Rest assured, there is more to Rotorua’s nightlife than Maori hangi and concert performances. For a start, pick up a free copy of Thermal Air, which will point you in the direction of some of the best places to go.

There’s an Irish pub in every town, and in Rotorua that’s O’Malley’s Irish Bar, 1287 Eruera St. (tel. 07/347-6410), which features live music most Friday and Saturday nights. A good hotel nightspot is the Mezz Bar in Rydges on Fenton Street.

Backpackers will invariably have a good time at Base Hot Rock Lava Bar, 1286 Arawa St. The Pig & Whistle City Bar, 1182 Tutanekai St. (tel. 07/347-3025), has a boutique brewery and hearty pub-style meals, with live music on Friday and Saturday. Fuze City Bar, Lake End, Tutanekai Street (tel. 07/349-6306), is open from 3pm until late Tuesday through Saturday and offers a smart environment for evening drinks, tapas, and gourmet pizza.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.