photo credit: Premshree Pillai

EAT

Rotorua is one of the most common places to try the traditional maori feast, the Hangi. This “earthen oven” technique is similar to the Hawaiian Umu and results in a very distinctive smoky earthy flavour - well worth trying. There are numerous places to try a Hangi around Rotorua.

In the last decade Rotorua has slowly acquired some nice cafes - good options include:Ciccio Italian cafe, Relish, Capers or the Fat Dog.

Restaurants are slightly more scarce but several of the major hotels have good eating establishments (Novotel or Ridges on the raceway). The main centre for eating is lower end of Tutanakei Street (known locally as Eat Street), but beware, even after 9pm you may find little left on the menu.

The usual generic chains for Pizzas and burgers also can be found. Another option would be to go for the buffet at Skyline Skyrides, as this saves the cost of the gondola ride and you can often get a spectacular view of the sunset over the lake. Prices are about NZ$40 per adult, with children charged at NZ$1 per year of age.

Ask the more friendly looking locals for directions.

DRINK

photo credit: epicbeer

Rotorua is sometimes referred to as Roto-Vegas because of the many neon-lit hotels along the main street, the numerous venues for gambling and the few brothels. Strangely though, there isn’t much night life to speak of. The bar at the Hot Rocks Backpackers - the Lava Bar - is a good bet, alternatively you could try the Pig & Whistle, Fuse or the Fat Dog Cafe.