Always dreamed of a trip to New Zealand? Then you have surely seen beautiful images of geothermal areas, geysers and hot springs passing by. On the North Island of New Zealand you will find an abundance of geothermal sights! From erupting geysers to steaming mud pools and crystal clear thermal baths. The North Island of New Zealand has the most beautiful geothermal area of New Zealand and in this blog I will tell you all about it.
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Why Are There So Many Geothermal Locations in New Zealand?
New Zealand is a country with a unique geological history. The country lies on a tectonic plate boundary, which results in a lot of volcanic and geothermal activity. On the North Island of New Zealand you will therefore find some of the world’s most spectacular geothermal sights.
Rotorua is the ‘Geothermal Capital’ of the North Island
One of the best known places where you will find many geysers, hot springs and geothermal activities is Rotorua. When you drive into this city, you can smell it right away. The city is located in a volcanic area and is surrounded by geysers, mud pools, boiling lakes and steam craters. You will find the most beautiful geothermal areas to visit right around here!
1. Whakarewarewa Thermal Village (Te Puia): Rotorua’s Main Attraction
Whakarewarewa Thermal Village (Te Puia) is Rotorua’s main attraction, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with traditional Maori architecture and the breathtaking geysers and mud pools.
Rotorua’s most famous geyser is Pohutu Geyser, which erupts every 20 to 40 minutes. The water fountain can reach up to 30 meters high. And you will find this one back in Te Puia.
You Can Only Enter Te Puia with a Guide
You may read in other blogs, just like we did, that you can freely walk around Whakarewarewa Thermal Village (Te Puia). Unfortunately, this is no longer the case. You are required to go through the park with a guide. This is a local Maori. We were not told very much, were put in a group of 36 people through the park and paid 180 NZD (roughly €110,-) for the two of us, which is quite expensive. Yet this is a park you don’t want to miss, because of the powerful Pohutu Geyser. You can also spot kiwis here!
2. Hot Springs: Secret Spot Hot Tubs Rotorua
In need of relaxation? The Secret Spot Hot Tubs Rotorua are a group of 12 handcrafted cedar hot tubs located in a beautiful landscape of forests and lakes. The hot tubs are filled with warm, mineral-rich water that comes from a local geothermal source. Here you can therefore relax wonderfully!
Tip: book in advance to avoid disappointment.
3. The Free Mud Pools of Kuirau Park
In the middle of Rotorua you will find Kuirau Park – Mud Pools. This is a free park where you can also see Rotorua’s geothermal activity very well. Not without reason the whole city stinks of rotten eggs. Geothermal activity is truly everywhere in the city!
You can park for free around the park. From most hotels it is within walking distance. It is less spectacular than the paid parks, but a nice stopover if you are in the area for a bit longer.
Geothermal Areas Outside Rotorua
You will find many of the best geothermal sights of the North Island near Rotorua, but there is definitely more to discover! At many of these places you can take fantastic walks.
1. Waimangu Volcanic Valley and Inferno Crater
20 minutes drive from Rotorua you will find Waimangu Volcanic Valley with the world-famous Inferno Crater. This is a beautiful geothermal area where you walk downhill along more than 20 highlights. Then you take the shuttle bus back to the start of the park. Do pay attention to the limited bus times. We walked the 4.5 km route in about 90 minutes.
There is a parking lot and cafe for a quick snack. The entrance fee is quite expensive though. We paid 92 NZD for the two of us.
2. Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland
You will definitely find Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland much more special than Whakarewarewa Thermal Village. Here you will find much greater diversity in geothermal beauty, the park is cheaper and quieter. You will probably also recognize this park from the travel guides! Only the spectacular geyser that Te Puia does have, you won’t find here.
The park is about 110 hectares in size and offers a variety of walking routes. The green route is the most popular route and offers the most beautiful views. This route takes you along Devils Pool, a natural jacuzzi in a ravine. The water in Devils Pool is poisonously green and changes color every day due to weather conditions.
The park is known for its colorful geysers, mud pools and other geothermal phenomena. It is located about 30 kilometers from the city of Rotorua.
We paid 65 NZD for 2 people (considerably cheaper than Te Puia then!) and walked for more than 2 hours through the park. Keep in mind that in the park, besides the entrance, there is nothing for sale.
3. Orakei Korako Geothermal Park & Cave
Can’t get enough of geothermal area? Then there is still 1 more park to find. This one is about an hour’s drive (about 60 km) from Rotorua though.
Orakei Korako is a unique geothermal environment with numerous geysers, mud pools, fumaroles and silica terraces. The park is also home to the Ruatapu Cave, a natural cave with beautiful stalagmites and stalactites.
Upon arrival you take a little boat to the other side, where you will do the walk of about 2 hours. We paid 94 NZD for the two of us.
4. Tongariro National Park: New Zealand’s Most Beautiful Volcanic Landscape
Here you will find New Zealand’s most famous hike: the Tongariro Alpine Crossing (read my extensive blog). Tongariro National Park is located in the middle of New Zealand’s North Island. The park is on UNESCO’s World Heritage List and is one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations.
The park is home to three active volcanoes: Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu. The volcanoes are responsible for the geothermal activity in the park. You will find geysers, mud pools, boiling lakes and steam craters there.
The Alpine Crossing
One of the most popular activities in Tongariro National Park is the alpine crossing. This 19.4 kilometer hike takes you through the heart of the park. You pass all three volcanoes and enjoy the spectacular views.
The alpine crossing is a challenging hike, but it is also an unforgettable experience. The hike starts at Mangatepopo Hut and ends at Ketetahi Hut. The hike takes about 7 hours, but is absolutely worth it!
5. Geothermal Area Around Taupo
Taupo is a city on the shore of Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake. Near Taupo you will find among others the Orakei Korako Geysers and the Wairakei Terraces, a series of colored terraces formed by mineral deposits.
6. The Hot Springs of Hot Water Beach
On the Coromandel Peninsula you will find Hot Water Beach (near Hahei). Hot Water Beach is known for its unique geothermal activity. Dig your own hot water bath on the beach, where natural hot springs bubble under the sand. And even if you don’t want to dig, it’s fun to watch others do it! The water is really hot when it comes out of the ground. The coast is to mix this with colder seawater.
Tips for Hot Water Beach
- Pay attention to the tides. The ideal time for Hot Water Beach is two hours before or after high tide. You can find this online, but you can also ask at your hotel or B&B
- Bring a shovel. Otherwise digging will be difficult. I felt a bit awkward sitting in someone else’s hot pool.
- Choose the right parking lot. Unfortunately, paid parking has also reached Hot Water Beach. This works on a camera system, so make sure you pay. Yet you can also park for free at the first parking lot. This one is amusingly called the Middle Car Park (Google Maps). You just have to walk a bit longer.
Enough geothermal locations on the North Island for your round trip through New Zealand then!
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