Rotorua Tourism Spatial Patterns Essay – Key Statistics

These flashcards summarize key statistical concepts and patterns related to tourism in Rotorua.

Concentration

A spatial pattern where tourism services are heavily located in a specific area, such as Rotorua’s CBD.

CBD

Central Business District, where over 50 hotels/motels are found, known as 'Motel Mile'.

20% workforce

Percentage of Rotorua’s workforce directly linked to tourism, approximately 7,500 jobs.

Domestic visitors

60% of total visitor nights in Rotorua are accounted for by domestic visitors.

Visitor expenditure

Visitors spend around $2.6 million per day in Rotorua.

Starter statement for Pattern 1

One clear spatial pattern is the concentration of tourism services in Rotorua’s CBD.

Ender statement for Pattern 1

This spatial concentration shows how tourism development operates to centralise infrastructure.

Linear pattern

Development of attractions along key transport routes, such as SH5 and SH30.

SH5

State Highway 5 connects Auckland to Rotorua and Taupō, facilitating access.

Wai-O-Tapu visitors

Receives 450,000 visitors annually, showcasing a popular attraction.

Agrodome visitors

Hosts over 100,000 visitors per year, indicating its appeal.

Skyline Rotorua visitors

Attracts 700,000 visitors annually, contributing to the tourism landscape.

Starter statement for Pattern 2

Another pattern is the linear development of attractions along key transport routes.

Ender statement for Pattern 2

The linear pattern of attractions reflects how tourism relies heavily on transport infrastructure.

Nodal pattern

A spatial arrangement focused on geothermal activity, attracting significant visitor numbers.

Whakarewarewa and Te Puia

Combined, these geothermal locations attract over 500,000 visitors per year.

Geothermal tourism

35% of international tourists cite geothermal activity as their primary motivation for visiting.

Taupō Volcanic Zone

Rotorua’s location, characterized by over 120 geothermal features.

Starter statement for Pattern 3

A nodal pattern exists around geothermal activity.

Ender statement for Pattern 3

The development of infrastructure around geothermal features demonstrates cultural adaptation.

Dispersed pattern

Tourism activities spread across Rotorua’s rural and natural areas, rather than being centralized.

Rotorua District lakes

The district has 18 lakes, contributing to its natural attractions.

Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest visitors

Receives 1.2 million visitors annually, highlighting its popularity among tourists.

Mountain Biking Capital

Rotorua is recognized as the International Mountain Biking Capital of NZ.

Lake Tarawera users

Attracts over 200,000 recreational users annually.

Starter statement for Pattern 4

Tourism is also dispersed into Rotorua’s rural and natural areas.

Ender statement for Pattern 4

This pattern demonstrates tourism development at multiple spatial scales.

Peripheral pattern

Cultural and adventure attractions located on the outskirts of Rotorua.

ZORB Rotorua

The world’s first ZORB attraction, hosting over 50,000 visitors each year.

Māori cultural tourism

Represents approximately 10% of all Rotorua visitors through various cultural sites.

Tourism GDP

Tourism supports 11% of Rotorua’s GDP, illustrating its economic impact.

Rankings

Rotorua consistently ranks in the top 3 NZ tourism destinations according to MBIE surveys.

Starter statement for Pattern 5

Finally, many cultural and adventure attractions are located on Rotorua’s periphery.

Ender statement for Pattern 5

This spatial expansion shows how tourism diversifies beyond geothermal zones.