10 Best Geothermal Parks in Rotorua & New Zealand 🤯

1. Orakei Korako

Known as “The Hidden Valley”, Orakei Korako features caves, springs and silica formations among other geothermal wonders. The highlight of the valley is a variety of silica terraces, such as the Golden Fleece Terrace with its bronze and golden(ish) steaming terraces. Even your journey to this geothermal park between Rotorua and Taupo is an exciting one as you cruise by boat across New Zealand’s longest river, the Waikato River.

Location: Orakei Korako Road. On State Highway 5 at Mihi, turn down Tutukau Road then onto Orakei Korako Road. This attraction is approximately 67 km (42 mi) from Rotorua and 35 km (22 mi) from Taupo.

2. Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

“Out of this world” is the best way to describe Wai-O-Tapu. The iconic Champagne Pool, the Devil’s Bath and the huge bubbling mud pools are a window to the inner workings of the planet. Touring the park takes only about an hour at the most. Regardless, there are more than 25 different geothermal features to see. Time your trip with the “eruption” of the Lady Knox Geyser every day at 10:15 am. You also might like to take your swimwear to bathe in the natural hot spring just outside the park, as described in the 5 Free Natural Hot Pools in Rotorua.

Location: Along State Highway 5 about 53 km (33 mi) from Rotorua. Turn down Wai-O-Tapu Road for 1 km (0.6 mi).

3. Waimangu Volcanic Valley

On 10 June 1886, the Tarawera volcano erupted destroying all life in the area. With that, the volcanic area grew 20 times larger and formed the Waimangu Volcanic Valley. This devastating event destroyed the once-famous Pink and White Terraces, which were known to be a truly unique sight. Since then, Lake Rotomahana has slowly filled up many small crater pools that now stew in the bottom of the valley. Visiting the valley via walking trails and an optional lake cruise is your chance to witness one of the youngest geothermal systems on the planet. Plus, the Waimangu App allows you to rediscover some of the geothermal features now lost after the 1886 eruption.

Location: 587 Waimangu Road, approximately 25 km (15.5 mi) from Rotorua town centre.

4. Te Puia

Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley was once home to a Maori pā (fortified village) called Te Puia. It is now a great cultural attraction mixing Maori culture and geothermal features. While there are many mesmerising mud pools and bubbling springs to admire, the highlight of this geothermal park in Rotorua is Pohutu Geyser, the largest geyser in the Southern Hemisphere. For its Maori experiences, check out the 50 Places to Experience Maori Culture in New Zealand.

Location: Hemo Road, approximately 3 km (1.5 m) from Rotorua city centre.

5. Whakarewarewa Living Māori Village

Walk, ride an e-bike and incorporate Maori cultural experiences at Whakarewarewa Living Māori Village. Guided and self-guided options are available to explore the vast hot spring lake and mud pools among native plants. The jewel of the park is Parekohuru, a large hot spring pool which bubbles intensely every 45 minutes or so. When you’re done, try hangi pies among other Māori dishes at the on-site cafe. Learn more about this geothermal park in Rotorua and book tickets on Viator and Klook.

Location: 17 Tryon Street, Whakarewarewa, approximately 3 km (1.5 m) from Rotorua city centre.

6. Hell’s Gate

Not only can you admire the bubbling mud, land coral and other features of their geothermal park, but you can also relax in a mud spa bath to rejuvenate your skin at Hell’s Gate. It’s a hot pool experience with a difference! Book your entry to Hell’s Gate on Viator, Klook or whatever you prefer!

Location: 351 State Highway 30, Tikitere, approximately 16 km (10 mi) or 20 minutes drive from Rotorua city centre.

7. Kuirau Park

This free geothermal park is situated right in the city centre of Rotorua. See bubbling mud, steaming lakes and small silica terraces in Kuirau Park connected by a network of footpaths. What’s more, you can even bathe your feet in hot foot baths. Check out more attractions like this in the 20 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Rotorua.

Location: Kuirau Street, Rotorua.

8. Craters of the Moon

Craters of the Moon has a very different history than the previous parks mentioned. The area only opened to the public recently when a geothermal power station was established nearby. The natural gas in the area just outside of Taupo is now captured by the station which toned down the activity in the area, making it possible to visit today. Walking the whole park through fumaroles, craters and mud pools takes under an hour. What’s more, at around NZ$10 per adult, it’s one of the cheapest paid geothermal parks in New Zealand.

Location: Karapiti Road, Wairakei, Taupo.

9. Wairakei Terraces

With hot pools fed by geothermal springs, Wairakei Terraces is a place where you can experience the tranquillity of geothermal waters and see some stunning terraces, geysers and hot springs. The hot pools are the main attraction, however, so learn more about them in the 10 Best Hot Pools in New Zealand.

Location: State Highway 1, Wairakei, Taupo.

10. Tokaanu Thermal Walk

Just outside of the little town of Turangi and the Tongariro National Park is the hidden gem of the Tokaanu Thermal Walk. This free 20-minute loop walk takes you through native bush to various hot pools, bubbling mud and colourful displays.

Location: State Highway 41, Tokaanu, approximately 6 km (4 miles) from Turangi.

Frequently Asked Questions About Geothermal Parks in Rotorua and New Zealand

If you still have questions about visiting Rotorua and New Zealand’s geothermal wonders, here’s what you need to know about experiencing these natural hotspots.

How many geothermal areas are there in Rotorua?

Rotorua is home to around 15 geothermal areas in the district and seven geothermal tourist attractions, each offering unique features, from bubbling mud pools to impressive geysers. Notable geothermal parks in Rotorua include Te Puia, Wai-O-Tapu, Whakarewarewa – The Living Māori Village, Hell’s Gate and Waimangu Volcanic Valley, among others.

Which geothermal park to visit in Rotorua?

Choosing which geothermal park to visit in Rotorua depends on what you want to see and experience:

• Te Puia: Famous for the Pōhutu Geyser, Māori cultural performances, and the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute.
• Wai-O-Tapu: Renowned for its colourful hot springs, including the Champagne Pool, and the Lady Knox Geyser.
• Whakarewarewa – The Living Māori Village: Offers a unique opportunity to experience a living village amidst geothermal wonders.
• Hell’s Gate: Known for its mud spa and the largest hot waterfall in the Southern Hemisphere.
• Waimangu Volcanic Valley: The world’s youngest geothermal system with a beautiful eco-focus on natural history and ecology.

What is the name of the most famous geothermal area in New Zealand?

The most famous geothermal area in New Zealand is arguably the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland near Rotorua. It’s celebrated for its stunningly colourful hot springs and geothermal features, including the iconic Champagne Pool.

Which is better: Waiotapu or Te Puia?

Choosing between Waiotapu (Wai-O-Tapu) and Te Puia depends on your interests:

• Waiotapu is better if you’re interested in seeing a wide variety of colourful geothermal features and landscapes.
• Te Puia offers not just geothermal attractions like the Pōhutu Geyser but also rich cultural experiences, including Māori performances and crafts.

What is the difference between Te Puia and Whakarewarewa?

• Te Puia: Focuses on showcasing Māori culture alongside geothermal phenomena. It’s home to the Pōhutu Geyser, Māori cultural performances, and craft institutes.
• Whakarewarewa – The Living Māori Village: Offers a more immersive cultural experience in an authentic living Māori village set within a geothermal landscape, allowing visitors to see how the local people utilise the geothermal resources in daily life.

How do you see the geysers in Rotorua?

To see the geysers in Rotorua, visit geothermal parks like Te Puia, where the Pōhutu Geyser erupts several times daily, or Wai-O-Tapu, where the Lady Knox Geyser is induced to erupt every morning. Timing your visit to these eruptions is usually recommended by the park’s daily schedules.

What is there to do in Rotorua’s geothermal areas?

In Rotorua’s geothermal areas, you can:

• Explore unique volcanic landscapes with bubbling mud pools, hot springs and geysers.
• Experience Māori culture through guided tours, performances and traditional hāngi meals.
• Enjoy spa treatments that utilise the mineral-rich waters, such as mud baths and thermal pools.
• Take guided walks to learn about the geology and history of these dynamic landscapes.

To learn more about Rotorua and New Zealand’s hot springs, check out the 10 Best Hot Pools in New Zealand.