Spouting geysers, bubbling mud pools, steaming vents, boiling lakes and colourful sinter terraces are just about everywhere in and around Rotorua!
Besides taking advantage of our glorious hot pools, you must make time to check out our spectacular geothermal parks – each one so different from the others – in and around the city. These incredible, surreal places will leave you in awe and provide the most amazing backdrop for your photography.
Be sure to make time for Kuirau Park, just a few minutes’ walk from the city centre, and free to visit. Meandering paths through this city park take you to see mud pools and hot pools (too hot for bathing!). Then, take a load off and soak your feet in the free foot bath.
Geyser By Night at Te Puia
Geothermal Wonders
When darkness falls, the true love story of the city's geothermal wonderland comes to life.
Government Gardens
Geothermal Wonders
Government Gardens is a beautiful public park situated along the edge of Lake Rotorua and just minutes from the city centre.
Hell's Gate Geothermal Park & Mud Spa
Geothermal Wonders, East
Hell’s Gate is Rotorua’s most active geothermal reserve and New Zealand’s only mud spa complex.
Hot Water Beach at Te Rātā Bay
Geothermal Wonders, East
Tucked away on the southern shore of Lake Tarawera, a hot spring trickles down a small stream and into the lake, creating our very own hot water beach at Te Rātā Bay.
Kuirau Park
Geothermal Wonders
Check out the natural boiling, bubbling and steaming geothermal action throughout Kuirau Park, New Zealand’s only free geothermal public park!
Lake Rotomahana
Geothermal Wonders, South
Sitting at the base of Mount Tarawera, Lake Rotomahana is steeped in history and surrounded by geothermal features like geysers, fumeroles and colourful steaming cliffs.
Mt Kakaramea (Rainbow Mountain) Summit Track
Geothermal Wonders
A 2.5km walk or mountain bike ride to the top of Mt Kakaramea rewards you with breathtaking 360° views.
Ōhinemutu Māori Village
Geothermal Wonders
Connect with the culture, people, history and landscape that have made Rotorua the incredible place it is today.
Orakei Korako Cave & Thermal Park - The Hidden Valley
Geothermal Wonders, South
Situated just 45 minutes south of Rotorua and nestled on the shores of Lake Ohakuri lies the hidden valley of Orakei Korako Cave and Thermal Park.
Polynesian Spa
Geothermal Wonders
Polynesian Spa is New Zealand’s leading internationally acclaimed thermal spa, offering relaxing hot mineral spring bathing, sumptuous spa therapies and picturesque Lake Rotorua views. In 2022, Polynesian Spa received the Country Award for the Luxury Lakeside Spa category in the World Luxury Spa Awards.
Rotorua Museum: Outside the Walls Historical Government Gardens Tours
Geothermal Wonders
Discover Rotorua's rich culture, volatile landscape and legendary figures in this must-do FREE tour around the famous Rotorua Museum and Government Gardens.
Steaming Cliffs Kayak at Lake Rotomahana
Geothermal Wonders, South
Explore the amazing scenery of Lake Rotomahana on this spectacular guided kayaking tour.