Spouting geysers, bubbling mud pools, steaming vents, boiling lakes and colourful sinter terraces are just about everywhere in and around Rotorua!
Besides taking advantage of our glorious hot pools, you must make time to check out our spectacular geothermal parks – each one so different from the others – in and around the city. These incredible, surreal places will leave you in awe and provide the most amazing backdrop for your photography.
Be sure to make time for Kuirau Park, just a few minutes’ walk from the city centre, and free to visit. Meandering paths through this city park take you to see mud pools and hot pools (too hot for bathing!). Then, take a load off and soak your feet in the free foot bath.
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.
Te Puia
Geothermal Wonders
Discover one of New Zealand’s most magnificent geothermal wonderlands and Māori cultural centres.
Wai-o-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
Geothermal Wonders, South
Wai-o-Tapu Thermal Wonderland is New Zealand's most colourful geothermal attraction.
Totally Tarawera
Geothermal Wonders
Guided cultural and geothermal tours to Te Rātā Bay and Hot Water Beach, including a natural hot pool soak.
Ōhinemutu Māori Village
Geothermal Wonders
Connect with the culture, people, history and landscape that have made Rotorua the incredible place it is today.
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.
Geyser By Night at Te Puia
Geothermal Wonders
When darkness falls, the true love story of the city's geothermal wonderland comes to life.
Waikite Valley Hot Pools
Geothermal Wonders, South
Geothermal experience and hot pool bathing in 100% pure natural geothermal waters overlooking Waikite Valley, native bush and surrounding geothermal activity.
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!
Steaming Cliffs Kayak at Lake Rotomahana
Geothermal Wonders, South
Explore the amazing scenery of Lake Rotomahana on this spectacular guided kayaking tour.
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.
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.