By booking a Hobbiton/Waitomo tour and travel together with Bush and Beach, we were able to extend our time in Rotorua by a day. That’s great news because Rotorua is a volcanic bonanza of amazingness.

Whakarewarewa: The Living Maori Village

Our hotel is near to Whakarewarewa: The Living Maori Village. Within easy walking distance. We’ve saved the end of the trip to enjoy some Maori cultural experiences, and this seemed like the best place for us to do it. Not only does the village have cultural experiences, it also has a volcanic element. Corn boiled in a geothermal water anyone?

Hell’s Gate

I don’t know about the whole mud bath thing, but I do like volcanic areas. (I love going to Lassen Peak on my way from Oregon to Disneyland.) It’ll be cool (or hot) to be able to get an up close and personal experience with the power and strength of our planet.

Waimangu Volcanic Valley

The site of the largest recorded eruption in New Zealand history, the area has hot streams, geysers, and other geothermal activity. A nice walk along the colorful, and likely smelly, area could make for some nice photos, videos, and be relaxing.

Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

It’s a wonderland! Home to one of the most photographed geothermal spots in New Zealand, Wai-O-Tapu is another on the list of places to visit for volcano-related activity. Of course, with all of these places and many more, it’ll be difficult to decide which one to visit.

While I have focused on the volcanic activities, I am sure we’ll find some good places to eat and ways to relax in the area. If you have some hints and tips about New Zealand travel, feel free to leave them in the comments.

• Read “A Short Survey of Wellington.”
• Read “A Short Survey of Dunedin.”
• Read “A Short Survey of Christchurch.”
• Read “A Short Survey of Auckland.”
• Read “Getting Acquainted with Auckland and Aucky Walky Tours.”
• Read “A Short Survey of New Zealand’s Creativity.”
• Read “A Short Survey of New Zealand Foods.”
• Read “A Short Survey of New Zealand’s Penguins.”
• Read “A Short Survey of New Zealand Destinations: On First Look.”
• Read “Taika Waititi on Creativity.”

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