakaari (White Island) and Mount Tarawera. Both are of cultural as well as geological importance to the Pacific Ring of Fire.
Tim Barrow, chief helicopter pilot and director of Volcanic Air, says many guests rate the flights as truly once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
"Where else can you land a helicopter on the crater floor of a permanently active island volcano and explore an almost lunar-like landscape?"
Back on land, the Rotura Bath House was a fashionable modern spa in the 19th and 20th centuries -- a place to socialize and "take the cure" provided by the thermal waters.
Closed in 1966, after extensive renovations it reopened as the Rotorua Museum -- or Te Whare Taonga o Te Arawa.
Exhibitions highlight the facility"s fascinating history as well as Nga Pumanawa o Te Arawa, or the Beating Hearts of Te Arawa, the dramatic journey of the Te Arawa Maori tribe from far across the Pacific Ocean to Rotorua.
The Polynesian Spa, located on the grounds of the Rotorua Museum, and Hells Gate, are two of the region"s most reputable spas, both featuring natural thermal hot springs.
"Our two most popular treatments are the Polynesian SpaMud Polish & Aix Massage, which is a hydrotherapy treatment, and the Polynesian Spa Purifying Mud Body Wrap," says Gert Taljaard, CEO of Polynesian Spa.
"Both of these treatments use locally sourced Rotorua mud."
Maori culture
Te Puia, a Maori cultural center, is pivotal in preserving Maori traditional arts and crafts by leveraging their own tourism heritage (the Te Arawa were the region"s first tour guides).
The cultural center showcases vibrant Maoriculture in daily and nightly cultural performances.
"More than the region"s activities, the real highlight of Rotorua is the people," says Takurua Mutu, director of Multi-Day Adventures NZ.
"Our huge Maori population is unique and ourculture isprevalent -- it"s all about whanaungatanga and manaakitanga (relations and care)."
Totally Tarawera"s tours focus on a local tribe that had to relocate after the 1886 volcanic eruption but eventually moved back, reconnecting with the land.
Kaitiaki Adventures Aotearoa offers ascents to the summit of Mount Tarawera led by a Maori guide.
Wikitoria Maori Healing and Wai Ora Spa offer traditional Maori healing therapies with medicinal herbs and techniques.
It"s worth planning your trip to coincide with the Rotorua Walking Festival, the half Ironman, or the Rotorua Marathon -- one of the oldest in the world.
Read more: http://www.cnn.com/2016/09/13/travel/rotorua-new-zealand-travel/index.html
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