Tauranga (Rotorua), New Zealand

The majority of kiwi fruit produced in New Zealand is shipped from Tauranga. For us, it is the gateway to the Rotorua Thermal Area, a picturesque region of towering geysers, bubbling mud pots, steam vents and other volcanic phenomena. Adjacent to the thermal area is a large Maori Cultural Centre where the traditional arts and cultural practices are taught and maintained. It is an excellent place to shop for a distinctive carved wooden or woven souvenir or piece of handcrafted jewelry in the native materials and style. Near Tauranga there are also the famous Waitomo Glow-worm caverns.