Rotorua is situated in the North Island’s Bay of Plenty.
As one of New Zealand’s major destinations for cultural and adventure activities, Rotorua attracts visitors and students from around the world.
Living in Rotorua as a student
Travelling around this friendly city is easy, and you’ll be able to catch a bus from your homestay to your language school each day.
At lunchtime or after school, you can walk down to the lakefront or Government Gardens with friends. Stopping for a coffee on the way is a great way to practise your English in everyday situations.
As well as a variety of English courses, Rotorua English Language Academy has an excellent activities programme, which includes free activities for full-time students on Friday afternoons.
What to do in Rotorua
From Māori cultural activities to adventure, Rotorua has something for everyone!
If you like adventure and the outdoors, try Rotorua’s 90km of world-class mountain biking trails, the Zorb, white water rafting, or the luge. You can also get your adrenaline pumping with adventure activities at Velocity Valley.
If your style is more relaxed, then the Polynesian Spa’s hot thermal springs, Skyline Gondola, or walking in Whakarewarewa Forest might interest you.
For something a little different, try the Redwoods Treewalk tour, where you can walk through a forest on suspended bridges and platforms. You can even experience it at night, with beautiful giant lanterns lighting up the walkways.
An absolute must-do activity is a visit to Te Puia to see the world-famous mud pools and Pōhutu Geyser, while experiencing our unique Māori culture.
Eating and drinking in Rotorua
You’ll never be stuck for something delicious to eat or drink in Rotorua. At lunchtime you can stay at school or visit one of the many international restaurants or cafes nearby.
Visit Eat Streat where you can choose from a range of excellent restaurants and bars. Grab a drink from the Brew Craft Beer Pub, some street-food snacks from Sobar & Café, or cook your own steak at the CBK Craft Bar & Kitchen. You can eat outside at Eat Streat all year round, thanks to its thermally-heated footpaths!
Make sure you learn about hangi, a traditional Māori earth oven cooking method, and enjoy some Māori cuisine at Whakarewarewa, The Living Māori Village.
What to see and do in the Rotorua region
Just out of Rotorua, you’ll find Okere Falls, a beautiful destination for hiking, rafting, kayaking, and mountain biking. You can take a boat cruise on Lake Rotoiti, then have a delicious meal at the Okere Falls Store.
Another must-do activity is a day trip to Lake Taupō, New Zealand’s largest lake, which is roughly the same size as Singapore! Take a ferry across Lake Ohakuri to the Orakei Korako Cave & Thermal Park, marvel at the powerful Huka Falls, or book a scenic cruise on Lake Taupō to see Māori rock carvings at Ngātoroirangi Mine Bay. If you’re visiting Taupō in July, make sure you check out the annual Winter Festival.
Why learn English in Rotorua?
Choose Rotorua is you want to improve your English while experiencing a fun mix of cultural, geothermal, and adventure activities.
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