Located about 40 miles south of Tauranga, Rotorua sits in the heart of North Island. Tourism is the major industry for this city of 68,000 permanent residents.

Like Yellowstone in the United States, Rotorua in New Zealand is one of only 5 known geothermal areas in the world. Thus, it attracts visitors (wanting to see this phenomenon of Nature) from all over the world. Its distinct sulphur odor and hot spring baths are legendary.

Rotorua is also the heartland of Maori culture.
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