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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Waikite Valley Hot Pools
Geothermal Wonders, South
Geothermal experience and hot pool bathing in 100% pure natural geothermal waters overlooking Waikite Valley, native bush and surrounding geothermal activity.
Totally Tarawera
Geothermal Wonders
Guided cultural and geothermal tours to Te Rātā Bay and Hot Water Beach, including a natural hot pool soak.
Sulphur Bay Wildlife Refuge
Geothermal Wonders
Explore an amazing geothermal area where threatened bird populations make their home.
Ōhinemutu Māori Village
Geothermal Wonders
Connect with the culture, people, history and landscape that have made Rotorua the incredible place it is today.
Geyser By Night at Te Puia
Geothermal Wonders
When darkness falls, the true love story of the city's geothermal wonderland comes to life.
Steaming Cliffs Kayak at Lake Rotomahana
Geothermal Wonders, South
Explore the amazing scenery of Lake Rotomahana on this spectacular guided kayaking tour.
Wai-o-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
Geothermal Wonders, South
Wai-o-Tapu Thermal Wonderland is New Zealand's most colourful geothermal attraction.