New Zealand is known for its stunning scenery and geothermal attractions. As such, one of the things to do in New Zealand would be to explore the surreal sights and attractions around the historic town of Rotorua. The word “roto” in Maori means ‘”lake” and the charming town of Rotorua is right on the shores of Lake Rotorua, one of the largest lakes in central North Island.
Surrounded by hills of sheep-nibbled grass and lush forests of giant tree ferns, you are never far from bubbling mud pools, spectacular geysers, colourful silica pools and awesome steam vents in this area.
Rotorua makes a delightful base for exploring this alien landscape. The broad streets are lined with shops, cafés, backpacker hostels, hotels and huge carved totem poles (pouwhenua), part of the ancestral heritage of the Maori. Stop at the Visitor Centre for information and admire the Tudor-style red and white building with its fancy clock tower. Close by are the famous Government Gardens entered through impressive lattice arches carved from totara wood to commemorate the royal visit of the future King George V in 1905.
Walk past the lily ponds, flower beds, gardener’s cottage and rose garden to Rachel Pool – a boiling thermal pool of bubbling blue water enclosed by a low wall. You can see the steam rising and smell the sulphur right across the gardens! The stunning Bath House building now houses the Rotorua Museum and the rooftop viewing platform offers scenic lake views.
A short walk along the lakeshore will bring you to Te Arawa Waka Taua – a beautifully carved ceremonial canoe (waka) resting inside its decorative shelter. Along with traditional Maori carvings, the boat is decorated with pearl-like paua shells.
Geothermal Attractions Around Rotorua
Kuirau Park is a fascinating place to see dozens of active thermal pools. The lake has green and yellow deposits from the sulphur, silica and minerals within the boiling waters. Only certain rare plants grow in such conditions. Boiling muds pools look like pots of chocolate as they bubble and steam.
One of the best places to see more dramatic geothermal activity is Wai-O Tapu, a supernatural wonderland of surreal green lakes with bright orange and white deposits crusting just below the surface. Hang around and you will be rewarded by the sudden jet of boiling water rising 20 metres into the air as the Lady Knox Geyser erupts.
Another place worth a visit is Hell’s Gate – Rotorua’s most active geothermal park. Its geothermal attraction features boiling hot pools, natural hot springs, mud pools, sulphur crystals and deposits and Southern Hemisphere’s largest hot water fall.
Take a walk through the Rainbow Mountain Scenic Reserve to Crater Lake. The milky turquoise waters contrast with the red mountain known as Maungaka Kara Mea – the smoldering mountain. Look closely and you will see the rock face emitting trails of white steam from various vents in the red cliffs.
Rotorua is a must-see for anyone visiting New Zealand. Its amazing geothermal sights will give you a deeper respect for Mother Nature and the power of those thermal forces bubbling away beneath the earth’s surface!
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