Rotorua has been names in the New York Times top destinations to visit

Publish Date
Thursday, 11 January 2018, 6:18PM
Photo / Getty Images

Photo / Getty Images

Rotorua has been named in the New York Times' 52 Places to Go in 2018 list.

The list, described as a "starter kit for seeing the world" features Rotorua at number 45 – the only New Zealand destination to make the list.

Destination Rotorua chief executive Michelle Templer said it was fantastic to see the city make the list, reinforcing Rotorua's international reputation as a world-class destination.

With a daily readership of more than 9 million people, and more than 220,000 following theNew York Times Travel Facebook page, Templer said the exposure in the list was "phenomenal recognition for the solid work that has been undertaken by the industry, Destination Rotorua, Rotorua Lakes Council and others".

"This will open the eyes of a new sector of travellers who may not have previously considered Rotorua as a destination."

The blurb talks about the sulphurous geysers and mineral-rich hot springs which "scent" Rotorua, a hub of Maori culture. It also pays tribute to the Redwood Treewalk nightlights as another example of the way nature is animated.

"Thirty dramatic lighting installations from the designer David Trubridge romance the majestic trees after dark."

Regular contributors for the New York Times were asked for ideas on places to make the list, with hundreds of submissions, which were then whittled down to 52.

This article was first published on nzherald.co.nz and is republished here with permission. 

Take your Radio, Podcasts and Music with you