Rotorua, in New Zealand’s North Island, is arguably the geothermal capital of the world. There’s no shortage of volcanic attractions to visit in this tourism hot spot.
Wai-o-tapu Thermal Wonderland
Wai-o-Tapu is among New Zealand’s most colourful and diverse geothermal sightseeing attractions. If you want to see a natural landscape like no other, you’ve come to the right place.
Wai-o-Tapu is one of the most extensive geothermal systems in New Zealand. The reserve is an active volcanic area, and well-maintained tracks give visitors the chance to enjoy volcanic vistas on walks of varying lengths.
The Lady Knox geyser, a three-minute drive from the Visitor Centre, erupts at 10.15am, accompanied by a presentation by an informed guide in the natural amphitheatre. It erupts to heights of 10-20m.
Waimangu Volcanic Valley
Just 20 minutes south of Rotorua and 40 minutes north of Taupo lies Waimangu Volcanic Valley, Rotorua’s premier tourist attraction and a must-do eco-experience for anyone visiting the area.
Here you’ll find exciting thermal attractions including steaming volcanic crater lakes and colourful pools. A protected scenic reserve and wildlife refuge, Waimangu Volcanic Valley encompasses the beautiful Lake Rotomahana and is set in pristine New Zealand bush. It’s the world’s youngest geothermal system.
On a Waimangu tour, you’ll start at the top of the volcanic valley and trek into its heart. The pools’ colours are amazing and bubbling hot springs and sulphuric acid lakes hints at the power below the surface.
There’s a range of self-guided eco tours and walks through this geothermal park, varying from 45 minutes to four hours, and a boat cruise on Lake Rotomahana, on which you’ll be treated to rare geothermal sights not accessible on foot.
If you can’t or don’t want to walk around, there’s a courtesy shuttle bus that runs through the valley regularly.
Te Puia
Nestled in Rotorua’s Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley, Te Puia is brimming with fascinating stories. Visitors flock here in droves to enjoy personal encounters with the awesome power and majesty of this fiery valley. Explore on your own or with a guide.
Pohutu geyser, which erupts regularly to heights of up to 30m, is a highlight here, as are bubbling mud pools that provide the soundtrack for any walk through the valley.
At Te Puia you can also learn about traditional Māori cooking techniques and sample delicacies – seafood, eggs and corn, for example – cooked in a boiling alkaline pool.
Te Puia is more than just geothermal activity. It’s also home to New Zealand’s Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, and here you can watch master weavers and carvers at work when you’ve had your fill of volcanic attractions. You can also take in a cultural show featuring talented performers who are passionate about their history and know how to show it.
Whakarewarewa
Take in the breath-taking landscape at this quaint village and learn how the locals use the geothermal waters for everyday use – bathing, cooking and so on. Friendly guides will share stories of life in the village and you can sample buttery corn cooked in a hot pool; this is a mouth-watering must-do.
See the renowned penny divers as you cross the bridge into the village, and take in the local version of dinner and a show’ – a traditional performance by the Pakira group followed by a hangi meal.
The Tuhourangi/Ngati Wahiao people who call this village home are descended from the survivors of the 1886 Mt Tarawera eruption, an integral part of Rotorua’s history. So there’s no one better to hear the stories of the region from.
The village closes to the public at 5pm.
Kuirau Park
Just outside the Rotorua city centre is Kuirau Park, a vibrant public space that’s free to wander through. Numerous walkways wind their way through the geothermal setting, lending themselves to views of mud pools and boiling lakes. These thermal areas are unpredictable, so make sure you stick to the tracks. New eruptions occasionally occur.
According to legend, Kuirau Park’s lake was once cool in temperature. But a beautiful young woman named Kuiarau was bathing in it when a taniwha (legendary Maori creature) dragged her to his lair below the surface. The gods were angered and made the lake boil so the taniwha would be destroyed forever. The lake and the surrounding land have been known as Kuirau ever since, in her memory (the spelling of Kuirau has since changed).
If you need to relax after all the walking around, soak your feet in one of the steaming mineral foot pools in the park.
Kuirau Park also boasts a playground and paddling pool for kids, markets from 7am-1pm every Saturday morning, and it houses Rotorua’s Aquatic Centre.
(Feature image: J Brew; Search flights to Rotorua image by Robert Young)
