It's official - Rotorua is fast becoming one of the top places to visit in the South Pacific, international jetsetting travellers say.
Influential Australian-based travel website TripAdvisor.com.au announced this evening the city has been ranked fourth as one of the top 10 destinations 'on the rise' in the Pacific region.
The 2013 list is based on the destinations which have received the greatest increase in positive reviews and interest each year from the "millions" of TripAdvisor travellers world-wide, the website says.
The Sulphur City came in behind top ranked Christchurch, and West Australian tourist areas Margaret River and Broome.
The city found favour among international travellers who ranked it ahead of hotspots across the Ditch including Surfers Paradise, Canberra, Pokolbin, and Alice Springs.
Close neighbour Taupo is ranked 10th, one place behind the South Island's Edinburgh clone, Dunedin, on the website.
Agrodome general manager Grant Kilby said the website's high placed listing of the city was "commendable".
"It is now a chance for Rotorua to capitalise and increase its awareness and popularity with travellers," he said.
Mr Kilby said all local tourism operators, hospitality and accommodation providers now needed to get in behind the website to keep promoting the region.
"TripAdvisor is a key source for travellers seeking real life comments and experiences.
"It is undergoing real growth among travellers wanting more than brochure type information."
The website gave "meaningful advice" and was a valuable channel for the local tourism industry to receive traveller's feedback whether it was "good, bad or ugly", he said.
TripAdvisor.com lists a comprehensive list of 39 'must-see' attractions for tourists visiting Rotorua starting with the world acclaimed Redwood's Forest in number one spot, followed by the Waimangu Volcanic Valley, the Wai-o-tapu thermal area in the top three spots, down to the Farm House equestrian centre on Sunnex Rd in 39th position.
Visitors to Rotorua can choose between "bubbling mineral springs and pools for maximum relaxation" or "dramatic geysers and a buried village" which are in easy reach, the website says.
"What happens in the bubbling mud geysers of 'Rotovegas' - stays in Rotovegas", it says.
After getting muddy in a thermal pool visitors can "soar" nearly 700m on the Skyline gondola for views of Lake Rotorua, explore the lake by paddle steamer, take a fishing charter, or travel on water in a vintage World War 2 'duck' or amphibious vehicle.
TripAdvisor also lists Havana, La Fortuna de San Carlos and Kathmandu among the top three global destinations "on the rise".
