The Rotorua region is a geothermal wonderland where the earth breathes and nature paints its masterpiece. Spouting geysers, effervescent mud pools, and vibrant sinter terraces form a spectacle of natural artistry across the landscape that creates a truly mesmerising environment that has been a draw-card for visitors from around the world for centuries.
Rotorua's geothermal parks offer a unique glimpse into the earth's powerful forces and serve as perfect canvases for photographers seeking to capture the essence of nature's raw beauty.
Lake Rotomahana
Geothermal Wonders, South
Sitting at the base of Mount Tarawera, Lake Rotomahana is steeped in history and surrounded by geothermal features like geysers, fumeroles and colourful steaming cliffs.
Government Gardens
Geothermal Wonders
Government Gardens is a beautiful public park situated along the edge of Lake Rotorua and just minutes from the city centre.
Hot Water Beach at Te Rātā Bay
Geothermal Wonders, East
Tucked away on the southern shore of Lake Tarawera, a hot spring trickles down a small stream and into the lake, creating our very own hot water beach at Te Rātā Bay.
Kuirau Park
Geothermal Wonders
Check out the natural boiling, bubbling and steaming geothermal action throughout Kuirau Park, New Zealand’s only free geothermal public park!
Sulphur Bay Wildlife Refuge
Geothermal Wonders
Explore an amazing geothermal area where threatened bird populations make their home.
Geyser By Night at Te Puia
Geothermal Wonders
When darkness falls, the true love story of the city's geothermal wonderland comes to life.
Te Puia
Geothermal Wonders
Discover one of New Zealand’s most magnificent geothermal wonderlands and Māori cultural centres.
Whakarewarewa - The Living Māori Village
Geothermal Wonders
Home of the Tuhourangi and Ngāti Wahiao people and located on a geothermal plateau, Whakarewarewa Village is New Zealand’s oldest continuous Māori tourism experience, even pre-dating the world-famous Pink and White Terraces.
Hell's Gate Geothermal Park & Mud Spa
Geothermal Wonders, East
Hell’s Gate is Rotorua’s most active geothermal reserve and New Zealand’s only mud spa complex.
Rotorua Museum: Outside the Walls Historical Government Gardens Tours
Geothermal Wonders
Discover Rotorua's rich culture, volatile landscape and legendary figures in this must-do FREE tour around the famous Rotorua Museum and Government Gardens.
Orakei Korako Cave & Thermal Park - The Hidden Valley
Geothermal Wonders, South
Situated just 45 minutes south of Rotorua and nestled on the shores of Lake Ohakuri lies the hidden valley of Orakei Korako Cave and Thermal Park.
Polynesian Spa
Geothermal Wonders
Polynesian Spa is New Zealand’s leading internationally acclaimed thermal spa, offering relaxing hot mineral spring bathing, sumptuous spa therapies and picturesque Lake Rotorua views. In 2022, Polynesian Spa received the Country Award for the Luxury Lakeside Spa category in the World Luxury Spa Awards.