The amazing spurting geysers of Rotorua.

Nested on the shores of Lake Rotorua, "Stinksville" or "Fartopolis" would be a more appropriate name for this city of sulphur.

Despite reeking perpetually of rotten eggs, tourists come to New Zealand's volcanic heartland in droves to soak in curative thermal springs and marvel at spurting geysers and boiling mud pools.

The most visited of Rotorua's attractions is the thermal reserve of Whakarewarewa, a veritable volcanic theme park with its boiling pools, explosive geysers and a Maori cultural area with a number of artists' workshops.

Rotorua is very much the place to immerse yourself in Maori culture, with well-frequented concerts and hangi on the agenda for fascinated tourists.

Springing up around Rotorua's traditional attractions is a burgeoning adventure sports industry. Kayaking, rafting, sledging, jetboating, skydiving, bungy jumping, mountain biking, dirt biking and horse riding are all offered here in a conspiracy to bankrupt adrenalin junkies. There's even the opportunity to try out the uniquely Kiwi sport of zorbing where victims are piled into a large clear plastic ball and rolled squealing down a 150-metre hill.