Geysers & other geothermal oddities, great fishing lakes,
extreme sports, and native Maori culture.

POHUTU GEYSER
SPOUTS 100 FEET
IN THE AIR AT THE
WHAKAREWAREWA
THERMAL RESERVE ON
THE EDGE OF ROTORUA.
Photo copyright © Home at First

Attractions in and around Rotorua: The Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve offers visitors a close-up look at one of the world's great geyser fields and an opportunity to learn about Maori culture and crafts. Elsewhere, Lake Rotorua and other local lakes and rivers offer top-notch fishing. The Agrodome is a nearby visitor center with an agricultural theme coupled with extreme adventures like jet-boating and zorbing. Enjoy a traditional Maori hangi feast at Tamaki village. Play golf on a geo-thermal course. Relax in style at Polynesian Spas. Rotorua has shopping, restaurants, parks, even a British bowling green.

SHEEP SHEARING AT THE AGRODOME
AT NGONGOTAHA NEAR ROTORUA.
Photo copyright © Home at First

Attractions in and around Taupo: Fishing for world class trout on New Zealand's largest lake is the main reason people have been coming to Taupo for decades. Besides the challenges of Lake Taupo watersports, the Taupo region boasts the Wairakei geothermal region, Huka Falls, superb golf at Wairakei International, and acclaimed hiking in the active volcanic wilderness of Tongariro National Park.

HUKA FALLS AT
WAIRAKEI NEAR TAUPO.
Photo copyright © Home at First

Getting to/from Rotorua and Taupo: Most Home at First guests will travel by rental car, coming from Northland (6-7 hours), Auckland (3-5 hours), or the Coromandel (3-5 hours). Some guests wishing to avoid long drives will fly in or out of the region using Rotorua Airport.

     LAKE TAUPO WITH TONGARIRO VOLCANOES
       Photo copyright © Home at First

Lodgings: Top quality bed and breakfast lodges in quiet, convenient locations near Rotorua and Taupo.

HOME AT FIRST'S HIGHLY-RATED ROTORUA LODGE OFFERS ON-SITE RIVER AND LAKE FISHING ALONG
WITH SUPERB HOSTING AND TOURING CONVENIENCE.
Photo copyright © Home at First

Getting around Rotorua and Taupo: Use of a rental car is a must here in order to enjoy the attractions, the scenery, and explore small, out-of-the-way places. Even during the busiest travel season road traffic is relatively light throughout this region.

MAORI WARRIOR AT TAMAKI VILLAGE HANGI
Photo copyright © Home at First

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