Rotorua's thermal activity has been drawing visitors since the 1850s, when people came from around the world to see the Pink and White Terraces - destroyed in the Mount Tarawera eruption in 1886 - and to take the region's therapeutic thermal waters. Today, the area attracts more visitors than any other region in New Zealand.
Geothermal Attractions:
- Te Puia
New Zealand's premier Maori culture and geothermal visitor experience. At the far side of the reserve are houses, craft-people, an art gallery, a replica Maori village and the Rotowhio Marae. Maori concerts are held daily.
- Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve and Maori Cultural Centre
Of the five major geyser fields that existed in New Zealand 110 years ago, only Whakarewarewa remains. In one square kilometre, there are roughly 500 hot springs and seven geysers, including the largest and best known, Pohutu.
- Wai-o-tapu
One of New Zealand's most colourful and diverse volcanic areas, it features a daily eruption from Lady Knox Geyser at 10.15am. Other highlights include the primrose terraces, mud pools and the Champagne Pool - a fifth of an hectare of bubbling water with an ochre-coloured petrified edge.
- Waimangu Volcanic Valley
Located 20 minutes south of Rotorua off Taupo Highway 5, Waimangu Volcanic Valley features the world's largest hot spring - the Frying Pan Lake - as well as the huge Inferno Crater. Open daily from 8.30am to 5pm, with a 2.5-3 hour valley walk and boat cruise.
- Buried Village
At Te Wairoa, the Buried Village, the new climate-controlled museum takes you from the pre-European contact period of Maori history through to the famous 1886 eruption which covered the Pink and White Terraces along with Te Wairoa. Since excavations began in 1931, several buildings have been recovered. A trail descends through dense native bush and past spectacular waterfalls. Open daily.
- Hell's Gate
This reserve, 16km east of the city, contains the Southern Hemisphere's largest thermal waterfall.
- Polynesian Spa
A hot springs complex offering a mineral pool, family spa, private pools and massage by appointment. There is a café and gift shop on site. Open 6.30am-11pm.