What to do and see in Rotorua District, North Island: The Best Hot Springs & Geysers

October 10, 2021 Myesha Cogley

Discover the best top things to do in Rotorua District, New Zealand including Whakarewarewa - The Living Maori Village, Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, Waimangu Volcanic Valley, Te Puia, Waikite Valley Thermal Pools, Kuirau Park, Waiotapu Boardwalk/ Mud Pool, Polynesian Spa, Hell's Gate Geothermal Reserve & Mud Spa, Waitangi Soda Springs.
Restaurants in Rotorua District

1. Whakarewarewa - The Living Maori Village

17 Tryon Street Whakarewarewa Village, Rotorua 3010 New Zealand +64 7-349 3463 [email protected] http://www.whakarewarewa.com/
Excellent
59%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,669 reviews

Whakarewarewa - The Living Maori Village

With natural geothermal heat radiating from the ground, Whakarewarewa Living Māori Village is a unique cultural experience, set in a fascinating geothermal landscape, offering an authentic peek into Māori village life. Hourly guided tours give visitors a chance to learn how the geothermal resources are used in daily life, twice-daily cultural performances are filled with fun interactivity, and a network of nature trails traverse geothermal lakes, bubbling mud and explosive geysers. This will be a memorable experience for all ages. Open 8.30am – 5.00pm daily.

Reviewed By linfarrington24 - Launceston, Australia

Loved seeing how Maori people have lived and evolved over hundreds of years. Wonderful to be welcomed and encouraged to share their pride in their cultural heritage. We started with a tour by a young guide who had a uniquely modern perspective on her heritage, we followed that with the cultural show which brought us to tears in the beauty of the love songs and the passion of the cultural expressions. Finally we shared a traditionally prepared meal, which we thought we would 'experience' rather than enjoy. How wrong we were! It all goes to show how much we have to learn from our indigenous brothers and sisters!

2. Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

201 Waiotapu Loop Road Rd 3, Rotorua 3073 New Zealand +64 7-366 6333 [email protected] http://www.waiotapu.co.nz
Excellent
62%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 8,651 reviews

Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

"One of the 20 Most Surreal Places in the World" Trip Advisor THOUSANDS OF YEARS IN THE MAKING, explore spectacular nature at New Zealand's most colourful natural volcanic area. Walk at your own pace - view the unique Champagne Pool, Sinter Terrace formations, Steaming Ground, Bubbling Mud, Expansive Vistas, Huge Volcanic Craters. The Lady Knox Geyser erupts daily at 10.15am. Excellent facilities at modern Visitor Centre. We are a cashless site, accepting all major credit and EFTPOS cards.

Reviewed By C0nstantlyOnTheG0 - Newcastle, Australia

It's nine years since I've been here and this time I returned with more family. Waiotapu is totally unique and offers vistas of bubbling mud pools, the Lady Knox Geyser, craters and an incredible geothermal park. In June 2009, we visited on a blue sky day and the hues of colour were picture perfect for photography; as good as what you see on the website. This time round, we were shrouded in fog and the colours in the park were not at their best. If you're in the area for a couple of days, best to visit when the sun is shining. We spent approximately 2 hours here. The walkways were easy to get around; some were boardwalks, others were dirt track and there were some sections with stairs. If you wish to see the Geyser you need to be there before 10.15am. Waiotapu is approximately 25 minutes south of Rotorua and is a unique place to visit in New Zealand, if not the world.

3. Waimangu Volcanic Valley

587 Waimangu Road Off State Highway 5, Rotorua 3043 New Zealand +64 7-366 6137 [email protected] http://www.waimangu.co.nz/
Excellent
71%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,697 reviews

Waimangu Volcanic Valley

Explore spectacular activity in the world’s youngest geothermal system on a self-guided walking tour at Waimangu Volcanic Valley. We offer a range of options for all abilities and ambitions varying in length from our short 1.5km highlights walk to a 4.5km hike including an invigorating climb over Mount Haszard for astonishing panoramic views. Discover Frying Pan Lake, one of the largest hot water springs in the World and mysterious, beautiful Inferno Crater Lake which rises and falls as it heats and cools. See rare and unusual plants that have adapted to grow in the warm geothermal landscape and enjoy the abundance of native birdlife around Lake Rotomahana. Opt for an additional 45 minute cruise around the tranquil waters of Lake Rotomahana to see nature, birdlife and geothermal activity not accessible by foot. Relax and listen to the full historical commentary throughout cruise. Enjoy a much needed rest and take advantage of the shuttle bus at the end of your tour.

Reviewed By R0gerV - Leuven, Belgium

This site offers a nice hiking experience for all levels of fitness. Starting at the visitors center you can hike all the way down the valley passing places like Frying Pan Lake, Cathedral Rocks, Inferno Crater, Birds Nest Terrace, Rift Valley, Waimangu Stream and many more, leading you to the jetty at Lake Rotomahana. Here you can even make a boat trip of about 45 minutes on the lake. You are walking all the way in a stunning landscape with geothermal and volcanic elements. Depending on your hiking abilities you can start walking and if necessary take the internal bus further down to the lake or return, after a breathtaking walk all the way down, back to the visitors center. This is an experience you should not miss when you are in the neighborhood of Rotorua.

4. Te Puia

Hemo Road, Rotorua New Zealand +64 7-348 9047 [email protected] http://www.tepuia.com
Excellent
56%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 5,628 reviews

Te Puia

Te Puia spans 70 hectares within the historic Te Whakarewarewa Valley, on the edge of town. We are home to the world famous Pohutu geyser, to mud pools, hot springs, to silica formations to the Kiwi bird and the national schools of wood carving, weaving, stone and bone carving. We have shared these treasures with manuhiri (visitors) for 170 years and proudly continue that legacy today.

Reviewed By ruki-de - Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom

Enjoyed the combo with the guided tour of the craft school, Pohutu geyser, general entertainment, Maori show, the multi-course dinner and hot chocolate back at the geyser after dark. Included pick-up from and return to accommodation.

5. Waikite Valley Thermal Pools

Waikite Valley Rd1, Rotorua 3010 New Zealand +64 7-333 1861 [email protected] http://www.hotpools.co.nz/
Excellent
62%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,210 reviews

Waikite Valley Thermal Pools

Waikite Valley Thermal Pools provides the opportunity to relax and experience the pure natural geothermal waters from the Te Manaroa Spring. Facilities include The Pukeko in the Ponga Tree Cafe, a splash pool with adjoining toddlers play area, passive bathing pools, private spas, nature trail and separate changing, toilet and shower area for families. Waikite Valley Thermal Pools also offers powered and non powered campground sites.

Reviewed By Loulo00 - Auckland, New Zealand

This beautiful sanctuary is worth the 1/2 drive from Rotorua into the valley. Fresh geothermal waters flow into the naturally heated pools, excavated into the hillside. It was freezing and rainy when we went so we bolted from the changing rooms and spent 1 and 1/2 hours luxuriating between the large warm swimming pool and the hot spas with infinity edges surrounded by native bush. Glad we were told to hydrate as you do get very tired and headachey if you didn’t too long in one go in the hot pool/spas (longer than 15min). Beautifully fresh clean pools and a divine bush outlook, with a small cafe where you can get basic food & drinks. A fantastic, relaxing and restorative experience for the whole family.

6. Kuirau Park

Ranolf Street and Lake Road, Rotorua New Zealand +64 7-348 4199 http://www.newzealand.com/int/feature/kuirau-park
Excellent
47%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,151 reviews

Kuirau Park

Reviewed By FoodObsessedLaura - Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom

Visited this place a few weeks ago and it was my first experience of Rotorua's thermal wonders. I was amazed at all of the bubbling mud pools and clear boiling water holes. There was informative signs all around the park, explaining the thermal occurrences and past stories/theories of how the lakes became boiling. At the end of the walk, I relaxed with my feet in the thermal foot spa. One of the best free things to do in Rotorua and definitely recommend going here.

7. Waiotapu Boardwalk/ Mud Pool

Waiotapu Loop Road, Wai-O-Tapu New Zealand +64 7-366 6333 http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/bay-of-plenty/places/rainbow-mountain-and-waiotapu-scenic-reserves/things-to-do/waiotapu-boardwalk/
Excellent
68%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 125 reviews

Waiotapu Boardwalk/ Mud Pool

Reviewed By 619jeffry - Essendon, Australia

You can't go to Rotorua and miss the "dancing mud." Rotorua is the heart of Maori culture. Due to thermal activity, the boiling mud makes shapes and keeps on ploppng away, without a break. The mud is quite fascinating, I rate the dancing mud as one of the high points of out trip to New Zealand's North Is;land.

8. Polynesian Spa

Hinemoa Street, Rotorua 3010 New Zealand +64 7-348 1328 [email protected] http://www.polynesianspa.co.nz
Excellent
46%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
5%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 3,561 reviews

Polynesian Spa

Relax and unwind on the tranquil shores of Lake Rotorua at Polynesian Spa - a world-leading, natural mineral bathing and luxury spa retreat. Channelling geothermal marvels in its backyard, the 28 mineral pools at Polynesian Spa are fed from two natural springs for a combination that both nourishes the skin and relieves tired muscles, aches and pains. Specialising in a range of health and wellness treatments, Polynesian Spa has a decadent spa therapy menu. Also a retreat for athletes, wellness rituals ensure maximum sports relaxation featuring hydrotherapy and a reflexology walk. Combining ancient healing practices with modern techniques, Polynesian Spa is frequently recognised as one of the top 10 spas in the world.

Reviewed By AndersonsAway - Winnipeg, Canada

This was such a Wonderful way to end a very active day... So relaxing ... 5 adult pools ( different temperatures )...there are family pools as well... try out the “heated lounge chairs “ for a nap ... this was truly a time to pamper ourselves .

9. Hell's Gate Geothermal Reserve & Mud Spa

351 State Highway 30, Tikitere 3074 New Zealand +64 7-345 3151 [email protected] http://www.hellsgate.co.nz
Excellent
45%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
5%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 1,827 reviews

Hell's Gate Geothermal Reserve & Mud Spa

New Zealand's only geothermal mud bath complex where visitors can immerse themselves in the silky smooth warm geothermal mud and sulphurous waters of the Hell's Gate Geothermal Reserve that have been used by the Maori for more than 700 years for healing and wellbeing. A unique iconic New Zealand visitor experience.

Reviewed By PranilMaharaj

Amazing place to visit, would highly recommend the free tour guide...learnt so much!!! Mudbath was amazing and so was the sulphur spa! Thanks team!

10. Waitangi Soda Springs

59 Manawahe Road, Rotorua 3074 New Zealand +64 7-362 0788 [email protected] http://bbgnk7.wixsite.com/waitangisodasprings
Excellent
57%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
21%
Poor
0%
Terrible
15%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 14 reviews

Waitangi Soda Springs

Reviewed By lorettainnz - Kawerau, New Zealand

We visit here regularly, even in summer months going at 7 am or 7 pm it’s magic, quiet, birds singing, sometimes misty, very rustic, don’t expect artificial props like fancy toilets and sheds, special lighting, basic and very real. The vegetation is the minerals, the water is crystal clear, some locals rub the mud and floating matter on their skin and say it makes it soft. It’s a gem, the Māori custodians are very helpful and we have always found them polite and welcoming. Treat it with respect, it’s a sacred experience

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