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.
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.
Te Puia
Geothermal Wonders
Discover one of New Zealand’s most magnificent geothermal wonderlands and Māori cultural centres.
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.
Whakarewarewa - The Living Māori Village
Geothermal Wonders
Home of the Tuhourangi and Ngāti Wahiao people and located on a geothermal plateau, Whakarewarewa Village is New Zealand’s oldest continuous Māori tourism experience, even pre-dating the world-famous Pink and White Terraces.
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.
Waimangu Volcanic Valley
Geothermal Wonders
Waimangu Volcanic Valley connects people with the beating heart of the world’s youngest geothermal valley, its unique history and legacy.
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.
Wai-o-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
Geothermal Wonders, South
Wai-o-Tapu Thermal Wonderland is New Zealand's most colourful geothermal attraction.
Steaming Cliffs Kayak at Lake Rotomahana
Geothermal Wonders, South
Explore the amazing scenery of Lake Rotomahana on this spectacular guided kayaking tour.
Geyser By Night at Te Puia
Geothermal Wonders
When darkness falls, the true love story of the city's geothermal wonderland comes to life.
Ōhinemutu Māori Village
Geothermal Wonders
Connect with the culture, people, history and landscape that have made Rotorua the incredible place it is today.
Sulphur Bay Wildlife Refuge
Geothermal Wonders
Explore an amazing geothermal area where threatened bird populations make their home.