We have had the privilege of getting to know the proprietors of this lovely property – and last year stayed at their urban hotel – the Regent of Rotoura (which is more than fabulous). While we haven’t had a chance to stay at the Black Swan (yet) – we have heard amazing things about it from a few friends and colleagues who have. Here are some of the words we heard to describe the property: “exceptional,” “glorious,” “incredible,” “amazing” and “best place ever.” All I can say is that knowing Brent and Darryn and their unwavering commitment to excellence combined with comfort – the Black Swan is the choice to make when it comes to boutique accommodation in Rotorua. (Although we do have to say that a stay at the Regent of Rotorua is in order too!)

The Black Swan has expansive grounds that include a rose garden, sweeping lawns, a swimming pool, sauna, secret grotto, sandy beach, private jetty, heli-pad and eight guest rooms. The eight luxurious rooms are beautifully appointed with stunning views over the lake or gardens. Focusing on contemporary Pacific fusion food, the Black Swan offers its guests the opportunity to dine overlooking the lake or to request private dining in the conservatory, grotto or gardens.

Although situated in an oasis of calm, the Black Swan Lakeside Boutique Hotel is only a five-minute drive from the Rotorua city centre and a 20-minute drive from Rotorua International Airport. The Black Swan is the perfect place to stay in, relax and savour the sumptuous facilities; although if you wish to venture out, there are plenty of recreational activities to enjoy including lake cruises, fishing trips and float plane scenic flights from the private jetty or a helicopter sightseeing trip from the heli-pad.

Whether for business or pleasure, experience exceptional lakefront living, luxury accommodations, exquisite dining and the finest amenities… and just disappear for awhile.

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In the Maori world, connections between people are integral to their culture. Whakapapa (shared origins) define that world, and these relationships are maintained and honoured throughout the generations.

At Te Puia you will experience this world, where the Maori guides proudly recount stories handed down from their tipuna (ancestors). For many visitors, learning about the Maori culture is a highlight of their trip and Te Puia never disappoints. There is so much to do here that the biggest challenge is deciding what to do first. Along with the opportunity to participate in a Haka – a traditional Maori ancestral war cry, dance or challenge – to partaking of a special traditional food experience that uses the geothermal waters of Ngararatuatara for cooking foods such as corn, seafood, eggs, which is how Maori people utilized nature for their sustenance.

Visitors can also take part in a Te Po: Indigenous Evening Experience which includes a Powhiri (ceremonial welcome) which commences with the sounding of the putatara (conch), followed by a Wero (challenge), where a toa (warrior) is sent out to challenge the male chief elected from among the visitors to confirm the visitor’s peaceful intent. Then is the Karanga (call of welcome), where the Maori women give the call of welcome to the guests and they move into a traditional and authentic, fully carved marae (Maori ancestral meeting house). Visitors then view the hangi, a traditional Maori cooking technique that uses hot rocks and water to steam cook food in an underground earth oven. Next is the Whaikorero (speeches of welcome), where the Maori chief officially welcomes the visitors and some simple encounter rituals are performed. The home tribe sings a traditional song in support of their chief. Then, the Kapa Haka – a cultural performance where guests are invited to participate in either the haka or poi dances. And, then comes the Hakari (feast), which includes the traditional hangi. This is done in a comfortable dining area. Here guests enjoy the indigenous food along with cultural storytelling and entertainment. And then, the visitors move down to the Pohutu Geyser where they feel the spirit of the valley and finish the evening beside the awe-inspiring geyser with a hot drink and more Maori inspired delicacies. Then, it is time for Poroporoaki, final goodbye and good wishes.

Te Puia takes its origin from the heritage of the Te Whakarewarewa Valley. With its gushing waters and steaming vents, it’s a place of powerful energies and natural beauty. People have been living here for almost 700 years, nourished by those energies. The special connection the Maori guides have with the land and its history ensures tours at Te Puia are unlike any other in New Zealand.

Te Puia is a very special place and one that connects visitors to New Zealand with Maori culture and tradition by engaging and inspiring rather than just showing. For those interested in the cultural heart of New Zealand, the Maori people, their history and their traditions, this experience is exceptional.

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Skydive dropzone is located 20 minutes from central Queenstown in a rural tranquil environment. Access to the dropzone is by courtesy coach, departing hourly (weather permitting) from central Queenstown.  And in Rotorua, the renowned geothermal area of New Zealand, the NZONE dropzone is conveniently located at Rotorua Airport. They will arrange courtesy transport from your accommodation in Rotorua at the time you make your reservation.

A new plane was introduced last year – Supervan 900. It holds 18 people – so up to nine customers can jump together, keeping groups together for their once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s also the quietest and most fuel efficient aircraft for commercial skydiving, thus reducing the impact on the environment and on the neighbours.

NZONE produces the most comprehensive photo packs in the country, which includes 20 – 6×8 printed images, a CD-ROM of high resolution images, a DVD of your experience, seven personalized postcards and a certificate of achievement. And there is a new briefing room in the town centre shop. The cinema-style presentation room is twice as big as before, allowing for better customer comfort and experience.

In a Tandem Skydive with NZONE Skydive, you see some of the most dramatic scenery in New Zealand, from 15,000 feet.  Now celebrating 21 years of skydiving and over 180,000 tandem jumps to date, NZONE is the only tandem skydive company to have been awarded the Supreme Tourism Award.  NZONE also runs XLR8 Go Solo courses so you can learn to skydive solo. Achievement doesn’t come sweeter.

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A multi-million dollar development program has transformed Rotorua Museum into a world-class, must-see visitor experience. It is a great place for visitors to start their Rotorua journey. This landmark project marked the final stage in the completion of the iconic Bath House building, in which the museum is housed. Opened in 1908, it has taken over 100 years to finish the building, which, only now, finally reflects the original vision of Dr. Arthur Stanley Wohlmann. The new $22 million development has also increased the number of changing gallery spaces at Rotorua Museum from one to five. It now provides the central North Island’s most comprehensive program of local, national and international art exhibitions and touring shows.

At the museum, visitors can discover the region’s rich culture, volatile landscape and dramatic history, brought to life through a variety of stunning multi-media exhibitions. Innovative displays, fascinating cinema experiences, informative guided tours, and multi-language interpretive guides help guests discover the amazing stories of this unique region.

Centrally located in the spectacular Bath House building, Rotorua Museum can be explored from mudbath basement to rooftop platform, with fantastic views of the city and lake.

At TRENZ, the museum is showcasing a brand-new permanent exhibition, Ngā Pūmanawa o Te Arawa – The Beating Hearts of Te Arawa, opened in September 2011. Spanning eight galleries, the exhibition follows the dramatic journey of the local Arawa tribe, from origins far across the Pacific to their lives in Rotorua today. Using beautiful taonga (treasures), innovative design and stunning lighting, the exhibition provides an insight into the Maori world – and particularly that of Te Arawa: how the environment has influenced their unique culture; the beliefs that guide daily life; and how life changed radically with the arrival of settlers from overseas. The carved waka in the new exhibition was created by Weta Workshop – famous for their Oscar-winning special effects on the Lord of the Rings movie trilogy.

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