It has been called Sulphur City, Rotovegas and Rottenrua but the Maori name for the
Government Gardens area is more to the point Whangapipiro, meaning an "evil smelling place". Hydrogen sulfide
drifting up from natural vents in the regions thin crust mean that the whiff of rotten eggs lingers in the air, but after
a few hours you barely notice the smell.
Quick tips/suggestions
Should you bathe in any of the natural thermal pools, don't put your head under the water due to the risk of amoebic meningitis;
the organism that causes it is a rare parasite but infection can result in very serious illness.
If there's a place you've stayed or something you've done, but we haven't listed, review it for us!
ROTORUA
Activities