Specked with mud pools, shooting geysers and natural hot springs, Rotoura rests on the southern shore of Lake Rotorua in the North Island of New Zealand. The many geothermal wonders of the city make it one of the most famous tourist spots in the country.
Best way to discover the beauty of this thermal wonderland is by booking a ride via car rental service and zooming around the town.
Here’s our top seven picks for your fantastic road trip to the geothermal land Rotorua.
Hells Gate
Hells Gate is heaven for those looking to heal and rejuvenate their mind & body. What makes this place unique is the fact that it is New Zealand’s exclusive open mud spa and is also the only thermal park owned by the indigenous Polynesian tribe of New Zealand, the Maoris. You can enjoy a private mud bath, take a walk around the sprawling 50 acres of property and visit the largest mud volcano and Kakahi hot waterfall.
Waikite Valley Thermal Pools
The hidden jewel in the thermal valley of Rotorua, Waikite boasts of 100% natural thermal water that comes straight from Te Manaroa Spring. With four thermal pools, private pools, and outdoor tubs, each soaking spot offers a breathtaking view of the valley and nearby streams. Do visit the Pukeko in a Ponga Tree Cafe and walk the Te Manaroa Spring Walkway and Eco-Trail.
Waimangu Volcanic Valley
Are you looking for a value-for-money deal? A trip to Waimangu Volcanic Valley is what you need. Start your day with the Mount Haszard Hiking Trail walk in the morning. Follow it up with a boat cruise on Lake Rotomahana, Break for lunch at Cafe Nature. End the day by taking an eco nature walk & boat cruise around the valley.
Hot’n’cold
A secret secluded spot in Rotorua, Hot ‘n’ Cold is an excellent thermal wonder for those with a tight budget as there is no entry fee. A basic but clean natural hot water stream, this lesser known place is an ideal place to spend a day relaxing, far from the madding crowd.
Te Wairoa Village
Thanks to the redevelopment efforts of a thoughtful family, one can catch a glimpse of the life in Te Wairoa village before it was destroyed by the volcanic eruption of Mount Tarawera in 1886. Visit the archaeological site and the museum to see an impressive collection of excavations. Devour delicious scones and buy souvenirs from the Vi’s Teahouse & Gift Store in the village.
Wai-O-Tapu
Be prepared to be amazed in Wai-O-Tapu as it features naturally colourful hot water lakes. This geothermal park is home to the bubbling Lady Knox geyser with spurts as high as 10 to 20 metres, mud pools and numerous lakes and great trails for active travellers.
Waitangi Soda Springs
The favourite of the locals because of its healing properties, Waitangi Soda Spring is worth visiting if you are looking for a geothermal wonder set in natural surroundings. It is located in an isolated area near Lake Rotoma, Lake Rotoiti, and Lake Rotoehu.