Rotorua and the East Coast Features

Experience Rotorua and the East Coast

When to Go

Mid-November through mid-April is the best time to visit the central and eastern North Island. The weather...

Top Reasons to Go

Central North Island is trout country. You can get out on any of the designated lakes and waterways if...

Great Itineraries

Numbers in the text correspond to numbers in the margin and on the East Coast & Volcanic Zone, Hawke's...

About Rotorua

One thing that many New Zealanders and visitors share is a love-hate relationship with Rotorua (ro-to...

About Lake Taupo

The largest lake in New Zealand, Lake Taupo is a popular holiday spot for locals and visitors alike...

About Napier & Hawke's Bay

New Zealand prides itself on natural wonders. By that way of thinking, Napier is an exception. This coastal...

About Eastland

Traveling to Eastland takes you well away from the tourist track in the North Island. For some people...

Dinner on the Rocks

Rotorua, the cultural home of the Maori, is the best place to experience a hangi, a traditional Maori...

Spellbound in Middle Earth

Some of the most striking elements of the Lord of the Rings film trilogy weren't created by special-effects...

The Hinemoa Legend

One of the great Maori love stories has a special local connection, because it takes place on Mokoia...

The Elusive Te Kooti

Of all the Maori leaders who opposed the early Pakeha settlers in New Zealand, Te Kooti was the most...

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