Rotorua: Thermal Attractions

Rotorua is the city of thermal attractions. Situated on the edge of Lake Rotorua, the geothermal activity here is intense, and gives rise to some amazing and unique hot springs, craters, geysers and bubbling mud pools that can be found throughout the city. There are a few spots in particular where the geothermal activity has created incredible landscapes, multi-colored pools, vast steaming lakes and spectacular geysers. Here’s a guide to some of the must-see attractions in Rotorua – don’t forget to bring your camera.

Waiotapu is about 20 km south of Rotorua on the way to Taupo. Busloads of tourists converge at the Lady Knox geyser near here at 9:30 every morning for the 10:00 eruption of the geyser (buy your tickets at Waiotapu first and come early to get a carpark, a seat and an unobstructed view – it’s extremely popular!). It’s so regular because the guides trigger it with cakes of soap. In colonial days, prisoners washing their clothes in the hot pool discovered this effect. I imagine it was fairly startling for them at the time. A cairn of rocks has since been built over the pool to focus the eruption and a nice layer of deposited sinter makes it look fairly natural. It blasts up to about 30m at first, and then plays for up to an hour at 5 – 10 m (pictured).

Waiotapu (Sacred waters) is my favourite attraction because of the magnificent, multi-hued, bubbling, steaming and wildly colourful Champagne Pool. It’s 60m across, 60m deep, bubbling with carbon dioxide, and loaded with everything from dissolved gold and silver to silica and antimony. The sinter terraces that drain the run-off are huge, but only a faint echo of what the Pink and White Terraces must have been like. Mud pools, hot pools and old craters can be interesting but a trifle drab at times. The Champagne Pool is vibrant.

Waimangu Valley is around 15 km south of Rotorua off the Taupo road. Brought to life by the 1886 Tarawera eruption, this valley is the greenest and most natural of the thermal areas. It boasts the ‘world’s largest hot spring’ and the delightfully blue Inferno Crater Lake, as well as other springs and terraces on about 4 kilometres of trail through native bush. At the bottom of the valley, you can also do an informative and scenic half-hour cruise on Lake Rotomahana under the looming bulk of Tarawera. It’s usually uncrowded and peaceful and they lay on a bus back up the valley.

Whakarewarewa is close to the city, and is its premier attraction. It combines geysers, springs, terraces, craters and bubbling mud pools with highly-skilled displays of Maori culture and crafts. It’s very popular.

Tikitere, or Hell’s Gate, is to the east of Lake Rotorua on the way to Whakatane. It’s predominantly boiling mud, steaming rocks and churning pools of superheated water, and is a little more sombre and atmospheric than other areas. It has a nice new spa area where you can slather yourself in mud and soak out any stress. There are peacocks patrolling the tearooms there, so watch out underfoot when you come through.

Kuirau Park is in the city and has mud pools, hot springs and other attractions. It’s quite safe in the busy areas, but it’s not a place to venture into at night. It’s also a sensible precaution to avoid secluded areas, as there have been a few muggings and sexual assaults there.

Polynesian Pools in the city is a popular lakeside complex of heated and mineral pools. Classic outdoor (or indoor) relaxation in any weather.

Other Attractions

Te Wairoa, the buried village, is close to Lake Tarawera. It’s kind of like a New Zealand Pompei (without the bodies or extensive stonework) and quite an interesting place for a wander.

Mt Ngongotaha Go up on the gondola on a clear day for a view over the city and lake. There’s a restaurant and cafe at the top, and luge tracks down the slopes (always exhilarating but a little jarring on the butt in places).

Paradise Valley Springs is a little ways behind Mt Ngongotaha. There are springs of crystal-clear water set in native bush and stocked with hundreds of hungry trout. There are also native birds and a few lions. It’s relatively natural and relaxing, but beware the tour bus groups (and the tour buses on the winding country road)!

Redwood Memorial Grove is just a a short distance from Whakarewarewa. Giant Californian seqouias were planted here in 1901, and now reach about 55m. It’s a great place for a walk or a bike ride in hot weather.

Tudor Towers Museum & The Blue Baths are set in gardens between the lake and the city. They show the historic spa facilities that people came to for their health, and the museum has a fabulous display of Te Arawa taonga (treasures) that give a real insight into their culture. Take a walk along the lakeshore (pictured) while you’re there.

There are also numerous other attractions, such as farm shows (sheep shearing and the like), bungy jumping, kiwi displays (the bird), Maori villages and cultural performances, kayaking, fishing, horse riding, bee and honey displays, mountain biking and lake cruises. I’m sure there are more every time we go there. As a tourist town, it’s well provided with accommodation, restaurants and cafes. I like it – especially the hot pools and the intense geology.