Rotorua is home to a large population of Maori. It also has a lot of geothermal pools eveywhere. and although the city smells of sulfur at times, you can really do a lot here. There's great hot spring spas to enjoy. You can get your own private hot spring pool for $10 30min. Bring a bottle of wine and relax.
Accommodations in Rotorua are petty inexpensive. I found a large cool hostel right in town that had private rooms w/ private bathrooms (small motel style room) for $25 dollars American. Very clean and the main house had a daily contiental breakfast along with lot's of books, games and a pool table.
The Maroi Museum, garden grounds and the hot springs were right across the street as well. The local pub a few blocks over has a great selection of tap beers and great food.
Spending time on a traditional Maori Village was a treat in deed. The meal that was cooked the old traditional way in steam pools and the Hangi (ground oven) was delicious. The village has it's own indigenous hand made goods, even an old tattooing shop and a beautiful Maori tribal house.
