Rotorua Attractions

Venue: Wai-o-tapu Thermal Wonderland     When: Daily

Rotorua has been described as one of the geothermal wonders of the world. Centuries of intense volcanic activity has created the ideal environment for hot springs, bubbling mud pools and some spectacular geysers. The whole area is blessed with a variety of wildly coloured pools, lakes and spooky-looking mineral deposits, with various main centres such as Wai-o-tapu, Te Whakarewarewa and Hell's Gate.

Surrounded by mineral rich hot springs in Te Whakarewarewa is Pohutu, the biggest geyser in the country. Erupting regularly, (about 15 times a day), this hot spout gushes water up to 90 feet into the air.

Also in the Rotorua district is an area known as Tikitere or "Hells Gate". Bernard Shaw wrote of it: "Hell's Gate, I think, is the most damnable I have ever visited, and I'd willingly have paid ten pounds not to have seen it."

But don't let that put you off! This is a fascinating thermal area with boiling mud, steam rising through the trees and the biggest hot water falls in the southern hemisphere - the Kakahi Falls. The water here is different from that around the geyser, as it is not hot water from the depths of the earth, but surface water that has been heated by the huge amount of steam that rises up through it. This action produces a different mineral consistency.

There are sulphur deposits on the surrounding land and if you fill a bottle with water from the Sulphur Bath it is said that it is effective in treating septic cuts, bites and some skin complaints. Hook up with one of the many tours and buy a Maori souvenir, or just wander through this bizarre place alone and see if you agree with Shaw.