A land alive with adventure and tradition
Rotorua and Taupō are renowned for their extraordinary landscapes shaped by volcanic and geothermal activity, offering visitors and residents a wealth of unique experiences. Whether you’re relaxing in naturally heated mineral pools, taking in panoramic views from a skydiving jump, or enjoying peaceful moments beside quiet lakeside towns like Mangakino and Tūrangi, this region is full of unforgettable adventures.
The region features numerous picturesque lakes, with Lake Taupō standing out as the largest in New Zealand, providing ample opportunities for fishing, boating, and water-based recreation. Outdoor enthusiasts are drawn to the area’s extensive network of hiking trails and mountain biking routes that wind through native bush, volcanic formations, and rolling hills.
Beyond the natural attractions, Rotorua and Taupō are rich in Māori heritage. Visitors and locals alike can engage with vibrant cultural experiences, participating in traditional ceremonies, arts, and storytelling that celebrate the deep history and ongoing vitality of the local iwi. This blend of spectacular nature and cultural richness makes the region a truly special place to live, work, and explore.
How to pronounce placenames in the Māori language (te re Māori): Rotorua-nui-a-Kahumatamomoe and Taupōnui-a-Tia
Nature’s playground and cultural heartland
This is a place rich in Māori culture and tradition, where every day offers the chance to connect with the land, the people, and the vibrant local communities. Whether you’re exploring mountain biking trails, soaking in natural hot springs, or participating in time-honoured cultural experiences, Rotorua and Taupō provide a unique blend of opportunity, lifestyle, and heritage.
Nature’s playground and cultural heartland
This is a place rich in Māori culture and tradition, where every day offers the chance to connect with the land, the people, and the vibrant local communities. Whether you’re exploring mountain biking trails, soaking in natural hot springs, or participating in time-honoured cultural experiences, Rotorua and Taupō provide a unique blend of opportunity, lifestyle, and heritage.
Hospitals and services in Rotorua and Taupō
The Rotorua and Taupō (Lakes) region provides a broad range of health services designed to support the wellbeing of its communities.
Hospitals
There are two main hospitals in Rotorua and Taupō, offering emergency care, inpatient treatment, and specialist services, including a Psychogeriatric Unit focused on mental health for older adults.
Continuing care
Nine continuing care facilities provide residential support for people needing ongoing nursing, rehabilitation, or palliative care.
Mental health services
The region has one inpatient mental health facility and four community mental health centres. Services include iCAMHS for infants, children, and adolescents, adult community mental health teams, and a specialised Mental Health Service for Older People.
Aged residential care
Fourteen aged care facilities support older adults with daily living and healthcare needs in a safe environment.
Pharmacies
Eighteen pharmacies across Rotorua, Taupō, and Tūrangi offer medication dispensing and health advice.
General practice
Twenty-one GP clinics provide primary healthcare services, including routine check-ups, chronic condition management, and immunisations.
Māori health providers
Twelve providers offer culturally appropriate care, with one also serving Pacific communities, ensuring health services respect cultural values.
Healthcare services in Rotorua and Taupō
- Acute Pain Service
- Acute Response Team
- Anaesthesia
- Audiology
- Cancer Care Nurses
- Cardiology
- Chemotherapy and Medical Day Stay
- Clinical Physiology
- Day Stay Unit
- Dental Services
- Dermatology
- Diabetes
- Ear Nurse Specialists
- Emergency Department (Rotorua)
- Endoscopy
- Gastroenterology
- Gynaecology
- HIV Service
- Infectious Diseases
- Intensive Care
- Oncology
- Pre-Operative Assessment Clinic
- Radiology
- Renal Satellite Dialysis Unit
- Sexual Assault Assessment and Treatment Services
- Sexual Health — Rangiora Clinic
- Special Care Baby Unit
- Child Development Team
- Child Protection
- Children’s Health Hub — Te Aka Mauri
- Children’s Outreach Nursing Service
- Children’s Services
- Children’s Unit
- Infant, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (iCAMHS)
- Kia Wana Lakes Baby Breastfeeding Support
- Maternity Services
- Newborn Hearing Screening Programme
- Mental Health and Addictions Service
- Mental Health Services for Older People (MHSOP)
- Primary Mental Health Intervention Service (PRIMHIS)
- Ruia Te Hua Oranga: Southern Lakes Adult MHAS
- Suicide — Info for Family and Friends
- Te Ngako Rotorua (adult MHAS)
- Te Whare Oranga Tangata o Whakaue Mental Health Inpatient Unit
- Social Work
- Bowel Screening
- Breast Screening
- Continence Service
- Covid Vaccination in the Rotorua and Taupō districts
- District Nursing
- Needs Assessment Service Co-Ordination (NASC)
- Occupational Therapy
- Older Person & Rehabilitation Service
- Pokapū o te Taiwhenua Network — Digital health access
- Public Health Nurses and Screening
- Physiotherapy
- Speech Language Therapy
Towns and cities around Rotorua and Taupō
People mainly live in Rotorua and Taupō. There are smaller communities in towns such as Mangakino and Tūrangi.
There is a significant Māori population — the main iwi living in the area are Te Arawa and Ngāti Tūwharetoa.
Taupō
A vibrant lakeside town with a population of around 40,000, Taupō is known for its stunning setting on the shores of New Zealand’s largest lake. Surrounded by mountains, forests, and geothermal activity, it’s a hub for world-class fishing, hiking, and water sports. The town boasts excellent schools, a variety of shops and cafes, and a welcoming community that hosts events throughout the year. With a relaxed lifestyle paired with plenty of outdoor adventure, Taupō offers a great balance of opportunity and natural beauty.
Rotorua
Rotorua is a dynamic city with a population of about 74,000, famous for its geothermal features, including geysers, mud pools, and hot springs. It is also a cultural heartland, rich in Māori heritage and traditions, with numerous marae and cultural experiences open to visitors and locals alike. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy mountain biking trails, fishing spots, and lakeside activities. The city also offers quality schools, a lively arts scene, festivals, and a range of dining options, making Rotorua a vibrant place to live, work, and explore.
Tūrangi
Nestled on the southern shore of Lake Taupō, Tūrangi is a peaceful town of nearly 4,000 residents. Known as the trout fishing capital of New Zealand, it offers excellent opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and hiking in nearby Tongariro National Park. The town has a strong sense of community, affordable housing, and easy access to stunning natural landscapes. Tūrangi is ideal for those seeking a quieter lifestyle close to some of the country’s best outdoor recreation.
Mangakino
A small, friendly town of around 800 people, Mangakino is a gateway to the great outdoors. Surrounded by native forests and lakes, it’s well known for its proximity to the Timber Trail — an 85 km mountain biking and hiking route that winds through ancient bush and crosses suspension bridges. Mangakino offers a tight-knit community atmosphere and is perfect for those who enjoy an active lifestyle away from the bustle of larger centres.