Location: Rotorua is in New Zealand’s North Island, two and a half hours south of Auckland, in the Bay of Plenty region. Rotorua is part of a large geothermal field that stretches across the central North Island and is known for its geysers, bubbling mud pools and volcanic crater lakes. Its geothermal activity has drawn visitors since the 1800s, so it’s a city designed for tourists. Rotorua also has a strong Maori heritage. It’s a hugely popular destination for families as there is so much to see and do. (No one forgets their first time “smelling” Rotorua!)