History of Tourism In Rotorua

Pre European 1350… Maori arrive by waka to Maketu The grandson of the head of the tribe explores Rotorua and names many places e.g Ngongotaha Maori settle around the lake

Beginnings of Tourism 1840 Missionaries settle around Te Ngae and Tarawera They offer the visitors accommodation, food and guides (manaakitanga!) Area is called ‘thermal wonderland’

Two main routes to Rotorua Overland – from Matamata across the Mamaku plateau By Ship – to Tauranga then on foot through the hills into the ‘Lakes District’

Pink and White Terraces by 1873 Tourism thriving at Ohinemutu By 1873 at least 4 Hotels were est. Coach service est. Direct road from Tauranga built 1881: Rotorua township est. by government 1886: Mt Tarawera erupts, Pink and White Terraces destroyed

Diversification A need to develop new attractions Shift in focus to: Thermal Baths Whakarewarewa Waimangu Thermal Valley Trout Fishing Boat Cruises

Diversification cont.. Planning begins for hot water baths in the Government Gardens Rainbow trout is introduced to Lake Rotorua

Building of new infrastructure 1894: Railway (ALK to ROT) Information centre opened 1901: Power station at Okere Falls, electricity begins!, Sewaage, drainage and new water supply 1908: Bath House opened 1908: Model Pa Whakarewarewa 1930s: Two new baths incl. Blue

Mass Tourism Development Phase 1950s: First Motel built 1963: Maori Arts and Crafts Institute built 1964: Airport opened 1967: Rainbow springs opened

1971: Man made attractions begin…..Aquatic Centre, Agrodome 1985: Skyline Gondolas opened

Smaller companies emerge after the larger ones 1980s Many small ADVENTURE companies are established. The nature of the ‘tourist’ is changing and many “F.I.T’s” are being attracted to the area, as well as adventure tourists 1990s Redevelopment of the city centre, lake front, information centre (bus station) and convention centre.

Council involvement – to improve tourists perception of the city The Rotorua are draws around 1.2 million visitors a year. The district ’ s population was 65,901 at the 2006 Census. Almost 20% of the population lives in rural and lakeside areas. On average, there are more than 8,500 visitors per day staying in Rotorua commercial accommodation. There are 800 ha of reserves managed by Rotorua District Council. Rotorua ’ s GDP is estimated at $2.88 billion per annum. Today, the multicultural population of the city welcomes visitors from around the world, attracting thousands of tourists each year.

Updated figures…. For the year ending December 2010 the Tourism Strategy Group of the Ministry of Tourism estimates there were 3.2 million visitor arrivals to Rotorua, who collectively are estimated to have spent $551 million during their stay in Rotorua. Auckland is Rotorua's single largest source market – it accounts for approximately 25% of total visitor days. Other key domestic markets for Rotorua are Bay of Plenty and Waikato. Australia is Rotorua's largest international market – it accounts for approximately 7% of total visitor days. Other key international markets for Rotorua are United Kingdom, USA, South Korea, Germany, China and Japan.