The Top 8 Geothermal Rotorua Wonders That Knocked My Socks Off (Really!)
David Sims
| Last Updated: May 2024 On my first visit to Rotorua, I had this unshakeable fear of accidentally falling into a boiling hot spring and becoming a human hot pocket—not a look I was going for.
Thankfully, Rotorua has many geothermal wonders that are both awe-inspiring and, more importantly, safe. After dodging a few rogue mud splatters (and convincing myself the sulphur smell was just fancy spa vibes), I found a treasure trove of locations!
Today, I’ll share them with you. Whether you’re in search of a unique personal experience or just a new Instagram photo location, the best geothermal spots in Rotorua should deliver!
1. Kuirau Park
Address: 1371, Pukuatua Street, Ranolf Street, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand
Hours: Open 24 hours
Phone: +6473484199
Admission: Free
Kuirau Park is basically a free wonderland of bubbling mud pools, steaming fissures, and even a hot little lake. The coolest part? You can wander along the paths and get right up close to all this crazy action (from a safe distance, of course).
There’s even a free foot bath to soothe your tired travel toes after a day of exploring. For real, how many places can you say offer all that for free?
Pro Tip: Go early in the morning to avoid all the crowds!
2. Hells Gate
Website: Hells Gate
Address: 351 State Highway 30, Tikitere, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 6 PM
Phone: +6473453151
Admission:
- Hell’s Gate Geothermal Walk – Adult: 42 NZD, Child: 21 NZD, Family: 105 NZD
- Hell’s Gate Mud Bath and Spas – Adult: 85 NZD, Child: 42.5 NZD, Family: 215 NZD
- Hell’s Gate Experience – Adult: 105 NZD, Child: 52.5 NZD, Family: 265 NZD
Hell’s Gate is the real deal! Everywhere you turn, you’ll see bubbling mud pits, steaming vents, and hot pools.
Oh, and this is the only place in New Zealand where you can slather yourself in therapeutic mud and soak in natural sulphur spas. Seriously, your skin will thank you later.
Pro Tip: Make sure to do the Hell’s Gate Geothermal Walk to get some awesome pictures.
3. Sulphur Point
Directions: Google Maps
Hours: Open 24 hours
Admission: Free
Sulphur Point hits differently. There’s a boardwalk that takes you right past bubbling mud pools and steam vents.
Plus, there’s a wildlife refuge there too, so you might see some cool birds hanging out amongst the whole geothermal craziness. It’s free to explore and close to downtown, so you really can’t beat it.
Pro Tip: Sulphur Point is a paradise for birdwatchers. So if you’re a lover of birds, bring those binoculars!
4. Te Puia
Website: Te Puia
Address: 20 Hemo Road, Whakarewarewa, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 8:30 PM
Phone: +6473489047
Admission:
- Te Ra Guided Experience – Adult: 95 NZD, Child: 47.50 NZD
- Te Po (Dinner & Haka) – Adult: 185 NZD, Child: 130 NZD
- Te Ra + Haka – Adult: 130 NZD, Child: 70 NZD
- Te Po Combo – Adult: 265 NZD, Child: 165 NZD
- Geyser by Night – Adult: 95 NZD, Child: 47.50 NZD
At Te Puia, you’ve got Pohutu Geyser, the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest blowhole, erupting sky high. Then there are the bubbling mud pools that look like they’re about to overflow (don’t worry, they usually don’t).
Heck, there’s even a chance to see a kiwi (the animal, not the fruit) up close at their fancy conservation center.
They also have this Maori arts and crafts institute where you can watch carvers and weavers turn wood and flax into beautiful taonga or treasures that are worth seeing.
Pro Tip: If you really want to have fun, do their Geyser by Night experience. Trust me, it’s worth a try if you love a good nighttime spectacle.
5. Waimangu Volcanic Valley
Website: Waimangu Volcanic Valley
Address: 587 Waimangu Road, Rotorua 3073, New Zealand
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 8:30 AM to 5 PM
Phone: +6473666137
Admission:
- Full Waimangu Experience – Adults: 94 NZD, Child: 32 NZD, Family: 230 NZD
- Self Guided Walk Only – Adults: 46 NZD, Child: 17 NZD, Family: 110 NZD
- Lake Rotomahana Boat Cruise – Adults: 49 NZD, Child: 17 NZD, Family: 121 NZD
- Round Trip – Adults: 245 NZD, Child: 165 NZD, Family: 750 NZD
Waimangu is New Zealand’s only hydrothermal ecological area and the youngest geothermal system in the world. And you can visit all of the main attractions within the valley without having to break into a sweat!
If you are feeling active, take a hike and explore the hidden valleys. The views will leave you breathless.
Pro Tip: Visit the Pink and White Terraces of Lake Rotomahana and don’t forget to do a peaceful boat cruise on the lake.
6. Wai O Tapu
Website: Wai O Tapu
Address: 201 Waiotapu Loop Road, Rotorua 3073, New Zealand
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Phone: +6473666333
Admission:
- Adult: 45 NZD
- Child: 15 NZD
- Family: 105 NZD
Here are the world-famous Champagne Pool and Primrose Terrace. The variety of colours present is due to the composition of the mineral elements and silicates.
Another feature of the area is the incredible, ever-active Lady Knox Geyser. Don’t miss the unique daily eruption, which reaches heights of a stunning 10 to 20 metre!
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to check out the Devil’s Bath, a large green pool of water resulting from the mixing of sulphur and ferrous salts. It’s pretty darn photogenic.
7. Polynesian Spa
Website: Polynesian Spa
Address: 1000 Hinemoa Street, Lakeside, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 11 PM
Phone: +6473481328
Admission:
- Pool Bookings: From 29 NZD
- Spa Treatments: From 74 NZD
Polynesian Spa does it right. This place has 28 freakin’ pools, all fed from natural springs, so you can find the perfect temperature for melting your stress away.
Whether you’re craving a fancy lakeside soak with a view or a more traditional dip in a historic acidic spring (don’t worry, it’s good for you!), they’ve got an area for everyone. Plus, they offer these amazing spa treatments that’ll leave you feeling like a new person.
Pro Tip: Make sure you book your pool and spa treatments online in advance!
8. Orakei Korako
Website: Orakei Korako
Address: 494 Orākei Kōrako Road, Taupo 3083, New Zealand
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 4 PM
Phone: +6473783131
Admission:
- Adult: 49 NZD
- Child: 23 NZD
- Families: 132 NZD
Orakei Korako is nicknamed “The Hidden Valley.” It’s between Taupo and Rotorua and a quick ferry ride away.
Here you’ll find bubbling mud pools, colourful terraces, and geysers that shoot sky high. And since it’s away from all the tourist spots, this place is the perfect spot for an Instagram photo op.
Pro Tip: After you’ve snapped a million pictures, go to Ruatapu Cave, one of only two geothermal caves in the world.
