Rotorua, New Zealand is known as one of the most active geothermal fields in the world. Sitting on the Rim of Fire, this area is home to crater lakes, steaming hot springs, erupting geysers and a funky sulphur smell that hit me as soon as I got out of the car!
Not only can you smell all that geothermal activity, you can actually visit a geothermal park in Rotorua to get up close (but not too close!) to the incredible natural phenomena.
From Māori legends and historical healing properties to diverse landscapes and modern energy sources, the geothermal activity in Rotorua is unlike anything else I’ve experienced in the world and is not to be missed.
When we visited Rotorua during our three weeks in New Zealand, I wanted to learn more about the geothermal area and see the incredible geysers and pools I’d been researching online with my own eyes.
We ended up visiting four geothermal parks in Rotorua and each one totally blew me away (pun very much intended)!
The best way to experience this geothermal and volcanic wonderland is by touring a Rotorua geothermal park (and/or pool!) for yourself. But which one should you choose?
Below, I’ll walk you through the options, share my personal review and reviews from fellow travel bloggers, plus suggest which park is best based on your interests and budget.
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning if you click through and make a purchase, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support!
Map of geothermal parks and hot pools in Rotorua
All prices and times below are accurate as of February 2026
Best Rotorua geysers & wow factor: Wai-O-Tapu
Fast facts:
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland is one of the best known geothermal parks in Rotorua, and for good reason. It has that WOW factor!
If you do a Google Image search for Rotorua, the first few photos you’ll see are of the Champagne Pool in Wai-O-Tapu. Wai-O-Tapu is also home to Lady Knox Geyser, another big attraction in Rotorua.
When we visited Wai-O-Tapu on our first trip to New Zealand in April 2023, it lived up to the hype. The Champagne Pool was incredible to see up close; it was huge (apparently the largest hot spring in New Zealand!) and had really vivid colours.
We learned that the pool got its name thanks to the carbon dioxide in the water that makes it bubble, just like champagne bubbles.
I also loved Roto Karikitea, a neon green pool that takes on that colour thanks to minerals in the water being refracted by the sunlight.
Lady Knox Geyser, while cool to see, was a tad underwhelming. Luckily I had done my research and knew that the geyser was set off each day manually (by a person as opposed to by nature) at a set time.
It’s very touristy with benches set up in front of it. The whole thing is over pretty quickly but if you’re coming to Wai-O-Tapu anyway, it’s worth seeing the eruption.
Unfortunately, everyone comes for Lady Knox Geyser’s daily eruption at 10:15am (which is actually a short drive from the main entrance of Wai-O-Tapu) and then files into the park immediately afterwards.
This means the park is busiest right after the geyser erupts as everyone is entering the park at the same time.
To avoid this, I would recommend getting to the park right when it opens at 8:30am, exploring for about 90 minutes, and then driving over to Lady Knox Geyser for its 10:15am eruption.
Alternatively, you could see the 10:15am geyser, have a late breakfast at the cafe, and then go into the park to explore behind the crowds.
Besides Lady Knox Geyser and the Champagne Pool, Wai-O-Tapu has lots of other colourful landscapes and mud pools to discover. I loved walking on bridges over the water and getting a little farther from the popular pools.
Who should visit Wai-O-Tapu?
Overall, I would recommend this geothermal park if:
- You’re after Instagram-famous colourful pools
- You want to see a geyser go off (even if it’s not naturally occurring)
- You don’t mind crowds
While popular with tourists, Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland really is a pretty remarkable place to wander around. If you only have time for one geothermal park in Rotorua, I think Wai-O-Tapu would get my vote!
Get your tickets to Wai-O-Tapu here
Best natural geothermal in Rotorua: Waimangu
Fast facts:
After seeing Lady Knox Geyser and exploring Wai-O-Tapu in the morning, we drove over to Waimangu Volcanic Valley in the afternoon for some more geothermal fun.
I’m not sure if we just got lucky or if afternoons are less busy than mornings, but we basically had Waimangu to ourselves. It felt like we had found a hidden trail through the forest with beautiful landscapes on every side.
Waimangu is best for nature lovers who don’t mind spending a bit more on an entrance ticket. If you’re looking for a peaceful walk and beautiful scenery, this is the spot for you.
The pools and features may not be as brightly coloured or Instagram-worthy as at Wai-O-Tapu, but the entire experience walking through the geothermal field might be more enjoyable.
That’s not to say that Waimangu isn’t cool! I loved seeing the steam coming off Frying Pan Lake (described as the largest hot spring in the world), different types of stones and remnants from past volcanoes, terraced valleys and tons of black swans.
There are a few different trails you can take through Waimangu Valley, ranging in length and difficulty. The shortest option is Crater Track at 1.5 km, taking about an hour to enjoy, and the longest option is the 4km Wetland Track that is still suitable for most fitness levels.
Some of the trails are even wheelchair and stroller accessible and there’s a shuttle bus that goes up and down if walking isn’t an option for you.
We found the main walk down Waimangu Volcanic Valley to be mostly flat or downhill and partially shaded. As someone who doesn’t do much hiking, I didn’t find the track difficult at all.
Like many other visitors, Colin and I opted to do the walk down but then take the bus back up to the Visitor Centre. I’m not sure I would’ve enjoyed the big uphill climb!
We only bought tickets for the Waimagu Valley Walk, which allowed us to check out the different trails and take our time exploring as everything is self-guided.
You can also upgrade to the Full Waimangu Experience which includes a 45 minute guided boat ride across Lake Rotomahana.
However, it’s a pretty steep price increase to add on the boat ride, especially since the basic valley walk ticket is already more expensive than other parks nearby. But the lake does look beautiful!
Who should visit Waimangu?
This is the perfect geothermal park for you if:
- You’re looking for a quieter area with smaller crowds
- You want to immerse yourself in nature
- Hiking and boat rides sound like your perfect day
But keep in mind that there aren’t as many show stopping pools and that the entrance fee is on the steeper side. Otherwise, this was one of my favourite Rotorua geothermal parks with really scenic and relaxing trails.
Book your tickets to Waimangu Valley Walk here or book your tickets for the Waimangu Full Experience with Cruise here
Best free geothermal park in Rotorua: Kuirau Park
Fast facts:
- Cost: Free!
- Hours: Open 24 hours
Yes, there is a free geothermal area in Rotorua! If you don’t want to pay to enter a park or pool, Kuirau Park is the perfect option. Bonus: It’s right in the centre of town!
Kuirau Park has a few different sections, including sports fields, manicured gardens, playgrounds and bathrooms. But the highlight for geothermal seekers would definitely be the hot springs and pools.
Walking on the designated path, I really enjoyed peering over the fence at the different pools, many of which were bubbling and had steam coming off of them.
The big show stopper at Kuirau Park is Lake Kuirau. Māori legend says that a young woman named Kuirau used to swim in the lake. But a large Taniwha (an underwater serpent) who lived in the lake seized her and she was never seen again.
The gods were so angry that they made the lake boil to kill the Taniwha and renamed the lake in Kuirau’s memory. That’s why we have steaming Lake Kuirau today!
Kuirau Park definitely felt other worldly to me, particularly around the moody, steaming Lake Kuirau. Another pool was so deep and the water so clear that we saw a shopping cart at the bottom of it!
On the way out of the park there’s a small hot springs pool where you can soak your feet in the thermal waters. While just a tiny pool, this is a great way to get a feel for the geothermal waters for free.
Because we visited Kuirau Park as one of the first things we did in Rotorua, we were impressed by the geothermal activity.
However, when compared to Wai-O-Tapu or Waimangu, Kuirau Park doesn’t offer as many or as varied geothermal sites to see. Steaming hot pools is pretty much all you will find here – no colourful pools, mud pools, caves, terraces or geysers.
Kuirau Park also isn’t as large as some of the other geothermal parks in New Zealand, so there’s not as much to see.
Who should visit Kuirau Park?
Kuirau Park is a good option if:
- You’re on a budget, since it’s free to visit!
- You’re short on time and want a smaller park to explore
- You want to soak your feet in the thermal waters without paying to go into one of the hot spring pools
If you just want a taste of geothermal activity in Rotorua and you’re on a budget, head to Kuirau Park. But if you want to see more, you’ll have to pay for it.
Personally, while I enjoyed visiting Kuirau Park, it was a bit of a let down compared to the paid parks. If you’re coming all the way to Rotorua, I’d encourage you to spend a bit in order to see what this area is really all about.
Best Rotorua geysers & Māori culture: Te Puia
Fast facts:
Te Puia is probably the most popular geothermal park in Rotorua thanks to its epic Pohutu Geyser, convenient location and inclusion of Māori culture.
Te Puia offers a few different experiences to choose from:
During the day, there’s the Te Rā Guided Experience, which is a 90-minute guided tour through the geothermal valley, Kiwi Conservation Centre and the Māori Arts and Crafts Institute.
You can also add a 30 minute Haka cultural performance onto the Te Ra package and a hāngī buffet lunch.
In the evenings, there’s the Te Pō Evening Combo, which includes the 90-minute guided tour, traditional hāngī buffet dinner, 45 minute Maori cultural performance and hot chocolate on the geyser terrace. This is the one I want to do when we go back to New Zealand!
You can also opt for only the buffet dinner and Maori performance (no guided tour), walk the Tuku Iho Trail on a guided tour or experience the Mārama: Geyser Light Trail.
In trying to decide which geothermal park to visit, I was more attracted to the geothermal landscapes at Wai-O-Tapu and Waimangu than the ones on offer at Te Puia.
I was also nervous about the crowds at Te Puia, since it’s so popular. And because we had decided to book a Māori experience at Mitai Māori Village, we opted not to visit Te Puia.
While we didn’t get to visit, my friend Olly from A Plan To Go visited Te Puia and highly recommends it! Based on his description, it sounds like we might have missed out. Olly shares:
“My main reason for visiting Te Puia was to see the hot pools of bubbling mud and steaming geysers in the geothermally active Te Whakarewarewa Valley.
However, what I remember most about this place are the cultural taonga (treasures) created by the Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, especially the intricate vivid red Pātaka (storehouse).
If you enjoy wandering well-laid paths to witness the power and wonder of nature, and seeing the work of talented artists and craftspeople, Te Puia is worth at least a few hours of your time.”
Who should visit Te Puia?
Te Puia is the right geothermal park for you if:
- You want to experience Maori culture as well as geothermal activity
- You’re keen to see an epic geyser and learn about Kiwi bird conservation
- Adding extras onto your experience, like dinner or a cultural performance, sounds fun
- You don’t mind crowds and spending a bit more money for a bigger experience
If you’re looking for a bit of everything Rotorua has to offer in one convenient stop, Te Puia is the right pick for you. The cultural aspects definitely appeal to me and I’ll definitely be adding this park to our next New Zealand itinerary.
Book your tickets to Te Puia – Te Rā Guided Experience here or book your tickets to the Te Puia – Te Pō Evening Guided Experience with Dinner here!
Best off the beaten track Rotorua hot springs: Orakei Korako
Fast facts:
While planning our trip to New Zealand, I couldn’t decide between Waimangu Valley and Orakei Korako. Ultimately I went for Waimangu, but I definitely think Orakei Korako would have been a great experience if we had had room for both in our New Zealand budget.
Orakei Korako is more off the beaten path – it’s one of the smaller geothermal parks and between Rotorua and Taupo – so will be less crowded than big parks like Wai-O-Tapu and Te Puia.
PS: Heading to Taupo? Check out 22 things to do in Taupo!
Despite its small size, Orakei Korako promises a lot to see in a small area and is full of vibrant colours. It is one of the mid-range priced parks, but as you’ll hear from my friends below, very much worth the cost of admission!
My friends Brigitte & Jake at Nothing Familiar Travel have visited and can highly recommend Orakei Korako. They say:
“Orakei Korako is one of the North Island’s best geothermal parks! It’s in a great location between Rotorua and Taupo which makes it very accessible from either destination.
Known as the ‘Hidden Valley,’ your adventure will start by taking a short ride over to this unique place in nature. From there, you will see the multi-colored hot springs, silica terraces, and mud pools.
We were also surprised to discover that with 23 active geysers, Orakei Korako has the most of any geothermal park in NZ.
Orakei Korako is even home to the Ruatapu Cave which stretches 36 meters down to the volcanic Pool of Mirrors. This is a spot that both families and nature lovers will enjoy in New Zealand. We certainly did!”
Who should visit Orakei Korako?
This geothermal park would be best for you if:
- You’re looking to get off the beaten path and away from the crowds
- You want to immerse yourself in nature and don’t need the most photographed scenery or extra experiences
- You’re planning to travel between Rotorua and Taupo
- Taking a boat to the park entrance sounds like fun!
Book your tickets to Orakei Korako here
Best geothermal in Rotorua’s neighbour, Taupo: Craters of the Moon
Fast facts:
- Cost: $10 NZD ($6 USD)
- Hours: 9:30am – 5:00pm daily, last admission at 4:00pm
- Tickets to Craters of the Moon can be purchased at the kiosk upon entry or look for discounted tickets on BookMe.
Craters of the Moon is an awesome option for enjoying geothermal activity if you’re based in Taupo, about an hour’s drive south of Rotorua.
While we did stay in Taupo on our trip to New Zealand, we had already visited three Rotorua geothermal parks and one hot pool by that point, so didn’t want to get geothermal burnout (pun not intended!).
This park is definitely less touristy, so you won’t be fighting big crowds for a view or space on the walkway. It’s perfect if you want to get off the beaten path and back to nature.
My friend Marc from Life Went That Way visited Craters of the Moon and he shares:
“Want to see some of New Zealand’s awesome geothermal activity for the price of a cheap lunch? Craters of the Moon is a spectacular geothermal site only a five minute drive north of Taupo.
An hour long walk on a formed path takes you through steaming vents and volcanic craters, it only takes an hour or so and is ideal for all ages and fitness levels. There are a few steps to get to some of the main lookout points but don’t let that put you off.
I used to live in Taupo and would always take visitors here. Well worth a visit if you are in the area.”
Who should visit Craters of the Moon?
This geothermal park in Taupo is for you if:
- You’re on a budget and based in Taupo
- You’d rather go on a walk through nature with sweeping views than visit any single show-stopping geysers or pools
- Crowds are your kryptonite
Craters of the Moon definitely feels like a more low-key geothermal park. So if you’re looking for something less polished and easier on the wallet, check it out.
Best Rotorua hot pools & mud spa: Hell’s Gate
Fast facts:
I was intrigued when I first read about Hell’s Gate as it seems like the perfect place to experience the power of Rotorua’s geothermal activity – plus the name is fun!
At Hell’s Gate you can see waterfalls and boiling thermal pools, just like many other Rotorua geothermal parks, but you also have the opportunity to experience them firsthand with in the Hell’s Gate mud spa.
On the geothermal trail, you’ll pass erupting waters, mud volcanoes and hot waterfalls on a guided or self-guided walk. You’ll also have the opportunity to try your hand at Maori carving.
At the mud bath and spas, you’ll get to experience the healing power of geothermal waters – just like Maori communities have been doing for over 800 years. You’ll lather on the mud and then soak in the sulphur spa.
You can choose to do just the geothermal walk, just the mud bath and spas, or both with a combo ticket!
Hell’s Gate is probably best known for its hot pools of mud; most visitors opt for the mud bath experience. While a unique experience, I was slightly put off by the many reviews that mention how difficult it is to get the mud (and smell!) out of your bathing suit afterwards.
Since we already had other geothermal parks lined up, and an opportunity to experience the geothermal hot pools for ourselves (coming up next!), we opted out of Hell’s Gate.
However, it is a highly rated park and a great way to both see and personally experience Rotorua’s geothermal activity in one place.
As long as you know how to protect your swimsuit (they recommend washing with cloudy ammonia in cold water ASAP), I think Hell’s Gate would be worth a visit!
Who should visit Hell’s Gate Mud Spa?
This is the best geothermal in Rotorua for you if:
- You want to see geothermal activity and try out the waters for yourself
- Soaking in New Zealand’s only mud spa is on your bucket list
- You don’t mind doing some extra work to clean your swimsuit (you can also rent or buy one from Hell’s Gate)
Because Hell’s Gate is mostly known for their mud pools, if you’re just looking to see geothermal activity, this might not be the best place for that.
But if you want a bit of both, book your Hell’s Gate tickets!
Book the geothermal walk here, mud bath and spa here or geothermal walk and spa combo tickets here!
Best Rotorua thermal pools you can swim in: Polynesian Spa
Fast facts:
Unlike many of the Rotorua geothermal park options above, Polynesian Spa allows you to experience the geothermal waters for yourself with a soak in Rotorua thermal pools.
Obviously the pools at Polynesian Spa are created for bathing – you’re not just jumping into boiling water. The 28 hot pools are manmade but use the natural, geothermal water from nearby Priest Spring and Rachel Spring.
Since the 1800s, thermal baths have drawn people to Rotorua for their legendary healing properties. But whether you’re in it for the health benefits or just want a beautiful place to relax, a visit to Polynesian Spa in Rotorua is well worth it!
There are four different pool types to choose from at Polynesian Spa:
- Family Pools: 3 mineral water pool with comfortable temperatures for the whole family to enjoy
- Pavilion Pools: 8 adult-only pools set in a relaxing, historic area of the spa
- Deluxe Lake Spa: 5 premium pools (including a cold plunge) set on the scenic lakefront with lounge access and heated recliners
- Private Pools – Lake View or Sky View: 45 minute sessions in a private alkaline pool looking out at Lake Rotorua or up at the bright blue (or starry night) sky
Colin and I booked the Deluxe Lake Spa package which lets you experience five different Rotorua hot pools: four alkaline and one acidic. There was also a cold plunge pool and cold shower, as well as lots of lounge chairs, water stations, towels and shower facilities.
I liked that we got to experience a few different pools at different temperatures, as I’m not the kind of person who could sit in one spot for hours and hours.
We spent about 90 minutes hoping between the different pools (including braving the cold plunge!) and admiring the view over the lake. It was really peaceful and the whole place had a very relaxing vibe.
You can also add on spa treatments to your Polynesian Spa experience. They offer massage therapy, hydrotherapy, mud wraps and facials.
Who should visit Polynesian Spa?
This is right geothermal pick for you if:
- You’d prefer to soak in the pools rather than just see geothermal waters from afar
- You don’t need to see a geyser, waterfall or mud terrace
- Splurging on a spa treatment sounds appealing
- A relaxing pool day is exactly what your New Zealand trip needs!
We really enjoyed our time at Polynesian Spa and I’d highly recommend it for a little rejuvenation during your trip. Plus it’s a cultural experience to try out the healing waters!
Book your tickets for the Deluxe Lake here, Pavilion Pools here, Family Pools here, Lake View Private Pools here and Sky View Private Pools here
But I would also recommend adding on another geothermal park so you can also see some of the more impressive volcanic activity. Do one day of seeing the geysers and waterfalls and then follow it up with a soak in the hot pools!
Wrapping up: So which Rotorua geothermal park should you actually visit?
Choosing the best Rotorua geothermal park to visit is going to depend on your interests, your budget and your location. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- If budget is a big concern, consider Kuirau Park (free!) or Craters of the Moon in Taupo ($10 NZD).
- If you really want to see iconic Rotorua geysers and famous pools, head to Wai-O-Tapu or Te Puia.
- If you prefer to be out in nature and away from the crowds, opt for Waimangu or Orakei Korako.
- If you want to swim in Rotorua thermal pools, book a ticket for Polynesian Spa or Hell’s Gate.
Of course, you don’t have to choose just one! If you have the time and the budget, I highly recommend visiting a few geothermal areas. We visited four different parks and pools and each felt unique.
Of the four parks and pools we visited in Rotorua, my favourites were Waimangu and Wai-O-Tapu.
At Wai-O-Tapu we got to see some of the most unbelievable sights, like Champagne Pool and Lady Knox Geyser. And at Waimangu we got to enjoy a peaceful walk through some very impressive natural landscapes.
Want to visit my top two Rotorua geothermal parks? Join this half-day small group tour to both Wai-O-Tapu and Waimangu Valley!
The geothermal activity in Rotorua and Taupo is so unique that I truly don’t think you can go wrong visiting any geothermal park or pool in the area.
No matter which Rotorua geothermal park you choose, I think you’ll be blown away by what New Zealand’s nature has in store for you.
I’d love to know: Which Rotorua geothermal park or pool do you most want to visit? And if you’re wondering what else to do while you’re here, check out 28 things to do in Rotorua!
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