As you enter the city, you are hit with the pungent smell of sulphur, but gradually you get used to it. On the whole a healthy place to visit.
Food, sight-seeing and shopping
All kinds of food available and reasonable rates. For sightseeing, there are plenty of geothermal lakes, gondola ride to a hill top, watching the feeding of lions in the zoo, and you can feed a lion cub too personally. Not to be missed is the Govt. Museum where a film is shown about the eruption of Mt. Tarawera which buried a whole village and killed about a 100 people. You will experience the shaking of the ground (your seats in the theatre) when the volcano eruption takes place.
Activities & things to do
Plenty of hot water springs are there in parks where you can immerse yourself in the hot waters. Ride the boat in Lake Rotorua or take a small plane ride if your finances permit around the area.
Travel tips, How to reach, travel warnings etc.
Best is the hire a cab or a motor home (RV) from Auckland. Its about 3 hours drive from Auckland. Advance booking of accommodation is a must if you don\'t want any hassles at the last minute. Bach (Rented homes) are available where everything is provided for you (except food) . 150 to 200 NZ$ per night is very reasonable.
