Tikitere, or Hells Gate, located about 9 miles from the town of Rotorua, is an active geo-thermal region. Considered a sacred healing area by the indigenous Maori people, Tikitere offers 50 acres of steaming hot springs, bubbling pools of mud, boiling hot waterfalls and whirlpools, mud volcanoes and shooting geysers. Take a guided tour of Hells Gate or relax in one of the many spas that take advantage of the amazing natural muds, hot waters and mineral pools in the area. After you've toured Tikitere, stop by Rotorua's Te Puia Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, featuring traditional weaving and carving schools, indigenous artwork and cultural exhibitions.
Te Puia Maori Arts and Crafts Institute
PO Box 334
Hemo Road
64-7-348-9047
Rotorua, New Zealand
tepuia.com
Located near the town of Whitanga on the Coromandel Peninsula, Hot Water Beach is a don't-miss tourist destination. Plan to visit two hours before or two hours after low tide and bring a shovel. Head to the southern end of the beach and start digging. When it gets deep enough, the hole will fill with hot water from underground thermal springs, creating your own private hot tub on the beach.
Ninety Mile Beach lies on the western coast of the northern tip of the North Island. Though it's not actually 90 miles long---it's about 66 miles long---the beach offers miles of sandy activities, including surfing, fishing, beachcombing and bodyboarding. If you'd like to take a drive down the beach, several tour companies operate 4x4 tours.
Punakaiki, located in the West Coast region, is home to the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes, a popular tourist destination. Visit the Pancake Rocks at high tide, when the unusual geologic formation of the limestone rocks forces water up and out, resulting in spectacular blowholes.
The Museum of New Zealand, located in Wellington, features exhibits and exhibitions that offer an exploration of New Zealand's cultural and geographical past and present. Learn about the indigenous Maori culture, browse galleries of local artwork or explore the mighty volcanic and tectonic forces that shape the country.
Museum of New Zealand
55 Cable St.
Wellington 6011
New Zealand
04-381-7000
