Geothermal Deep Dive: Waimangu, Wai-O-Tapu and the Living Earth
The geothermal parks around Rotorua each have a distinct character. Waimangu is the youngest and most volcanically active. Wai-O-Tapu has the most colorful mineral displays. Orakei Korako is the least visited but most pristine.
- 1
Frying Pan Lake
The world's largest hot water spring sits within Waimangu Valley, a lake-sized cauldron of 55 degree water that formed in the 1917 eruption. The scale and color of this thermal feature are extraordinary.
- 2
Lady Knox Geyser
At Wai-O-Tapu, the Lady Knox Geyser erupts reliably at 10:15am after a soap catalyst is added to reduce surface tension. The 10-meter eruption is theatrical but the surrounding geothermal landscape is the real spectacle.
- 3
Champagne Pool
A 900-year-old hydrothermal explosion crater, the Champagne Pool bubbles with carbon dioxide and is surrounded by brilliantly colored silica sinter terraces stained orange, yellow and green by arsenic and sulphur deposits.
- 4
Orakei Korako Cave and Thermal Park
The most pristine and least visited major thermal park, hidden behind a lake accessed by boat. Silica terraces, a cave with a jade pool and emerald hot springs make this arguably the most beautiful thermal landscape in New Zealand.
- 5
Hell's Gate
The most active geothermal park in New Zealand, with boiling mud pools, the largest hot waterfall in the Southern Hemisphere and thermal mud baths open to visitors. Considered sacred by Maori.
- 6
Craters of the Moon Taupo
Just south of Rotorua near Taupo, a free geothermal park with large steaming craters, boiling mud and a walking track that feels like a different planet. Active and dynamic with constant visual changes.