Rotorua’s geothermal parks are truly captivating and are sure to leave visitors spellbound. Be it witnessing Pohutu Geyser splash water up 30 meters into the air or visiting one of its conservatories – there’s something here for everyone here in these mystical landscapes!
Experience an unforgettable tour through Whakarewarewa’s geothermal valley at night on a guided night walk, at an extra cost but an incredible journey!
Te Puia
Discover sloshing mud pools, steamy cliffs, and the Southern Hemisphere’s only active geyser at Te Whakarewarewa geothermal valley. Enjoy Champagne Pool’s vivid mineral hues as well as Lady Knox geyser and other natural hot spring phenomena like Lady Knox geyser or our natural hot spring phenomena such as Champagne Pool. And don’t forget a visit through Maori cultural carving and weaving school for one of New Zealand’s most complete geothermal experiences ever!
Experience Hell’s Gate for yourself and indulge in its rejuvenating mud baths, or stroll through and uncover land coral, hot waterfalls and the largest mud volcano in the country. Alternatively, take in Otorohanga Kiwi House to see rare birds in their natural environment; plus it is close enough for families with young children to visit this geothermal park!
Pohutu Geyser
Experiences like seeing geysers launch scalding water into the sky are hard to replicate anywhere else – one reason why visiting Rotorua’s famed geothermal parks are well worth your while.
Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley offers an abundance of volcanic wonders, from bubbling mud pools to erupting geysers. Witness Pohutu Geyser burst forth several times every hour while discovering an alluring geothermal landscape with waterfalls roaring and record-breaking silica terraces.
Ohinemutu Maori Village provides an ideal opportunity to witness how New Zealand’s volcanic past continues to shape the nation today, including how geothermal activity has become part of local culture over the centuries.
Hells Gate Mud Baths are an absolute must for visitors of Rotorua. Unwind in a soothing mud pool while you indulge in steaming hot water infused with natural minerals to rejuvenate and restore after exploring Rotorua’s extraordinary geothermal parks.
Wai-O-Taupo
Apart from geothermal parks with entrance fees, there are a few spots that can be explored without paying. Kuirau Park is an example. While further from the city centre than Te Puia, it offers an impressive walk through hot springs, bubbling mud pools, and stinky sulphur bays.
Pohutu geyser can reach heights of 30 metres in the air! Erupting every 2 to 36 hours depending on weather conditions, making this attraction well worth visiting!
Another bonus of this location is that it’s pet-friendly; bring along your pup! Just be sure to keep them leashed up and clean up after them when done!
For honeymooners looking to experience Maori culture at Te Puia and see Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers up close, this six-day New Zealand itinerary may be just what’s needed. Starting off in Auckland’s Mount Eden park you’ll head onward to Matamata where Hobbiton awaits, followed by Rotorua for one last stop and finishing up in Wellington where there is always plenty to see and do before finishing up at Rotorua!
Waimangu Volcanic Valley
The world’s youngest volcanic valley is an extraordinary geological marvel. Following Mount Tarawera’s eruption in June 1886, seven volcanic craters opened up, filling it with hot water pools, steaming geysers and bubbling mud. Walks through its beautiful bush-lined valley will reveal hydrothermal surface activity as well as rare plants which have since settled here since. Be sure not to miss Pohutu Geyser which shoots 100ft of hot steaming water every hour – you can set your watch by this one!
At Waimangu Valley Experience you will gain insight into its fascinating story of volcanic activity and its aftermath. Relax aboard a cruise around Lake Rotomahana or discover all that the full Waimangu experience has to offer, such as walking options suitable for all fitness levels.
At that point, you’ll have the choice between driving back to Rotorua or continuing your adventure by boarding the scenic TranzAlpine train to reach South Island for exciting heli-hikes on Franz Josef Glacier and white water rafting trips on Kaituna River! These experiences are just some of the many available to visitors in New Zealand.
Hell’s Gate
Te Whakarewarewa offers an enchanting landscape filled with boiling pools, geysers, and sulfurous spas – an unspoiled wonderland of geothermal activity! Discover this world by yourself using an included map or join one of their guided tours to gain more insight into its fascinating geothermal past.
Visit Hell’s Gate Thermal Reserve – aptly named Hell’s Gate! You’ll see how Maori utilized its unique geothermal features for communal bathing, cooking and healing purposes. Wander around this volcanic site to witness bubbling mud volcanoes, hot sulphur lakes, boiling steam vents and the southern hemisphere’s largest natural hot waterfall!
Slumber in one of the soothing mud baths or sulphur spas overlooking an amazing landscape for an invigorating rejuvenation ritual that Maori have practiced for generations in order to ease joint and muscle discomfort. And don’t miss a cultural experience with an Hngi meal, poi dance performance and Haka show for an unforgettable cultural showdown!