Rotorua

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Rotorua - feel the spirit. foreword by Paul Goddard

Rotorua must be one of the most famous destinations in New Zealand. It is one of the main tourist regions of New Zealand and most of you will have seen images of the bubbling mud pools or steaming Geysers that are associated with the region. However, Rotorua has far more to offer. When I first visited Rotorua I was amazed by the drive through the pine forests and then the view of lake Rotorua as we drove through the hills. I have spent a lot of time in Rotorua and I discover something new with every visit. It's a lifestyle destination with excellent nightlife and restaurants and the amazing cultural heritage of the place and its breathtaking scenery really do remind you that you are somewhere special on earth. There is a spirit to Rotorua and I have found the place to be friendly, relaxed and a great place to enjoy the famous New Zealand lifestyle.

About Rotorua

The Rotorua district has a multi-cultural population of approximately 68, 0000 people. The region attracts some 1.6 million visitors annually. The lakes district has 15 fishable lakes packed with rainbow and brown trout. The lakes, all formed from the craters of extinct volcanoes, are a popular attraction for many water-based activities. From the moment you enter Rotorua you know you are somewhere quite different. Whether it is the sneaky threads of steam finding unlikely escape routes in parks, pathways and streets or the distinct scent of sulphur wafting through geothermal hot spots, Rotorua gives an impressive welcome. The city is well connected to the rest of New Zealand and the world, through a network of road and air links. Summer temperatures range from 21-29 degrees c and winter is a mild 9-16 degrees. The city has over 250 shops to choose from and more than 50 restaurants with cuisine from all over the world. A brand new events centre has just been opened and the city hosts many major attractions.

Out and About

For those of you who want to experience the great outdoors then Rotorua offers everything. There are kilometres of walking tracks just waiting to be explored, from lakeside to tracks for the more intrepid adventurer. You can walk from the Rotorua Lakefront around to Sulphur Point, taking in the naturally formed bird sanctuary and general serenity of the area. Those of you looking for something a little more adventurous, venture to the mighty Whirinaki Forest with one of a number of talented guides in the area. This is a mystic rainforest full of myths and legends and should not be missed. Kuirau Park is the site of the city's most recent geothermal eruption. (don't worry it was a long time ago) Walk between bubbling mud pools and steaming holes and gain a unique insight into the power of mother nature. The Government gardens are in the centre of town and have a century of history as the location of the Rotorua Bath House which is now the Museum of Art and History. The ski fields of Ruapehu are only a one hour drive away and the beaches of the Bay of Plenty are just a short 40 min scenic drive.

Rotorua, Where The Living Is Easy

Jobs are plentiful in the Rotorua district with the unemployment rate the lowest on record. Jobs are available covering all skills but with the accommodation, agriculture, health and retail sectors featuring strongly. Generally, New Zealand market rates are paid in Rotorua and are negotiable on experience and qualifications. People working 40 hours per week in an administration based role can expect between NZ$50,000 - $75,000 with top line trades people and upper managers earning between $65,000 - $90,000

Taking part in activities in Rotorua and the surrounding areas is often free or relatively cheap. Everyone has access to the many lakes, parks, mountains and beaches that are either in Rotorua or nearby. The layout of Rotorua and in particular its compact central business district means getting about is very quick and inexpensive. An efficient and friendly bus service also operates in most of the city's suburbs.

New Zealand has a policy of free healthcare and school education is free for children aged from five to 18 years of age. Although there is no set age to retire in New Zealand, pension entitlements under the National Superannuation Scheme begin at 65. All New Zealanders pay into the Accident Insurance Scheme (ACC), which provides cover for all NZ citizens, residents and temporary visitors to New Zealand.

House prices in Rotorua when compared to the United Kingdom are favourable which can mean that the capital you bring from you home country can go a long way in helping you achieve your lifestyle choice. When seeking a new home in Rotorua you will be spoilt for choice. Whether it be urban or rural living that interests you; living by one of the district's lakes or setting up home near the forest, there is certainly plenty to choose from. In fact, the residential real estate market in Rotorua can be classified into four key areas, rural, lakeside, suburban and lifestyle living. The median price for houses sold in Rotorua in 2006 was NZ$203,100 and Rotorua is popular with families who want easy access to recreational water activities such as water skiing, trout fishing, kayaking and canoeing. Many houses in Rotorua have water views and if you are looking at renting when you first arrive, the average rent for a three bedroom house is NZ$273 per week.

Getting Educated

The Rotorua district is the envy of many of those involved in the education sector in New Zealand. There are nearly 89 early childhood education centres in Rotorua ranging from kindergartens through to day care and pre-school groups. Nationally New Zealand has higher rates of participation in early childhood education than most developed countries. All education services, from early education to schools are scrutinised every three years by the Education Review Office and an ERO report published in the public domain. As well as receiving funding from the state, the more than 25 primary schools in Rotorua, three intermediates, five high schools and local institute of technology, are also assisted to some degree by the local Rotorua Energy Charitable Trust, which has provided funding for a myriad of educational facilities and projects. New Zealand has a good education system with high average achievement by international standards. The National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) is structured in levels and comparable to GCSE's and 'A' levels.

What The People Have To Say

"I always laugh when people talk about traffic problems - it's more like a 'rush minute' rather than 'rush hour'...My friends in the united kingdom are very jealous of the lifestyle I have here"    Andy Fuller -Rotorua  (formerly Aylesbury UK)

"I would definitely recommend Rotorua because of its location and lifestyle, it's central to everything and the population is not too large"  Andrew Whittaker - Rotorua (formerly Lancaster UK)

"We have found the quality of life fantastic. It's a really good climate in summer and winter is not harsh...you can spend more time outdoors..the play/park facilities are brilliant for children...clean, safe and tidy"   Emma Walker - Rotorua (formerly Newcastle UK)

"The kids are doing really well in the education system here. In fact, they were behind where they should have been in reading and writing when they came to New Zealand."   Stephen Pinder - Rotorua (formerly Surrey UK)