ROTORUA Spatial Variation
Types of Spatial Variation in Rotorua:
1. Axial
2. Concentration
3. Cluster
4. Linear
5. Dispersal
6. Grid Pattern
SPATIAL VARIATION ROTORUA
Tourism Development has led to the creation of spatial variations in Rotorua. Tourism development
includes the constructions of hotels, motels, shopping malls, attractions, restaurants specifically for
the tourist market.
The spatial variations of tourism development that exist within Rotorua are axial, concentration,
cluster, linear, grid pattern and dispersal.
Axial
Rotorua is on the main Axial route through NZ. The route links Rotorua with the other
main urban and tourist centres in NZ (Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington, Christchurch & Queenstown).
Rotorua’s position on axial route reflects its central location in the N Island, accessibility to population
centres such as Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga.
Concentration
Te Puia- concentration of Major Primary attractions; Whakarewarewa and Maori Art’s & Crafts
Institute. Central Location and combine 2 premier tourist attractions plus kiwi house appeal to 2
different markets.
Rotorua CBD- Concentration of retail, food beverage facilities that have emerge
in conjunction with tourism development. CBD focal point as all transport links converge to CBD
making a popular destination for all tourists and in turn service facilities.
Cluster
Fairy Springs road- located on the major route north between Hamilton and the North. Tourist
attractions; Skyline Skyrides, Rainbow Springs and Rainbow farm. Location is due to natural and
cultural reasons.
Natural- location to Mt Ngongotaha (skyline), underground springs (Rainbow fm)
Cultural- Agglomeration and Marketing
Linear
Fenton Street- Main road from Rotorua to Taupo and the south. Links major attraction such as
Rotorua CBD & Gov. garden, Museum etc. with Te Puia. Fenton st is dominated by hotels and
motels. This is a result of agglomeration.
Dispersal
Natural Attractions- Based on location of natural phenomena, specifically geothermal attractions e.g.
Wai o tapu and Hells Gate. Can lead to agglomeration of accommodation and facilities locate close to
Natural Phenomena e.g. Lake
Tawera.
Cultural Attractions- Maori culture shows performed daily in hotels and restaurants throughout
Rotorua.
Grid Pattern
CBD- Rotorua Township was designed by the government primarily as a tourist location.
The roads are wide and in a grid formation to utilise space and make easy access to navigate through
the CBD.
QUESTION
Comprehensively analyse the spatial variations found in the operation of your chosen cultural process
in your New Zealand setting.
Notes:
Explain the location and the formation of the main spatial patterns in Rotorua.
You must mention Concentration, Linear and Dispersal.
STRUCTURE
Intro Paragraph 1 (P1)
Tourism development has led to range of unique spatial patterns within the Rotorua
region. There are 6 main spatial patterns in Rotorua; Axial (P2), Concentration (P3),
Cluster (P4), Linear (P5), Dispersal (P6), Grid Pattern (P7). I will discuss and analyse
each spatial pattern.
Conclusion (P8)
Remember where possible include labelled diagrams (for this Q you should also be able to draw to
labelled diagrams showing how tourism development has changed)