Rotorua, New Zealand

Rotorua

Roto = lake

Rua = two or second

So, Rotorua roughly means “Second Lake”.

The original Mãori name is “Te Rotorua-nui-a-Kahumatamomoe”, which means “The second great lake of Kahumatamomoe.”

•   Kahumatamomoe was a Mãori chief and the uncle of lhenga, a great Polynesian explorer credited with discovering many lakes in the central North Island.
•   Rotorua was the second lake he discovered, hence the name.

The Government Gardens were beautiful to walk through, the hot springs were steaming and the view from the hotel over the lake made it all feel like a retreat.

If you’re in Rotorua, definitely take some time to explore beyond the big geothermal parks, there’s so much natural beauty right in the city.