Rotorua, New Zealand Cruise Port

With a name that translates from a lofty "The second great lake of Kahumatamomoe," the cruise port of Rotorua, New Zealand is definitely worth exploring. Located on the southwest shore of Lake Rotura in the Bay of Plenty Region (which is on New Zealand's north island), Rotorua is a cultural center for the Maori people, the indigenous Polynesian settlers who came to the island between the years 1250 and 1300. While the country's largest city of Auckland is a three hour drive north, this is a popular area for both domestic and foreign tourists in its own right, thanks to a well-developed city with a helpful Tourist Information Centre and mild climate. The area is also flush with parks and reserves, which take advantage of the many geothermal hot spots created by the Taupo Volcanic Zone. Listed below are some of our favorite experiences when cruising to Rotorua, New Zealand:

• The Redwoods in the Whakarewarewa Forest are popular attractions near the city. Along with the majestic redwood trees, you'll be surrounded by other types of vegetation. Walking, riding, and biking trails are available, with bike rental shops available nearby.
   
• For a taste of local culture, visit the Tamaki Maori Village. Definitely geared toward tourists, it's a fascinating look at a pre-European Maori village, which was created to provide an adventure that's educational, interactive, and incredibly entertaining.
   
• In an area full of hot spots, the Waikite Valley Thermal Pools bills itself as "a unique place to come and experience the ‘Living Waters’ of the Te Manaroa Spring." Surrounded by a lush garden, this is a fantastic place to relax, unwind, and commune with nature. The onsite café provides ice cream and cold drinks when it's time to cool off.
   
• With 14 lakes from which to choose, the only hard part is picking the one best for you. If you want to stick close to town, Lake Rotorua has no end of opportunity for outdoor fun; geology buffs can book a boat trip to Mokoia Island in the lake's center, which is a is a volcano-created rhyolite lava dome.