Answered: Why does Rotorua smell like rotten eggs?
David Harris
| Last Updated: July 2023 Rotorua is a popular tourist destination for its geothermal activity, geysers, and mud pools. However, Rotorua is also known for its distinctive smell, which some say resembles rotten eggs.
So, why does Rotorua smell so bad?
Why does Rotorua smell like rotten eggs?
Rotrua’s rotten egg smell is due to hydrogen sulphide (H2S) gas in the air, which is created when water meets sulphur-rich rocks underground. The smell is strongest around certain lakes and streams due to their high levels of sulphur-containing minerals.
So while it may not be an ideal scent, at least you now know why Rotorua smells like rotten eggs!
Why does Rotorua’s location contribute to its rotten-egg smell?
Rotorua’s location on the Pacific Ring of Fire makes it an ideal area for geothermal activity. This includes hot springs, geysers and volcanic fields, which emit sulphur-rich gases.
These gases are produced when water mixes with rocks containing sulphur compounds like gypsum and anhydrite. As the gases escape to the surface, they create that unmistakable smell of rotten eggs.
So the next time you catch a whiff of it, remember that it’s just Mother Nature doing her thing.
Does Rotorua’s smell hold any Maori cultural significance?
Despite the stench, the smell of Rotorua has actually long been culturally significant for Maori.
To the Maori people, geothermal activity was considered a gift from the gods. The smell of sulphur was seen as a sign of great power and strength and evidence that the gods were present in the land.
The smell was believed to have beneficial effects on health and well-being. For this reason, the smell of Rotorua is still seen as a sign of good fortune in Maori culture.
Many Maoris today still have a deep connection to Rotorua’s geothermal sites, which is why even Rotorua’s smell of rotten eggs has a place in their culture.
What is the impact of the smell of the Rotorua community?
The smell has caused a lot of controversy in the local Rotorua community, and many Kiwis find it unpleasant. The smell has resulted in tourism and business also being affected in the area, as people are less likely to visit or invest when they know they’ll be greeted by a rotten-egg smell.
Furthermore, the smell of sulphur that hangs in the air is not just an annoyance. It can have a damaging effect on a person’s health.
Studies have linked long-term exposure to the scent of hydrogen sulphide with headaches, reduced appetite and nausea. However, there are some positive impacts to the stench in the Rotorua air.
The smell has encouraged the government to invest in ways of reducing the sulphur levels, such as managing the air quality in Rotorua by installing scrubbers on power plants and other industrial facilities.
So while Rotorua’s smell is an issue that has plagued the city for years, these efforts are showing signs of success, and hopefully, Rotorua will soon be a bit less stinky!
