Waiotapu

Approximately 20 minutes south of Rotorua, Waiotapu is the region's most colourful thermal park.

In English Wai-O-Tapu means 'Sacred Water' and it is easy to see why. Hot pools ranging in colour from turquoise blue, rich green and gold to an almost olive/yellow, make the water at Waiotapu a dazzling must see. The array of colours is caused by mineral salts in the water including arsenic, gold and silver.

The spectacular Champagne Pool is a magnificent example of the vibrant colours caused by mineral and silicate interference. Follow the pool down to where it spills over a waterfall of ethereal beauty, coming to rest at the edge of one of the best examples of silica terracing in the Southern Hemisphere since the destruction of the Pink and White Terraces in the 1886 Mount Tarawera eruption.

If the awesome spurting of boiling hot water inspires you, head to your vehicle and take a short drive to see Lady Knox, a geyser of both scientific and historical interest. Bursting from its white, conical mound of silica at 10:15am daily, Lady Knox has a special trick to her timely eruptions! Discovered by a gang of prisoners washing their clothes in the early 1900s, the geyser erupted, shooting hot water 20 meters into the air after the men had unwittingly poured soap into the spout. Now all it takes to get old Lady Knox firing is a bit of soap every day at roughly 10am!

Directions

See a complete list of Waiotapu activities.

This week's featured activities in Waiotapu are:

Featured Activities

Rotorua Eco Thermal Small Group Full-Day Tour All-day Coach Tour - Rotorua - Starting from around NZ $210.00 per person Tour Rotorua's most popular geothermal parks and colorful lakes on a day trip led by a local naturalist guide. You'll see the Lady Knox Geyser erupt, visit the Lake Tarawera lookout and see boiling mud pools and hot springs at Wai-O-Tapu. Along the way, you'll learn all about vulcanology, New Zealand's stunning flora and fauna, and Maori history from your naturalist guide.  More...

Rotorua Eco Thermal Small Group Morning Tour Half-day Coach Tour - Rotorua - Starting from around NZ $130.00 per person Take a unique half-day journey through Rotorua's geothermal parks on a morning trip led by a local naturalist guide. You'll watch the Lady Knox Geyser erupt and see boiling mud pools and hot springs at Wai-O-Tapu.  More...