Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
- Address:201 Waiotapu Loop Road, Rotorua
- Hours:Open daily 8:30am - 5pm (until 1pm on Christmas Day)
- Admission:Adults: NZ$30 Children (5 -15yrs): NZ$10
Good for Families, Nature & Wildlife, Walking / Hiking, Hot Spring, Lake
8:28 AM Monday, May 28
Rain. Broken clouds. Cool.
7 day forecast »
Like much of New Zealand's attractions, the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland centers on walking outdoors - but what a walk! The park is New Zealand's most colorful and diverse geothermal attraction; visitors follow demarcated tracks through a stunning variety of volcanic phenomena. You'll see fantastic, naturally colored hot-and-cold pools, the world famous Champagne Pool, the amazing Lady Knox Geyser and the massive craters that are the hallmark of the Rotorua region's volcanic heritage.
You'll want to bring a camera and plenty of film/memory cards - the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland has some truly amazing views and scenery. New Zealand is known for its natural beauty, but this geothermal park accentuates it with its unusual geothermal topography. In particular, the shimmering water flowing over the Sinter Terrace Formations is not to be missed.
Latest Reviews All Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland Reviews »
Fantastic experience. Visited Wai-o-Tapu Thermal wonderland with Lady Knox geyser erupting and Waimangu Valley. Both are geothermal hot spots around Rotorua. The local guide Huru was fantastic and shared his invaluable knowledge with us all. Thoroughly recommend it!!!
Continue Reading »
Just the best guide in town I'm sure, Huru you're the best. What a great story teller. My wife is Aussie she learn t so much and I being Kiwi was reminded of lots I had forgotten. The tour finished with Huru singing a Maori love song as he returned us to our hotel. Absolutely wonderful, a must do tour.
finished
Continue Reading »
I booked this tour after seeing that it was highly rated by others. Our tour guide (Huru) was very professional, and also very friendly, and he had an excellent knowledge of the history of the Rotorua area , which made the tour very interesting...he even sang a song for us on the way back to our drop-off point. Fantastic tour, very enjoyable, I'd recommend this to anyone!
Continue Reading »Practical Info
Given the volcanic terrain, visitors need to be prepared with appropriate footwear. You can walk at your own pace, but a few of these trails are significant hikes. Bringing your own water is recommended, especially in the summer. If you're hungry, the Visitor Centre has a small cafe, and there is also the Waiotapu Tavern about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) away if a beer or cocktail strikes your fancy after you've finished exploring the park.
